Childminder in LancashireOfsted inspection, 26 Jul 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 308753 Inspection date 26 July 2005 Inspector Michael, David Charnley

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1999. She lives with her husband and son aged 6 years in a semi-detached property, in the Lostock Hall area, on the outskirts of Preston. Minded children have access to the front/play room, the back lounge, kitchen /dining areas and sleeping facilities and the toilet are located on the first floor. There is an enclosed play area to the rear garden. There are pets on the premises consisting of a cat, rabbit, two hamsters and tropical

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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 fish. There are a total of 5 children aged between 5 and under 8 years, all cared for on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder implements good hygiene procedures which minimises the risk of cross infection. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about good hygiene habits such as washing their hands at appropriate intervals in the day, the childminder is mostly consistent in prompting such practices. They know that washing hands helps to stop the spread of germs. The childminder is knowledgeable about the dietary needs and food preferences of individual children and caters for these with sensitivity. Meals and snacks provided are well balanced and nutritious, supporting children's physical well being and development. Children eat snacks that include portions of fruit and vegetables. They know that eating such foods contributes to keeping them healthy. The range of activities and routines on offer contribute to children's continued health

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Helping children to be healthy

with the childminder ensuring there is a good balance of rest and play. Children regularly exercise their bodies via outdoor play activity and trips to the park, hence develop good co-ordination and balance over their movements.

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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 well maintained home where the childminder prioritises safety. All reasonable steps have been taken by the childminder to ensure that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment; children are able to move around freely and confidently. Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder explains practices such as what to do in the event of a fire, the importance of wearing sun hats in hot climate and road sense. Toys and resources are wide ranging, suitable and easily accessible, allowing children to make choices and develop their independence. The childminder monitors children's choices of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their stage of development. The childminder implements good safety practices in line with her policies which includes the safe collection of children and outings. The safety and well being of the children is protected because the childminder has a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

good understanding of what to do in the event of identifying a child protection concern. Her knowledge is supported via attendance at a related training course.

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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 The provision is outstanding. Children of varying ages prosper well in an environment that offers them a wide range of enriching play experiences. The childminder uses her expertise knowledge of early years work to plan ahead, this involves identifying themed activities such as 'Spring', 'Mini beasts' and 'Countries of the world' which results in children enjoying their experiences and being well stimulated. Children show excitement and intrigue as they plant sunflower seeds in the garden and watch them grow. Children with the excellent direction and support of the childminder use their creative skills to produce an attractive display of 'America'. The childminder talks to the children and engages them in simple discussions about the cultural traditions and its location on the map.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This is an excellent means of promoting children's speech and making them think. The childminder has excellent systems for ensuring all children benefit from their experiences. This involves adjusting activities to suit all and recording comments in her planning folder that relate to levels of interest, enjoyment and what individual children have learnt. Children are happy and settled because the childminder provides excellent levels of support, care and attention. Children engage with much enthusiasm and interest in an environment that is conducive to effective learning. The well organised and extensive range of resources available encourages children to take the initiative and make decisions about their play. Children confidently make choices and respond well to challenge. They develop good physical skills as they learn to use scissors and cutters safely during playdoh activity. During role play activity children use their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

imagination well as they play the part of the parent looking after a young baby. This involves determining what sized clothes they need to wear and bottle feeding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are able to make a positive contribution because the childminder treats them with equal concern and respects their individuality. Children learn about the wider world through discussions and the range of resources available that reflect our diverse society. This helps children to become aware of differences and develop a positive attitude towards others. The childminder shows due regard towards special needs and works in close liaison with parents to ensure their needs are fully met. Children benefit from the positive relationships that the childminder has developed with parents. Parents are provided with copies of the policies and procedures and effective settling in procedures results in a good understanding of family background and need. The regular exchange of information that includes the completion of a daily diary for younger children serves as a good means of monitoring their progress and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

individual achievements. Children are well behaved because the childminder acts as a positive role model and adopts effective strategies for managing children's behaviour. Children learn to take responsibility for their own behaviour as they solve between themselves minor disputes. The giving of meaningful praise and encouragement results in improved

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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 levels of self esteem and confidence. Children welcome the practice of seeing their work displayed and the stickers they receive for their achievements. The independence of older children is to a large extent fostered appropriately as they self select play materials and help themselves to drinks.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are very much at ease within the setting. They show sustained levels of interest in their play because the childminder pays excellent attention in varying the activity schedule and effectively organising the resources in order to promote the freedom of choice. Children benefit from outings to the immediate and wider community. Nurturing experiences such as trips to the animal farm are thoroughly enjoyed. The daily routines are based on the individual needs of the children which assist them in settling and enjoying their day with the childminder. The childminder organises her time well to ensure that these needs are met. The childminder demonstrates an excellent commitment to improving her practice via training courses. She uses her new found knowledge and skills to good effect to the benefit of the children. Her records are well organised and up to date and include a

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Organisation

set of policies and procedures which contribute to the safe and efficient management of the provision. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection the childminder agreed to make safe the step leading to the outdoor play house, obtain the relevant permission slips from parents including transportation of children in a vehicle and develop knowledge of what to do in the event of identifying a child protection concern. The childminder has applied sleepers by the playhouse making access to this area safe for children. The documentation meets requirements in that the childminder has obtained the permission slips from parents which are held on file, this resulting in a better understanding of working practices. The knowledge of child protection issues and procedures has improved since the childminder has attended relevant training with her written statement supporting her understanding of what to do in this instance.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since 1st April 2004.

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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

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 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): • develop a consistent approach in encouraging children to see to their own personal hygiene needs • identify ways in which to help older children reach their full potential with their growing independence in mind

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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

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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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