Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY301755 Inspection date 13 September 2005 Inspector Wendy Fitton

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?

The childminder lives in the Hapton area of Lancashire with her husband and daughter. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children. She employs her mother as an assistant, they work together every day. The childminder has been registered since February 2005. There are currently four children on roll, attending full and part time places. The property is a semi detached house with three bedrooms. Children have access to a lounge, dining kitchen, rear garden, bathrooms on each level, a play room upstairs and a bedroom for sleeps and rests.

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 Children participate in activities outside the home, these include trips to the sea side, parks, library and toddler groups. There are two family dogs in the household. The childminder has completed relevant training in childminding practice and First Aid. She is a qualified Nursery Nurse.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are healthy due to the good procedures in place for example, sickness, medication, cleaning and hygiene practices. Permission from parents for emergency treatment and advice is not recorded. Children enjoy the variety of activities outside the home and play and exercise daily in the rear garden. Children walk to local interest areas for example, the park, library and toddler groups. Children are protected from infection because the childminder follows good hygiene practices. She cleans all toys daily and all areas are clean and safe. Children follow good hygiene procedures and understand the need to wash their hands after the toilet, after touching the family dogs and before eating food. Children's health needs are well met as they rest and sleep according to their own needs. Children's dietary needs are fully met following close consultation with parents. The childminder provides home cooked foods and offers a balanced healthy diet. Children

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

enjoy the activities that are linked to foods. The childminder encourages a fruit share day and the children try different textures, tastes and learn about different food processes. Children are developing their independence as they participate in food preparation, setting the table and selecting their own cups and plates. They sit together and enjoy the positive social occasion and enjoy their food.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move freely and safely as they access a very well organised, secure and safe environment. Children are allowed to explore and take risks whilst being supervised by the childminder and her assistant. Children are becoming independent as they access all necessary facilities. They play, eat and rest comfortably as space is organised creatively and effectively, to meet their individual needs. Children are motivated and interested in a range of toys and equipment that are safe, stimulating, challenging and support all their learning and developmental needs. There are effective systems in place for regular safety checks of all resources. Children are safe due to all necessary safety equipment being in place for example, high chair, safety gates and socket covers. Children can move freely and are protected from accidents. There is a good ratio of

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 adults to children as there is an assistant who is present throughout the day. Children are kept safe through comprehensive policies and procedures including risk assessments, arrival and collection policy and regular fire drills. Children are very secure in the premises and cannot leave unsupervised because exits and gates are bolted during the day. Children are learning the importance of holding the banister when coming down stairs and strapping themselves into the high chair. Children are well protected from abuse as the childminder has a clear understanding of how to protect children. She is aware of the signs and symptoms and referral procedures. A child protection policy is in place, however, parents are not fully aware of procedures and are not clear about the childminder's role and responsibilities.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy, settled and confident. They approach adults with confidence, continually asking questions to extend their knowledge and understanding. Children express their feelings well and are secure in an excellent supportive and caring environment. Children learn to become confident as they try out new concepts for example; the youngest child climbs the slide steps unaided. Children are valued and feel positive about themselves because the childminder continually praises them and uses positive language during activities. Children enjoy themselves immensely and have excellent opportunities to choose from a wealth of exciting and interesting activities which promote their learning and development. Activities are planned to a theme and all areas of learning are featured. Children know the routine and are learning to be independent. They know when it is snack time, outdoor play time and tidy up time. Children relish outings away from the

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

home environment and develop excellent social skills when meeting other children and adults at the park and local toddler group. Children enthusiastically take part in free and structured activities; they talk happily about their play. They enjoy the learning activities in particular, naming the days of the week, sign language and naming vegetables. Children learn about different cultures and religions, through books and visits to the local communities. Children make extensive progress through the planned curriculum. Evidence of children enjoying and achieving is displayed in the photograph album and in their own scrap books. These include trips to the seaside, the post office and the Mosque. Other activities include baking, dressing up, painting, food tasting and playing in the garden.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs are well met as the childminder has exceptional relationships with parents and children. There are detailed records of the children's needs. Each child has a daily routine sheet and parents are encouraged and

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 motivated to complete them regarding their home routines. Children are treated with equal concern and every child is given the opportunity to speak in turn, ask questions and express their needs. Children understand and learn about the wider society. They have excellent opportunities through activities to taste different foods, use sign language, celebrate festivals, visit religious settings and access toys and equipment reflecting diversity. Children are extremely valued, respected and helped to feel good about themselves. The childminder is a wonderful role model and values the children's contributions. She uses positive, stimulating language, through a nurturing, supportive environment. Children receive excellent support according to their needs and wishes. Children have clear boundaries and they behave exceptionally well owing to the

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

superb, well organised environment. The childminder praises the children throughout the day and behaviour is extremely well managed. She follows procedures that do not focus on negative issues. Children are very secure and happy, they approach the childminder confidently and have very high self esteem. Children's routines and exceptional progress are shared with parents. A daily diary sheet is completed, showing children's individual care and play routines. Children's needs are met extremely well through regular observations and assessment. These records are shared with parents in order to plan the next stage. Children settle superbly well owing to the staggered visits and information sharing regarding their needs. Parents participate in their child's routines and are motivated to carry out some activities in the home environment for example, collecting leaves and reading stories. Parents comment positively about their active involvement in their child's

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

care. They are extremely happy with their children's progress and maintain strong links with the childminder.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's commitment to training and development ensures exciting and inspiring opportunities and activities are available to the children. They are well protected owing to all household members and the assistant being vetted and deemed suitable to work with children. Children receive excellent adult attention, enabling them to participate in the range of activities provided. Children are grouped effectively to meet the varying ages and stages of development to promote consistency and build on secure relationships. Children are kept very safe through well organised procedures; the areas and equipment are checked regularly. A warm, welcoming environment with access to all necessary facilities supports children’s development. Their care needs are very well met. Children have fun as they have purposeful opportunities to learn and participate in good quality, well planned indoor and outdoor activities.

p.5

Organisation

Children's care is fully supported through the well organised records. Their health, safety and well being are promoted as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of operational policies and procedures. All records of accidents, medication and individual needs are very well documented, up to date and stored

p.5

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 confidentiality. Children eagerly progress through their milestones as the childminder purposefully observes and assesses their development and plans activities according to their needs. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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): • ensure parents are fully aware of child protection procedures • ensure written parental permission is requested, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.6

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