Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 308526 Inspection date 17 May 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 for 8 years. She lives with her husband and their two children age seven years and two years in a cul de sac in Fulwood which is situated on the outskirts of the city of Preston. It is a residential area and local facilities include nearby toddler groups, playgroups, childminder group, park and local primary schools. Facilities for childminding within the semi detached home comprise of a lounge and dining room, kitchen, and garden to the rear. The front lounge is not used for childminding nor upstairs as there is a downstairs toilet. A separate entrance to the

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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 facilities is to the side of the house with it's own bell. The family have a pet rabbit and fish in a covered pond in the garden. Registration is for a total four children. There are currently two children age 18 months and three years looked after on a full time basis throughout the week and both were present during the inspection. The childminder is qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Child Care and Education obtained in March 1996 as well as previously gaining the Certificate in Family and Community Care in May 1991 and holds the food hygiene certificate. She has worked in day nursery for three years and most of this time was spent in the baby unit. Membership of the National Childminding Association is retained.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. They are developing an understanding of the importance of their own personal hygiene such as hand washing before eating and by good example set by the childminder. The use of individual items helps to prevent the spread of infection and also develop independence skills. Children thoroughly enjoy regular fresh air and exercise because they go out each day and have access to a superb range of activities which contribute to their health, especially outdoors where physical exercise is encouraged extremely well. They are able to bounce, jump, cycle and climb which promotes large muscle development in a way that is fun and purposeful. Strong relationships between the children and childminder promotes trust and a sense of belonging. As a consequence they develop well emotionally, for example they love to watch the fish in the pond and can be left to sit quietly after feeding them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet and regular drinks as the childminder clearly understands the importance of this aspect of practice. They have home cooked meals which are planned and cooked in line with the principles of nutritious and balanced foods and this further promotes healthy development. Children's individual dietary needs are met and the childminder designs menus to provide children with appealing meals in line with parents requests and an enjoyment of different foods for the children to experience.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and secure. Space is organised effectively to offer free and independent movement and allow different activities to take place both indoors and out. Children are not exposed to any hazards as the childminder undertakes risk assessments prior to children arriving. They are provided with equipment which conforms to standards and it is erected and fitted according to manufacturers instructions such as the outdoor trampoline, to ensure it is safe. Children are well

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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 supervised both at play within the home environment and when out walking. They are transported safely by being secured in a double buggy and older children understand aspects of road safety through careful explanation and example, such as red and green lights and only crossing when the green man is showing. Children understand the procedures for emergency evacuation as they have had opportunities to practise them, therefore they are confident in responding to instructions. Children's welfare and safety is further safeguarded because the childminder has a thorough understanding of responsibilities and requirements of child protection procedures. She has clear written procedures and the relevant contact numbers for reference.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their play and relate very well with other children and adults. Planned activities help children to develop in all areas as there is variety and they spend their time purposefully. They are gaining independence skills by choosing their own activities such as accessing books. Creative play opportunities help children discover for themselves such as water painting outdoors and large cardboard boxes which allows their imagination to be expressed. They develop their language and communication skills through the use of books and especially enjoy stories. They listen and concentrate well as the childminder brings the story alive with expressive sounds and asking them meaningful questions. Children also partake in regular group activities inside and outside the childminders home which helps them socialise with others and make friends in other settings. Children's progress is assured through a clear understanding of development stages

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

by the childminder. She uses her qualifications and experience to enrich their learning so that they can reach their potential. Young children's individual progress and linking this to planning future activities could be monitored and recorded better so that they are challenged and attain new skills. The childminder has identified this as an aspect of practise to improve upon and has obtained very good resources and applied for training so that children's development and learning is enhanced. Children are happy and relaxed, they benefit from commitment by the childminder to ensure this is maintained, therefore they are nurtured and cared for well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children play in an environment which nurtures their individuality owing to full information gathered from parents which promotes their sense of belonging. They have extensive opportunities to learn of the wider world and about diversity especially through beautiful books. These show positive images and embrace differences as well as planned activities celebrating different times of the year. Children are familiar with boundaries and limits placed upon them so that they learn

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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 to play safely on their own and with others. They cooperate and share activities and play harmoniously together. They are also responsive to explanations because they are consistently applied and reinforced, consequently their behaviour is exemplary. This is fostered further by working with parents to ensure a good understanding of children's needs and effective sharing of information on a daily basis. Children are looked after in accordance with extensive and well written policies and procedures. These are shared with parents who sign to show they accept and agree them and this significantly contributes to the child's well being.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home in the well organised environment. This means they are confident and relaxed within the home and are made to feel very welcome. They are looked after well as the childminder is qualified and experienced. She is active in developing her knowledge by applying for workshops and resources. This impacts well on the children who benefit from new initiatives. She has a valid First Aid certificate which ensures accidents would be dealt with appropriately as well as a Food Hygiene certificate. All records are maintained and up to date, shared with parents as required and clearly demonstrates the attention to detail that the childminder is conscientious in applying to her work. She effectively uses policies and procedures as a good communication tool for partnership and to promote the welfare and protection of children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to provide individual items for children for their personal hygiene. Documentation required evidence of emergency evacuation procedures practised and to include within the child protection policy procedures if an allegation is made against the childminder as well as the contact telephone number of the regulator. All recommendations have been implemented and show when evacuation procedures have been carried out and the number of children present at the time. Times have also been included which evidences they are practised at different times of the day. Information relating to procedures if an allegation is made against the childminder and the correct telephone number is recorded for reference. Children have access to individual and disposable personal hygiene items. These improvements give reassurance to parents as well as ensuring information for reference. It is accurate and up to date. Children's independence is fostered by

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Improvements since the last inspection

providing appropriate items for hand washing which also promotes good hygiene practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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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): • increase awareness of and monitor young children's development to influence future planning by for example implementing aspects of the Birth To Three Matters framework.

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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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