Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 308257 Inspection date 05 December 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 satisfactory. 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 1995. She lives with her husband and two daughters aged 13 years and 17 years within easy access to Oswaldtwistle town centre. She is registered to look after four children aged under 8 and is currently minding two children. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is garden for physical play. The childminder links in with other childminders in the area and attends toddler

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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 groups when minding children of an appropriate age.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows good hygiene procedures which limits cross contamination. They learn about the importance of hand washing as the childminder talks to the children about washing germs and keeping hands clean. Younger children have their needs met because the childminder follows their routine from home therefore the children are cared for in a consistent manner. The childminder's practice for nappy changing is good, as she changes children according to their individual need and ensures the nappy is deposed off hygienically. Children's health needs are further protected as the childminder has all medical details and information fully recorded and readily available. The childminder has an effective understanding of a balanced diet and as a result children are provided with a variation of snacks and meals including fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Children help themselves to a drink of juice and can monitor their

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained home. They play freely and can move without restriction as they access the table for activities and use the clear floor space for free play. The children make choices from the selection of toys provided for them, including interactive baby toys, dressing up, dolls and a play kitchen. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder talks about danger to them. She is aware of the age and stage of younger children's development, and the need for supervision to allow children to play and explore their environment in safety. The children's safety is further protected because the childminder has the required safety features in place. Although the emergency evacuation procedure is in place, this had not been practised and, therefore, children may not understand the procedure to follow should an emergency situation occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection. She is aware of the signs of abuse and understands the need to take action should any issues arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the welcoming environment. The childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 informally plans learning experiences for the children which keep them occupied and interested. The children enjoy making choices about their play as they move freely through the setting choosing the activity they wish to take part in. Younger children are learning as they reach out for the interactive toys to promote their curiosity and give immediate responses as they giggle and show feelings of delight as they smile and laugh with the childminder. Relationships between the child and the childminder are good and they demonstrate confidence and contentment when being nursed and bottle fed. They engage in lots of positive eye contact as the childminder talks to them in a calm and soothing voice when playing and when being held. Children are developing their confidence and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

esteem as the childminder praises them during their play. Her interaction is effective as she tells the children they are good and are clever girls and boys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed into the setting and the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of equality of opportunity for all children. They learn about diversity as they access the satisfactory selection of toys provided to promote their understanding. Children are beginning to understand how to manage their own behaviour. They are beginning to take responsibility because the childminder gives suitable explanations and sets appropriate boundaries. Younger children are becoming aware of the boundaries as the childminder uses gentle prompts, for example, to pick up the toys and not to run. A satisfactory relationship is fostered with parents because the childminder provides verbal information regarding her care practice. The childminder provides opportunities for parents to discuss their child's time with her, on a daily basis, to ensure they are aware of her care practices.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children can play and learn in an environment that is organised to meet their needs by having room to move freely and choose some toys and equipment. The childminder has an informal routine in place which is based on the children's needs therefore enabling them to gain enjoyment from the activities provided. The childminder has links with other childminders within the local area and attends the local toddler group. The regulatory documentation is satisfactorily organised and up-to-date, with the exception of the daily register of attendance which had not been completed appropriately. The childminder has not recorded changes to parental agreements and, therefore, the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child are not

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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 clearly identified. Children's details are fully recorded ensuring parents can be contacted should a situation occur where this be necessary. Overall, the setting meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to ensure the changing mat was used at all times. Since the last inspection she has purchased a changing mat and uses this to change children to ensure cross contamination and infection is limited.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been 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 satisfactory. 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): • practise the emergency evacuation procedures to ensure children are aware of action to take should an emergency situation occur • ensure a record is made of all noteworthy events and changes to parental agreements • ensure the record of attendance is completed on a daily basis.

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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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