Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344546 Unique Reference Number 07 May 2008 Inspection date Janet, Elizabeth Singleton 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 2007 and lives in the Accrington area of Lancashire, close to local amenities. She lives with her partner and two children aged 15 and 12 years. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a rear garden for outside play. Children also have access to the first floor bathroom and master bedroom.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for six children at any one time and is currently minding six children, all of whom attend for a variety of sessions during the week.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children participate in activities outside the home environment and this includes toddler groups, parks and walks in the local area. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder understands satisfactory hygiene practices as she helps children to learn about healthy living, for example, washing their hands before and after meals and after using the bathroom. All required documentation to maintain children's health is in place, up to date and accurate with parents signatures and consents where necessary.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished because the childminder has an understanding of a balanced diet and provides fresh fruit and fresh vegetables with each meal. Meals are home cooked with a varied menu, such as a mild curry, pasta and shepherds pie. Children can access their own drinks at all times during the day to assist them in monitoring their own needs for a drink. The first aid box is in place, however it contained some items not listed as first aid including antiseptic creams and a unprotected plaster strip.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play and learn in a welcoming indoor and outdoor environment. They access the whole of the ground floor and move freely between the indoors and the outside. They develop a sense of belonging as their work is displayed within the kitchen. They make choices from suitable and appropriate equipment which develops their independence as they choose from the box of bricks and the basket of interactive toys. They access the lovely outdoor play materials which include a sand tray, prams with dolls, a play slide, wheeled toys and balls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are mostly protected from harm and neglect because they are cared for in mostly safe home. Although the smoke detectors and safety gates are in place, there are missing socket covers in the lounge accessible to children and the fireguard is not fixed to the wall, therefore, children's safety is compromised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is safeguarded because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary based on national and local guidance. She has a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy and achieve as they are provided with topics which meet their needs because the childminder has a balance of indoor and outdoor activities, for example, attendance at the toddler group, art and craft, games and walks to the park and to the playing field. They enjoy playing outdoors as they sit on the bicycles, push the interactive walkers round the garden and the home, dig in the sand and kick and chase balls in the garden. The childminder provides physical support for babies and leaves resources for them to return to, enabling them to make connections in their learning. They explore and use their imagination in order for them to become competent learners.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make choices and their decision making is promoted as they access all the resources. The older children take it in turns to decide what to do, for example, painting and other creative

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 activities. Interaction is sound as they all chatter together, listen to each other and make sense of the babies' babble. The children play and learn in an interesting environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder understands equality of opportunity for all children and ensures all children can participate and make choices about all activities. Children access some resources, for example, books and dolls, that develop their understanding of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning how to manage their behaviour because the childminder has positive strategies in place. She talks to children about the rules and guidelines, such as no running indoors, no fighting, no swearing and talking about any problems. She gives explanations that enable children to learn about what is acceptable and the reasons why, regarding their own behaviour. Children have star charts to further promote their appropriate behaviour and enable them to take some responsibility.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A positive relationship is fostered with parents because the childminder provides verbal information regarding her care practice. The childminder gives feedback to the parents and allows time at the end of each day to discuss their child's time with her, which contributes to the children's well-being. Although she is aware of the complaints policy, she is not sure of the actual procedure to follow should a parent raise a concern regarding her practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from an environment which is organised satisfactorily to meet their needs. They play, learn and make choices as they move freely and access appropriate toys and equipment. The childminder has an informal routine in place which is based on the children's needs, enabling them to gain maximum enjoyment from the activities provided. The children enjoy a routine in which their social needs are fostered by attendance at the toddler group.

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Organisation

Children's needs are met and their welfare protected because the childminder has all regulatory documentation in place which is well maintained, organised and up to date. Children's details are fully recorded, therefore ensuring parents can be contacted should a situation occur where this is necessary.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 the contents of the first aid box meet with the requirements of the first aid course • maintain children's safety in relation to the fireguard in the lounge • ensure all electric sockets accessible to children are fitted with socket covers • ensure full awareness of the complaints procedure.

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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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