Childminder in Blackpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY306479 Inspection date 06 October 2005 Inspector Lesley Sharples

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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 June 2005. She lives with her husband in the north shore area of Blackpool. The area is situated close to the promenade and beach with local amenities including library, park and toddler groups. Facilities for minded children comprise of the whole of the ground floor which has two lounges, kitchen, dining room, conservatory and the bathroom and a playroom upstairs. There is an outdoor play area to the rear of the house. Registration if for a total of six children under 8 years. Currently there are four

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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 children looked after all of whom attend on a part time basis and two of whom go to school. Membership of the National Childminding Association is retained and advice, support and training is gained from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are looked after in a clean and well maintained home. They enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. There are good outdoor activities which promote physical development and they have opportunities to get plenty of fresh air. They safely enjoy the benefits of some sunshine which also promotes their health and well being. They learn and understand about personal hygiene as part of their daily routine and are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times of the day, for example, before eating and after using the bathroom. They are learning that this practice also prevents risk of infection and keeps children well. They have their own tooth brushes and use individual wipes but use a shared towel which could spread infection. Children's health is assured by the attainment of consents relating to emergencies, sun safety and other creams as well

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Helping children to be healthy

as a clear understanding and implementation of recording accidents and medication by the childminder. Children enjoy the benefits of a healthy diet with regular drinks. They are encouraged to sit together, feed themselves, make choices and say what they like such as crackers and choice of fruit. They are often involved in the buying and preparation of foods so that they learn about foods that are good for you. This helps promote independence and they respond well to routine and demonstrate good manners during snacks which are a social time for them. The childminder takes into account individual dietary needs so that children stay healthy and provides nutritious meals that appeal to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are looked after in a safe and secure environment. They enjoy a good sense of belonging because the setting is warm, welcoming and well organised to meet their needs. Their photographs are displayed in the play room showing them enjoying various activities. Dedicated rooms for various play activities provide children with both quiet and more vigorous play areas and ensures variety and choice so that children have wide experiences. Children independently select activities from a good range of good quality resources and equipment. The childminder ensures activities are suitable and safe for use by regular checks and maintenance and children only play with appropriate toys suitable for their stage of development, such as the train track and large figures. This helps to promote choice and independence for children

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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 and subsequent safe enjoyment of their play. The childminder gives high priority to children's safety by the use of additional safety precautions, such as barriers and securing wires to minimise risks to children. Children are transported safely as the childminder gives careful attention to providing the correct restraints and car seats. Children learn about fire safety and have had the opportunity to practise evacuating the premises and a record of the practice has been retained. This alongside sensitive explanation helps children understand what is expected of them to keep safe. Emergency plans and consents are in place to ensure children's safety and welfare is not compromised. Children's welfare and protection is further assured by the childminder's clear understanding of the requirements for recording and reporting any concerns in line

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

with the Area Child Protection Committee procedures. The childminder has a written policy, which includes information for parents should they have any concern relating to the care of their child whilst they are being looked after, as well as all relevant contact numbers made available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children engage in a very wide range of well planned activities which are stimulating and challenging so that they progress in all areas of development. They benefit from the childminder’s understanding of the ages and stages of development who ably encourages them to build upon their natural curiosity as learners. Children are motivated and enthusiastic in their play both indoors and outside, as they make pictures and play with natural elements such as sand and water. They are developing confidence because the childminder gives them plenty of support and recognition for achievements as well as allowing children to discover skills for themselves, such as balancing and fitting pieces in a jigsaw. In particular children enjoy and appreciate music and songs, they competently sing along to tapes knowing the words, which promotes their self esteem very well. The childminder is aware of Birth to Three Matters and is starting to implement

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

aspects of it in practice to enhance the care of the younger children. They are encouraged to become skilful communicators through very good interaction between the childminder and themselves. She talks with the children encouraging them to respond to questions and answering theirs so that strong relationships are formed. She reinforces this with good practice in story telling so that children develop appreciation of language and pictures. Children are learning as part of their every day activities to make marks with meaning, such as drawing their faces on a paper plate. They talk about them and other children recognise who it is. This reinforces positive self image and values their efforts, consequently children spend their time purposefully.

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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 Children are valued and respected as individuals, given equal concern and attention which promotes their sense of belonging. They are able to experience a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity through the images and resources offered to them. For example, there are books and role play activities representing people from other professions and cultures so that children are learning as part of their daily experiences. Children with any additional needs would be given appropriate care as the childminder has had experience in the past and acknowledges the importance of working alongside parents. Children effectively learn about good behaviour through positive reinforcement and good role modelling by the childminder who is calm and caring. For example, reward

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Helping children make a positive contribution

stickers are given but not just for wanted behaviour but for other aspects of their development. She takes the time to explain and uses appropriate strategies taking into account individual levels of understanding. Children therefore show care and concern for others and are kind and considerate in sharing toys, taking turns and playing together harmoniously. The childminder ensures information is obtained from parents and is used to meet the needs of their children. She in turn shares good information about herself and family so that good links are forged between them and this benefits the children who feel secure within her home. Aspects of children's daily routine and requirements in practice are shared within diaries as well as policies and procedures to keep parents fully informed. Records are shared and signed appropriately as well as consents for taking children out and displaying their photographs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure and settled within a very well organised environment. There are effective and clear policies in place to promote children's learning and development as well as their welfare. Documentation is appropriately shared and confidentiality is acknowledge and maintained. The record of attendance is recorded clearly to show how adult-child ratios are met and confirms children have appropriate support and supervision at all times. Children are looked after by the childminder in a safe secure environment where they have a variety of rooms in which to play and develop. Careful consideration is given by the childminder in providing for the all round needs of children to promote their independence and learning through many well planned experiences. The childminder has a positive attitude to developing her knowledge and has an increasing understanding of the Birth to Three Matters framework and implements aspects of

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Organisation

this in her practice to promote learning for younger children. Children are very happy and settled as the childminder is very conscientious about their well being whilst in her care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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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

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.

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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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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): • improve hygiene procedures by the provision of individual items for drying hands

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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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