Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 308082 Inspection date 12 January 2006 Inspector Debra, Elizabeth Mitcheson

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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 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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder has been registered for 15 years. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children and is currently caring for five children on a part time basis. She lives in a property in the Nelson area, close to the town centre. Her husband who is also a registered childminder resides at the address with their two children aged 14 and 8 years. Children have access to all downstairs areas which include two lounges, downstairs toilet, kitchen, utility area and a rear yard.

p.2

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 Children are taken to local community groups and the childminder runs a local childminding and toddler group. She holds a Nursery Nursing qualification and has participated in local training workshops in relation to play activities.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children maintain good health at this setting because the childminder practices effective hygiene procedures. These include a thorough cleaning regime and implementing good hygiene practice when handling food. Children are beginning to understand why personal hygiene is important. This is demonstrated as the children ask to wipe their hands before snack time and recognise that the sofa in the lounge is "all clean now" as they assist the childminder in wiping up a drink, that spills during the visit. Access to purposeful, energetic, activities ensures children's health and physical development is well promoted at this setting. These are planned to help them develop confidence moving their bodies in a variety of ways. For example, walking, climbing, jumping and balancing on large apparatus at the local playground and on “run around toys”. In the setting's rear outdoor play area and indoors when dancing

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

along to music with their favourite characters on a television programme. Children independently access drinks throughout the day and are well nourished. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of food preparation and nutrition. This has been consolidated by attendance on relevant training courses and is observed in daily practice. Menu plans are varied and allow children to make choices. These are agreed with parents and account for special dietary requirements. Snack time is observed to take place at the dining table, which is a relaxed social occasion. Therefore children develop good eating habits and display good manners. They “chatter” merrily to each other while saying "please" and "thank you" for their snack.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very relaxed in a home that is child orientated and ensures their safety and security. This is because the childminder has taken rigorous steps to ensure that hazards to them on and off the premises are minimised. All features such as safety gates and fire guards are in place and conform to safety standards. Space in the setting is well organised to provide all ages of children with the opportunity to relax, eat, play quietly or sleep. The lounge, dining room and rear yard used for outdoor play are creatively arranged to meet the needs of the children being cared for. This maximises their play opportunities and promotes their physical, intellectual, emotional and social areas of development. Children are well protected as the childminder clearly identifies with her role in

p.3

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 relation to child protection issues. She has a policy that has been developed in line with the Area Child Protection Committee procedures and is able to demonstrate that these will be followed if she has any concerns regarding the children in her care. However, this policy does not include procedures to be followed if an allegation of abuse is alleged to have taken place while the child is in the care of the childminder. Robust procedures are in place, ultimately to ensure that children's safety is paramount. These include risk assessments and practices to be followed in the case of accidents, fire and on outings. Children begin to be responsible for their own safety because the childminder reminds them to be gentle when stroking the household puppy and put toys away after use, to prevent them tripping. Road and fire safety are

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

also covered as topics for activities, to consolidate the children's understanding in this area of learning.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop great confidence and self-esteem at this setting. This is because the childminder provides them with a sense of belonging as she is consistent in offering praise, encouragement and reassurance. Children approach the childminder for assistance throughout the visit. They point out to the childminder that some children are not sharing toys and ask for help when climbing a chair. The children show a sense of achievement and respond with smiles and jumping up and down as they are praised for their efforts during the mornings painting activity. Children show great interest in what they do and ask questions freely, for example, "what shape is my picture?" They acquire new skills such as toilet training and respond to challenge as they practise their number work by counting the numbers of cars, they tidy away with the support of the childminder. She knows her children well

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and uses this information to plan activities to encourage and promote children’s next stages of development. Young children's activities are supported and planned in line with the guidance of Birth to three matters. She also demonstrates a good understanding of older children’s needs and has good plans in place for before and after school and school holiday activities. This knowledgeable childminder uses her childcare qualifications, experience as a parent and policies and procedures to fully support her childminding practice. This enables her to ensure children reach their full potential. Children's development plans are shared with parents and are used to provide good monitoring of their progress which links to future planning and ensures individual attainment is attained.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the childminding day. For example, older children are encouraged to put forward their ideas for activities. They socialise really well with adults and their

p.4

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 peers. Children, with the reassurance of the childminder, talk easily to the visiting inspector. Trips out into the community, in particular a multi-cultural playgroup, introduce the children to other members of the local community. Awareness of the wider society is promoted by access to a good range of toys and equipment which reflect diversity and anti-discriminatory practice. Children effectively learn about good behaviour through positive reinforcement and good role modelling by the childminder. She has a sensitive approach when managing children's behaviour. She intervenes when necessary in encouraging the children to share toys as they remonstrate with each other on several occasions. This assists children in being aware of their own needs and the needs of others, therefore

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

encouraging the children to work harmoniously with others. The childminder has a good understanding of children with special needs and has a policy that is shared with parents to follow if a child with special needs is identified or admitted to the provision. Letters of correspondence and thank you cards demonstrate a positive working relationship with parents which has a positive effect in meeting all the needs of the children cared for.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled as they enjoy themselves in a well structured, organised environment. They are familiar with routines and feel confident to initiate their own play. The childminder provides positive support to foster the children's development. Parents are well informed about their child's welfare, care and learning. For example, through shared documentation and daily discussion. The childminder’s knowledge and understanding of children’s needs has been developed by attendance on relevant childcare courses. These have included National Nursery Nursing Board qualification (NNEB), child protection, first aid and food hygiene. She is currently undertaking a National Vocational Qualification Level 111 in Childcare and Education, which she aims to complete by the end of this year. The childminder ensures that children are well supervised and ratios are maintained. This is demonstrated in the daily attendance record. Policies and procedures are well

p.5

Organisation

written and work well in promoting good outcomes for all children. All the required documentation is in good detail, readily accessible with attention adhered to in maintaining confidentiality. Overall the childminding service is good at meeting the needs of the ages of children for whom care is provided.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the issues relating to informing parents of all operational policies, including procedures to be followed in relation to sick children have been successfully addressed. Policies have been devised in relation to the day to day operations of the setting and a sick child policy informs parents of procedures that will be followed under these circumstances. Therefore children's health, welfare and

p.5

Improvements 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 development is promoted at this setting.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • amend the child protection policy, in line with Area Child Protection Committee guidance, with particular reference to procedures to be followed if an allegation of abuse is alleged to have taken place, while the child is, in the care of the childminder.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.6

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

p.6