Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY293185 Inspection date 12 May 2005 Inspector Lorraine, Susan Fay

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 good. 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 since October 2004. She lives with her Husband and daughter aged two years. The family live in a three bed roomed terraced property close to the town centre of Bacup in Lancashire. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children under the age of eight years. There is one child on roll aged one year. Children have access to a front lounge, kitchen, bathroom and the small bedroom. There is a rear yard for outdoor play.

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 This childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and is in receipt of support from the Sure Start, Early Years & Childcare Service.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are introduced to positive hygiene practices through their daily routines. They learn the importance of hand washing before eating and after using the toilet/nappy changes. The childminder sets very good examples. She regularly washes her own hands and ensures that all equipment is kept clean. She is particular when nappy changing and uses a germicidal spray to clean the changing mat afterwards. There is a detailed hygiene policy which she shares with parents. As a result the risk of any potential infection spreading is minimised. Children learn about healthy eating. They enjoy a varied and very well balanced diet which includes a variety of fresh fruit. Children enjoy apples at snack time and chose which flavour of yoghurt they want after lunch. This childminder keeps detailed records of children's dietary requirements which includes likes, dislikes and any allergies. As a result she is able to cater for individual needs very well.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are very warm, welcoming and well maintained. As a result children are very happy and secure. This childminder places a high emphasis on ensuring the safety of the children within the setting and during outings. She carries out well written risk assessments and her own safety checks when taking children to the park or the adventure play area. She regularly checks the batteries in the smoke detectors and all toys and equipment for any damage. A part of the wall in the rear yard is currently awaiting repair. As a result the childminder does not allow children to play in this area until it is repaired. Children are encouraged to be responsible for their own safety through good examples. One child tells another not to run as she may fall and hurt herself. Space and resources are very well organised with the children's safety in mind. Toy boxes are readily accessible at child level and there is room for children to play safely

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and imaginatively. This again minimises potential risk to children. Two children are able to push their dolls prams around the room during role play without restriction. As well as regular supervision a baby alarm monitor is used should children be sleeping upstairs. This childminder ensures that the children are very well protected. She has a firm knowledge of child protection issues and procedures which she keeps up to date through regular training.

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of interesting and challenging activities. They particularly benefit from a broad range of craft and imaginative play. They access quality role play equipment which enhances their imagination. Two children thoroughly enjoy playing in the 'tots kitchen'. They make cups of tea and pretend to make dinner. One child makes the Inspector a cup of tea and asks if she would like some dinner. They make collage pictures using sticky paper and are delighted to tell the Inspector about their recent baking activity. The children explain how they put cherries on the top of their chocolate cakes. The childminder displays an understanding of the needs of young children as she encourages them to complete their colourings. She supplies them with large scrap books in which they draw and colour. The children are proud of their own books and are eager to show the Inspector their drawings. Children

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

develop great confidence and smile as they explore the activities available. This reflects children's enjoyment during their play. Children are secure within the setting. One child 'cuddles' up to the childminder as they look at a book together. Children are able to access a wide range of books from the book box. One child picks out the story of the 'Pretty Piglet' the child's favourite story says the childminder. Children have opportunity to develop an interest in music and movement. They show excitement as they prepare to join in with the actions to the 'Hop, Skip and Jump' music tape. They dance and play musical instruments and build a repertoire of Nursery Rhymes and songs. This helps children develop communication skills in a fun and exciting way.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. This childminder is a good role model who values and respects children. As a result children know their boundaries and are very well behaved within the setting. Children are constantly praised and are encouraged to use good manners. A toddler says thank you to the childminder when she hands the child a tissue. Children learn to share and take turns. They share the contents of the 'tots kitchen' and the books in the book box. Children are praised by the childminder for helping to tidy away toys. Children learn about other cultures through a variety of multi cultural jig saws, books, dolls and small world figures. However, equipment reflecting positive images of disability is lacking. Children become familiar with the local community. They enjoy walks, shopping trips and visits to the park and the soft play area. All children are able to access all toys and equipment. Children develop strong independence as

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

they are encouraged to select toys throughout the day. Parents are asked at the beginning of the placement to provide written information about their child's likes, dislikes, favourite toys and any other personal characteristics. This enables the childminder to get to know the child in order to meet

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 children's individual needs. As a result children settle very well within the setting. A daily diary keeps parents extremely well informed of their child's day at the childminders.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Very good use is made of internal and external resources. Children are able to play freely and without restriction indoors. They benefit from regular outings and enjoy local community resources. They look forward to their trips to the park and the soft play area. Children new to the setting feel great security as a result of the daily routines established by the childminder. Routines are based on the individual needs of the children. This childminder has a solid understanding of the National Standards and how they link to good outcomes for the children in her care. She demonstrates this through her daily practice and the comprehensive policies and procedures she shares with parents. Documentation is kept in very good order and extremely well organised. All documents are made available to parents in order to keep them well informed and up to date of this childminders practices and procedures.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable - newly registered - first inspection

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since registration.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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):

p.5

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 • ensure that children can access a range of toys and equipment which promote positive images of disability.

p.5

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