Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY358798 Unique Reference Number 27 May 2008 Inspection date Lesley Sharples 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 good. 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 has been registered since September 2007. She lives in central Blackpool with her partner and their two children aged two years and 17 months. The area is close to seaside amenities and various local groups for children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Registration is for a total of four children under eight years. Minded children have access to the playroom and kitchen dining area on ground level and the bathroom and two bedrooms upstairs. There is an outdoor area to the rear of the house. Currently there are two children on roll and the childminder supports children who have learning disabilities and difficulties.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is qualified to National Vocational Qualification level 3 in Early Years Care and Education, gained in December 2005. Membership of the National Childminding Association is retained and advice, support and training are gained from the local authority. The childminder is also a member of the Orchard Childminding Network.

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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 follows appropriate hygiene guidelines. She uses antibacterial sprays to wipe surfaces and ensures the environment is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness. Children learn about simple health and hygiene practices as part of the day's routine, for example, going to the bathroom and hand washing ready for lunch. The childminder uses individual wipes after lunch, but children use a shared towel in the bathroom which does not prevent cross-infection. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and in full consultation with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy plenty of physical activity when out walking and playing with a variety of resources outside. The childminder is aware of sun safety so that children can enjoy the benefits of fresh air safely. Documents relating to the administration of medication and accident recording fully support children’s well-being. Written consents have not been obtained for children currently attending. The childminder has a first aid box which is accessible within the playroom and a comprehensive sick child policy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder uses information from parents about individual requirements. Children learn the importance of healthy eating since the childminder provides them with a range of nutritious foods, which includes plenty of fresh produce. Meals are relaxed and social times within the children's day and children enjoy their food. Drinking water is available at all times and children know when they are thirsty and can help themselves to their own containers. The childminder has attended training on healthy eating and has also completed a basic food hygiene course.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very welcoming environment, which is well maintained and safe. Space is organised well as the childminder has a dedicated playroom which offers children plenty of room to move freely and spread out on the floor during their play. Children enjoy choosing toys that are easily accessible and offer them safe and age-appropriate activities to help them develop in all areas. Artwork is displayed so that children feel a real sense of belonging within the childminder's home. A huge selection of resources ensures children are fully stimulated and never bored.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s risk of accidental injury is minimised with the childminder taking the necessary precautions to keep them safe and secure on and off the premises. For example, on outings she uses a double buggy for younger children and a harness for those children walking. She also talks about road safety, so that children learn practically from a young age. The childminder also skilfully explains safety practices to children when going up and down the stairs. She ensures they go carefully, holding hands. Barriers are sited to the top and bottom to also protect children. Emergency evacuation procedures have been devised and practised and the childminder is aware of ensuring children are contained yet have a fire escape route outside. Therefore, children of varying ages are kept safe and secure on the premises by the effective procedures in place. Especially notable is the diligence to securing the premises.

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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 Children are protected because the childminder has knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children by attending relevant training. The childminder is clear about her role and responsibilities and has secure knowledge and understanding of procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. The government guidance 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused' is available for reference and the telephone numbers are held as required. A written policy reflects requirements, including the procedures to follow if an allegation is made against the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled, receiving kind attention from the childminder. She is adept in providing individual children with good levels of care and attention to ensure their needs are met. She uses her qualification and experience in planning for children's learning, following observations of current abilities, and uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework well to achieve this. Children enjoy a huge variety of activities which enables them to make good progress in all areas of their development, apart from opportunities for self-discovery and exploration with natural materials in their everyday play, apart from sand and water. They independently choose activities from low level shelving and storage systems within a playroom setting, which means that they make their own choices, alongside suggestions from the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond positively to the childminder, who is interested in what they do and say. Wonderful interaction and language are consistently used to help children enjoy what they are doing and therefore extend their learning, for example, helping to set up the skittles children have chosen to play with as well as using opportunities to count and talk about parts of the body. Children are particularly enthusiastic in listening to stories and looking at books. They are fully involved and enjoy the repetitive themes, joining in at times. Children feel secure and confident; they can say their own name and those of other children and talk to adults about what they are doing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to express themselves through a variety of media, hence they develop their creative and imaginative skills. They enjoy painting and collage work as well as mark making. Plenty of fun is gained from blowing bubbles which give great delight and fascination. Children also have further opportunities when attending local groups for other crafts as well as enjoying the sensory room for tactile experiences. Additional benefits from socialising with others boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Therefore, children benefit from being well stimulated and supported in their play and are developing well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met well. The childminder obtains all relevant information, as well as understanding the importance of working closely with parents. She also has good awareness of equal opportunities and how this affects practice, following attendance on a workshop and evidencing knowledge within her written policy. Children are offered a wide range of resources which reflect diversity that contributes to raising their awareness and understanding of the immediate and wider world, for example, dolls of different origins, small world people with disabilities, cooking equipment, clothing and books. The childminder is aware that some children may have learning disabilities and difficulties and knows to be proactive in ensuring these needs are met, by initially working with parents in a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 supporting role. She also demonstrates an awareness of working in partnership with parents and other professionals to promote the welfare and development of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well, are interested in the activities provided and are well stimulated. Minor altercations are dealt with a calm and sensitive manner. The childminder takes time to explain why some behaviours are not acceptable, such as explaining 'that hurts if you do that'. She encourages children with positive comments which helps them to behave appropriately. Children learn to distinguish between right and wrong as they are encouraged to be kind, friendly and share during their play, especially taking turns when playing games and sharing prams. The childminder's policy reflects complete understanding of positive enforcement in setting limits and acting as a good role model, as well as requirements relating to incident recording and the use of physical restraint.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents, sharing information both verbally and in writing, on a daily basis. This helps to ensure children’s individuals needs are recognised and their welfare promoted. A daily diary is maintained with observations of the children's play. These are fully shared with parents, so that routines and developmental progress of young children are discussed to ensure consistency of care. The childminder understands the complaint procedures and has developed policies and procedures that are shared with parents. This significantly contributes to effective partnership.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children fully benefit from a childminder who is keen on improving her practice by attending child care courses and workshops, such as 'Early support including key worker role and the common assessment framework', 'Special education needs in the early years' and Early Years Foundation Stage training. A valid first aid certificate ensures this mandatory requirement is met. As a qualified practitioner, the childminder organises herself and the environment to maximise opportunities for children in her care to promote their independence, encouraging them to make choices about their play and learning.

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Organisation

Children's attendances are fully recorded, stating the times of arrival and departure. Conditions of registration are understood and variations made at the request of the childminder and agreed. Well organised documents contribute to the safe and efficient management of the provision. These are held in a locked box and are easily accessed when required. Documentation is shared to enhance the quality of care each child receives. Confidentiality is acknowledged as important and the childminder has written a policy to reflect this.

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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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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 good. 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): • obtain written parental consent for emergency medical advice or treatment • consider using individual items for hand dying in the bathroom • provide more opportunities for children's self-discovery with natural resources.

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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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