Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 307910 Inspection date 07 July 2005 Inspector Janet, Elizabeth Singleton

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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 for 14 years. She is registered to look after 6 children; of these not more than 3 may be under 5 years. There are 9 children on roll who attend for various sessions during the week. The home is near to the centre of Great Harwood, local shops, schools and parks. The childminder lives with her partner and her children aged 10 and 16 years. Minded children have access to a purpose designed play room, living room, dining room and kitchen. There is also a rear garden accessible to the children which is grassed and has a decking area. Toilet and washing facilities are on the first floor

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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 and if needed the children sleep downstairs in the front room. This room is rarely used by the children for any other activity. She regularly visits the local playgroup and other local childminders.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder understands effective hygiene practices. The children have their own hand towels and hairbrush therefore preventing cross contamination and minimising risk of infection. The children learn about healthy living as the childminder has effective hand washing practices i.e. she reminds children about hand washing after playing out and before meals. The children are cared for in an environment where surfaces are wiped with anti-bacterial cleaners, and wipes for children to prevent cross contamination and cross infection. The children's dietary needs are met because the childminder understands the requirements of a balanced diet. She is fully aware of the need to provide five portions of fresh fruit or vegetables on a daily basis. Children can monitor their own drink intakes as there is milk, juice with no added sugar, and water available to them.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder shares the menu with parents to inform them of the meals provided for their child. The childminder has an effective nappy changing routine which ensures children are changed according to need. The young child's needs are met as the childminder follows the feeding and sleep routine from home. Therefore the young child is provided with a consistent care routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children can play safely and are cared for in a very welcoming and safe indoor and outdoor environment. The children can access toys from the playroom. The children develop a sense of belonging as their work is displayed within the playroom. The children learn to make choices and decisions about their play as they access suitable and safe equipment. The toys and equipment are organised into ages of play for the different groups in order for the childminder to plan and provide appropriate activities. The young child has a separate box of toys including rattles and soft toys. The older children can choose from cars, dressing up, crayons, chalk, Lego, dolls, pram and figures. Therefore the needs of the children are met. Children are safe because the childminder has the appropriate safety features in place i.e. fire blanket, smoke detectors and safety barriers. Children learn about road

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safety as the childminder discusses this with them. She has rules in place when walking the children to school i.e. no running and hold onto the pram. Therefore children are actively involved in managing their own safety and taking some

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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 responsibility in keeping themselves safe. Young children are supported as they learn to take control of their bodies. They are strapped into the equipment including the high chair and pram, therefore young children are kept safe. Children's welfare is protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection. She is aware of the signs and is confident in the action to take should any issues arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy and achieve because the childminder provides exciting play opportunities and has a daily routine to provide structure to the child's day. Children socialise as they attend toddler group on a daily basis and attend the local library for story time. Children are learning and show interest in what they are doing. They enjoy making decisions and are occupied as they make choices from books, games, dolls, figures, dressing up and small world. They access outdoor play and therefore their physical needs are met by walking and by playing in the garden. Children are developing their confidence and esteem by having positive relationships with the childminder. Her interaction is very effective with praise used very frequently i.e. "good boy, well done". The childminder discussed how the children enjoy taking pictures home and their sense of pride and achievement when they have created

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their masterpiece. The childminder is working on increasing her knowledge of the Birth to three matters. The young child is listened to with the childminder responding to the child's gurgles, cooing, talking and encouraging the child in a lovely soft soothing voice. The child responded by gurgling and showing excitement on his face. The childminder makes good eye contact that is very effective and very soothing for the child. The child is secure and content as he watches the childminder at all times during his feeding time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the setting. The childminder has a good understanding of equality of opportunity for all children. The children learn about diversity because there are toys and equipment and a choice of activities to develop their understanding i.e. food tasting from other countries. The childminder ensures all children can join in all activities. She is aware some children have special needs and therefore may need to adapt activities to ensure all children can participate. Children are beginning to understand how to manage their own behaviour. They are beginning to take responsibility because the childminder gives very good explanations and sets clear boundaries. The older children take part in setting the boundaries, through discussion, and are reminded of them as they are displayed.

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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 A positive relationship is fostered with parents because the childminder provides information regarding her care practice. The childminder gives verbal feedback to the parents of the baby however, this may not be accurate in regard to sleeping times and feeding to detect if a pattern or routine is beginning to emerge to further meet the child's needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from an environment and practice that is efficiently organised to meet children's needs in an imaginative and exciting way. The children benefit and have a sense of belonging because of the dedicated playroom. This is a safe area with organisation of toys and equipment enabling children to make decisions about their play. The children enjoy a well organised daily routine which incorporates outdoor and indoor play and visits to places of interest. The children's social needs are fostered by attendance at the local toddler groups. Children's needs are met because the childminder has all regulatory documentation in place which is well maintained and organised and up to date. The documentation is very well organised with individual files for children's details. The childminder has links with other childminders. The childminder constantly evaluates her practice to ensure she meets children's needs and is familiar with new

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Organisation

childcare policies. Overall, the setting meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder now records the fire drill and therefore children learn about emergency procedures. She now records the times of attendance to ensure the documentation meets with the legislation. The low level cupboards have now been made safe by the childminder, putting locks on the drawer and removing dangerous materials to ensure children can play in a safe environment.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to report since 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

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the

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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 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): • provide a written record of the baby's routine for parents.

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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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