Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY369423 Unique Reference Number 13 August 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 2008. She lives with her partner in Leyland, Lancashire. The living room, kitchen, play room and the downstairs bathroom are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder attends local toddler groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of a local childminding network and a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. There are currently no children on roll. When a provider does not have children on roll at the time of the inspection, inspection judgements are based on evidence gathered from discussions with the provider and an inspection of the premises, equipment and relevant documentation.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

As there are no children on roll, the quality of the provision cannot be judged better than satisfactory because there is no reliable evidence on which to assess its impact on children.

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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. The childminder has a sound understanding of suitable procedures to promote children’s good health, by ensuring that positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures are put in place when children are ill. Clear medication records and accident records are in place and completed appropriately. A current first aid certificate is in place and a well stoked first aid box is available to ensure that appropriate first aid treatment is administered should the need arise. The house is clean and well maintained. There are individual towels in place for children to use in the bathroom to reduce the risk of cross contamination and to assist children in learning about good hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is very keen that children receive plenty of fresh air while they are in her care. She visits local parks and a variety of centres to ensure that the children are able to develop their physical skills. The rear garden is available for outdoor play and a variety of equipment is available to enable children to develop balancing, swinging and sliding skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good understanding of providing healthy meals for the children. Dietary requirements are recorded and adhered to by the childminder to ensure the good health of the children. Food and drink for children is adequate, properly prepared and nutritious. Arrangements are in place with parents who wish to provide their own food for their children and the childminder ensures that this is stored appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are safe, secure and include the necessary facilities for children. The childminder has taken action to ensure that risks in and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. She explains how she helps children to learn about their own safety through discussion about fire evacuation and road safety. She makes sure that children walk with her when they are on outings. The childminder uses her own car to transport children and appropriate insurance is in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of how to ensure the environment is made welcoming to children. For example, the playroom is inviting and decorated with bright posters situated at the children's level. The furniture, equipment and toys are safe and appropriate for the needs of children. Low level units ensure that children can access toys safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands how to promote children’s safety and take precautions to prevent accidents. She has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures approved by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, and is aware of her responsibility to protect the welfare of the children. The childminder has attended introductory training and has appropriate documentation in place to further enhance the welfare of children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of how individual children, develop and learn. She speaks about the children that she has cared for in a warm manner. The childminder

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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 demonstrates through discussion that she gives appropriate thought to the planning of activities that promote children's development. For example, encouraging children’s language through reading stories and their creative skills through drawing and painting. A good variety of toys are in place to provide opportunities for children's interest to be engaged.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is committed to developing her childcare knowledge to enhance the quality of the care provided for the children. For example, she has attended introductory courses to the Early Years Foundation Stage and related workshops. The childminder shows a sound knowledge of building positive relationships with children and developing their self-esteem through praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has an appropriate knowledge and awareness of the importance of treating each child with equal respect and concern. She has developed an equal opportunities statement which is shared with parents as part of her introductory pack. She is aware that some children may have learning difficulties or disabilities, and understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and with other professionals to promote the welfare and development of the child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shows a willingness and commitment to working with parents to manage children’s behaviour in a consistent way which promotes the child’s welfare and development. A statement outlining her approach to behaviour management is in place and clearly outlines a positive approach to managing children's behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the need to develop a strong partnership with parents, taking into account their differing needs. Documentation in place is clear and provides parents with a good outline of the service offered. Provision is in place for information to be share both verbally and in written format to ensure continuity of care for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. A safe and welcoming environment has been developed and all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the safety of children. The childminder is aware of the duty to ensure that other people living or working on the premises are suitable to be in contact with children. She understands the importance of working within the constraints of the condition of registration relating to number of children; and of organising space and resources to best meet the needs of the children. The childminder has developed links with other childminders and undertaken a number of training courses to improve her skills and knowledge with regards to caring for children. For example, a food hygiene course and a baby signing course.

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Organisation

The childminder has a sound awareness of the records to be kept and the importance of these. All required documentation seen is clear and completed appropriately to assist in promoting the welfare of children. The childminder has a high regard for maintaining confidentiality within her work and stores records appropriately to promote this.

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Organisation

Overall, evidence suggests that the provision would meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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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 have procedures for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and to keep a record of complaints and their outcome.

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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): • There are no recommendations raised, as children were not on roll at the time of inspection.

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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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