Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340054 Unique Reference Number 15 May 2008 Inspection date Denise Sixsmith Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and adult children in Much Hoole, Preston, Lancashire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, including a downstairs toilet. A bedroom is used on the first floor and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years of age. The children attend for a variety of days. The childminder lives close to parks and visits local toddler groups with the children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where the childminder promotes good hygiene practice by having regular routines for cleaning the home and equipment. Children are learning the importance of good hygiene and personal care and taking responsibility for this themselves,

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 as the childminder promotes this regularly throughout the day. For example, they wash their hands after going to the toilet and before having their snack, and have individual flannels to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Children's health is safeguarded well as the childminder has a secure knowledge of first aid and feels confident to administer this if required for the benefit of the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is committed to ensuring children have access to physical play daily which is enjoyable and meets their individual developmental needs. As a result of this, they enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day they have access to indoor or outdoor activities which help them develop control of their bodies, for example, playing in the garden, walks in the fresh air to the local park to climb and swing, or visiting the ducks at the local wildlife reserve. Children have the opportunity to sleep and rest as they require in a quiet area.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning healthy choices with food as the childminder gives this high priority and the majority of meals and snacks are prepared from fresh ingredients. This ensures that children receive a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet each day. Children enjoy home made meals such as lasagne for lunch, as well as grapes and tangerines for snacks. Their individual dietary needs are met well because the childminder works with parents and information is shared daily. Children are well nourished and hydrated during the day as regular drinks and snacks are available to them. The childminder has obtained guidance and completed materials from the Food Standards Agency to enhance her knowledge and understanding in this area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to play comfortably in a welcoming and inviting home environment. They benefit fully from an environment that provides appropriate space for them to play. The areas for indoor and outdoor play are appropriately equipped to promote choice for the children. For example, children may choose to play in the living room and safely access toys from toy boxes and the range set out for them, or pretend to cook with the play kitchen in the kitchen. Children use a range of interesting and safe resources, which the childminder regularly checks for damage.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe and secure within the house and when on outings, for example, as they visit the park and the local nature reserve, because the childminder has checked the areas and has a regard for safety procedures. The childminder has conducted a sound risk assessment and an emergency escape plan. However, the plan has not been practised and recorded to highlight any difficulties or changes required. Children learn the importance of safety for both themselves and for each other because the childminder has house rules in place and talks about tidying away toys so there are not too many to cause them to trip, and explains that they can hurt themselves if they climb on the furniture. Children are cared for in a home where safety is given high priority and the childminder is vigilant at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s risk of harm from others is minimised and their welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a sound understanding of her responsibilities for recording and reporting alleged abuse of a child and maintains contact details of relevant bodies. However, the documentation in place does not reflect the role of the Local Safeguarding Children Board. The childminder ensures that all adults living in the household have appropriate checks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has warm and friendly relationships with the children. Children are able to choose the toys they want to play with and this helps them develop confidence and independence. The childminder is very approachable and spends time talking with the children about what they are doing and what they are going to do, ensuring children feel comfortable and valued. As a result, children are confident in their play and are making good progress in their development. Children spend their time purposefully; they enjoy their play which includes ready access to imaginative play with the wooden blocks and play kitchen, as well as making sounds with the musical instruments.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a balance of outings, which includes visits to local parks and meeting other children at toddler groups. This provides them with opportunities to socialise with a wider group of children. The childminder has a good understanding of the developmental needs of young children. She plans a range of interesting and enjoyable activities which children are eager to join in with and which helps them to learn.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are all valued and respected as individuals with their specific needs met well by the childminder, who works in close partnership with parents. This ensures children are fully included and their self-esteem fostered appropriately. Children can access some resources which positively reflect diversity; whilst these are supplemented through loans of toys from the resource library, children do not always have ready access to a variety of resources to learn about differences in society and the wider community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing an understanding of what is right and wrong through the childminder's consistent approach to behaviour management. Children's differing levels of understanding are taken into consideration, with positive distraction and reassurance being employed by the childminder for the younger children. Their sense of well-being and belonging is fostered well through the childminder's regular use of praise and her calm manner. A written behaviour management policy ensures that parents are aware of the childminder's approach and the house rules that are in place at the start of the placement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive approach to working in partnership with parents, which includes providing them with clear information about making complaints in line with requirements. Children's needs are discussed and agreed between their parents and the childminder, who work very closely together to provide appropriate continuity of care for the children. Children's personal needs and requirements are fully recorded prior to the placement. An ongoing diary and record inform parents about their child's daily experiences, including information about sleeps, meals, liquids, moods and play. This cooperation helps to ensure that children feel comfortable and parents are confident about their care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for well in a comfortable home where they have a variety of space in which to play happily together. They confidently interact with each other and the childminder while they select toys and move around in the well-organised environment. A balance of indoor and

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 outdoor activities is built into the day to ensure that the children receive fresh air and exercise as well as quiet times.

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Organisation

The childminder has a positive approach to maintaining required records which ensures that children are protected from potential harm. Clear contracts are in place to promote the children's welfare and continuity of care with parents. Children's needs are promoted and confidentiality is maintained well. Their health and development are fostered appropriately through the childminder's vigilance and her positive approach to engaging in ongoing training.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that the emergency evacuation plan is practised and recorded • ensure that the child protection documentation reflects the role of the Local Safeguarding Children Board • develop resources and activities that positively reflect gender, culture, ethnicity and disability.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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