Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362479 Unique Reference Number 20 June 2008 Inspection date Shaheen Matloob 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 October 2007. She lives with her husband and two children under eight, in Burnley, Lancashire. Local amenities, such as shops, parks and toddler groups are close by. Children have access to a lounge area, dining and kitchen area, rear garden and the bathroom on the first floor. The childminder provides overnight care for one child and the small front bedroom is available for this purpose. There is a fully enclosed area for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time including one child under eight for overnight care. She is currently minding one child under five and one child before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local 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 good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment where good standards of hygiene are maintained throughout. Children develop a good understanding of personal hygiene through well planned daily routines, in order to prevent the spread of infection. They consistently wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. Individual towels, anti-bacterial wipes and hygienic nappy changing contributes toward sustaining high levels of hygiene. Effective arrangements for pets ensure that they do not pose a health risk to children. The childminder acts in the best interests of children when they are ill and clear procedures protect others from illness and infection. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication fully meet requirements and protect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder effectively enables children to be healthy and active. Children participate in daily walks and outings to the local park, which promote their physical skills. Young children have opportunities to use their bodies in a variety of ways, such as crawling, kneeling and walking independently and with support. They are able to rest and be active according to their needs and in accordance with parent’s wishes. Sleeping children are monitored frequently, to ensure their safety.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and benefit from a range of healthy and nutritious meals, essential for children's healthy growth and development. They are able to choose from a range of fresh fruit and drinks at snack time, and are also offered picnic lunches so that they can independently select and make choices about their food. The childminder requests information from parents about specific dietary needs and preferences. Children are provided with regular drinks throughout the day and these are placed at child-height, to encourage them to readily help themselves. Mealtimes are a relaxed occasion where children thoroughly enjoy and explore their food. They begin to learn about healthy eating through discussion and the children understand that some foods will make their teeth poorly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Risk of accidental injury is minimised as the childminder takes positives steps to prevent accidents, using safety equipment, such as safety gates. The childminder has a sound understanding of children's developing abilities, and daily visual checks are completed to minimise hazards. Children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe and avoid accidental injury as the childminder points out potential dangers and monitors dangers. For example, she checks the water temperature before letting children wash their hands. A vehicle is used to transport children. Relevant documentation has been obtained, and safety precautions are taken to promote children's safety. Appropriate safety precautions are taken on outings, such as the use of safety reins.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a warm, caring family home. They use a wide range of safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate toys and resources, which are readily made available. These are organised at child-height to encourage independence. Toys and resources are checked regularly to ensure that they remain safe and prevent later accidents.

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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 The childminder has completed appropriate safeguarding training and has a sound understanding of child protection issues. A detailed child protection policy ensures that the protection of children is her priority. Supporting records, such as existing injuries and significant concerns are available and maintained appropriately. The childminder recognises her responsibility to protect children and promote their welfare. However, she does not have a copy of the relevant safeguarding guidance to follow in the event of a concern being raised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder’s setting. She is loving and caring towards children who constantly gain cuddles and affection. As a result, they are confident and secure, enjoying a positive relationship with the childminder. Children are confident speakers and develop good language skills and they communicate frequently as they babble and socially interact with the childminder. She supports children's language development through introducing new vocabulary and gives children time to repeat and respond.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a broad range of toys and play materials, which are set out attractively on the floor or in clear boxes so that children can independently make choices about their play. They enjoy playing with musical instruments as they investigate the noises they make. Young children demonstrate their assertiveness and self assurance as they want to do things for themselves. They show care and consideration for others as they cuddle their dolls and also share their fruit and milk with adults. The childminder supports children's numeric skills as she encourages children to count how many dolls there are.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing with construction bricks particularly as this is an activity of their own choosing. They empty the box of bricks and quietly babble to themselves as they build and construct a tower. Children display high levels of involvement in this activity and persist for an extended period of time on their own and also when playing with the childminder, who supports children to make their tower higher. Children are excited and remain motivated as they keep building the tower after it falls down several times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and they are all treated fairly and with kindness and affection. They are encouraged to learn about other cultures and beliefs, making sure that everyone's individuality is recognised and respected. Children benefit from a range of resources and activities, which help them to value diversity and the childminder also taps into the resources available through parent and toddler groups, and school for older children. Children have the opportunity to dress in costumes from around the world and look at dual language books. They have celebrated differences by looking at Scotland and made tartan patterns and sampled haggis. Currently the childminder does not care for children with learning difficulties or disabilities, although she has a secure understanding of the need to work in partnership with parents and other agencies to provide appropriate care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to respond to expectations for their behaviour. The childminder has established some ground rules and ensures that all children understand these. Gentle reminders ensure that children follow these at all times. Positive strategies are used to manage children's behaviour, including distraction and re-direction for younger children, and time-out for older children. Sensitive explanation appropriate to their age and understanding helps them to

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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 understand the difference between right and wrong and the affect of their behaviour on others. This promotes children's respect for each other and encourages them to play and work together harmoniously. This means that children are generally well behaved. Children’s self-esteem is promoted through regular praise and encouragement and through the recognition of their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents are positive. Children have their individual needs met by the childminder who works closely with parents. Parents are happy with the care and say that they are pleased with their child's development and that the childminder is 'caring and loving towards children in her care'. Detailed information is collected when children commence at the setting and this is used well to manage and meet their needs. Parents are made welcome within the childminding setting. The childminder shares information about their children's day and activities through a written diary and through daily verbal communication, to enhance continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development and a good regard for the well-being of children. Space is organised well, which ensures that play opportunities are maximised for children where possible. Resources are stored within children's reach to allow them independence. This means that children are suitably confident to initiate their play and explore their environment. The childminder demonstrates a positive commitment to continual improvement as she has attended several workshops since her registration and is also in the process of completing a relevant level 3 early years qualification.

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Organisation

The required documentation is available, easily accessed and organised to maintain confidentiality. Record keeping systems are used well to manage and meet children's individual needs.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are suitable and work in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and ability to make a positive contribution. The childminder takes on board relevant changes and reviews and updates her polices as required. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of 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 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): • obtain a copy of relevant safeguarding guidance.

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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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