Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY271427 Inspection date 05 December 2005 Inspector Debra, Elizabeth Mitcheson

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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?

This childminder has been registered for two years. He is registered to care for no more than 4 children under 8 years; of these, no more than 3 may be under 5 years, and of these, no more than 1 may be under 1 year at any one time. He lives with his wife, also a registered childminder, and two children aged 4 years, and 7 years, in a property in Burnley.

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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 The children have access to all downstairs areas including a bathroom. The rear garden is used for outdoor play. Children are taken to local toddler groups and activity groups, spending time with other childminders and their children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The premises and equipment are clean. This is a result of the childminder implementing good hygiene practices in order to prevent the spread of infection. These include procedures in relation to sick children, accidents, medication and nappy changing procedures, which are stringent and ensure that children are helped to stay healthy. Children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine and activities, for example hand washing, wiping noses and following a dental hygiene programme: "smile for life". Children enjoy a full programme of physical activities that provide real challenge. These include trips to parks and focus specifically on improving children's coordination, balance and muscle growth. Expressions on photographs and children's drawings demonstrate their eager participation in the large play equipment at Heaton park, Manchester and Todmorden park, Burnley.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children are well nourished and enjoy a balanced diet, which includes a choice of popular nutritional meals. Children dine on a choice of pasta or macaroni cheese with garlic bread, followed by kiwi fruit and yogurt. They use good manners and utensils well. The childminder encourages the older children to be independent, while babies and younger children are given assistance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is paramount at this setting. Observations and photographs demonstrate how children play an active part in keeping themselves safe and have a good understanding about safety issues. For example, young children are able to identify hazards in the home, such as tidying toys away to prevent tripping and outdoors, where children practice road safety. This is because the childminder acts as a good role model and has taken appropriate steps to minimise risks in the home and garden, to ensure children have the opportunity to move around safely and independently. The childminder has made adaptations to the home that creates a child orientated environment, which is conducive to children's learning. This means that there are two, purpose designed play rooms that are the main focus for all aspects of play, dining and taking rests when required by the children. Furniture, equipment and toys

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are readily accessible to children, meet their developmental needs and conform to safety standards.

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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 Children's welfare is safeguarded with reference to concerns of child protection. The childminder has a clear understanding of most aspects of the Area child protection committee guidance and would know what action she would be expected to carry out if any concerns regarding a child's welfare were raised. However, the childminder needs to include procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against him.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The Birth to three framework is used exceptionally well, to plan an excellent range of activities for this age group. Babies are welcomed into the setting and they react positively to the sensitive, friendly childminder who responds enthusiastically to their needs. They smile, put out their arms and then snuggle down, contentedly into the childminder's arms. Older children climb onto the childminder's knee for comfort and reassurance. All children are extremely confident and self-assured for the duration of the inspection. For example, they use initiative in selecting their own activities and hold detailed conversations with the childminder and inspector. This is because the childminder constantly praises children, listens carefully to what they have to say and values their contributions. Children delight as they are praised for eating all their lunch. They are also developing warm relationships with their peers and childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children "squeal" with excitement and hug each other as children return from playgroup. The childminder is good at communicating effectively with children of all ages. He is innovative when directing questions that stimulate children's imagination. Children give an in-depth account of their activities at playgroup. The childminder's knowledge and understanding of child development is used to plan a broad range of rich, varied and imaginative activities. This inspires challenge and progress in the children's physical, intellectual, emotional and social areas of learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's welfare and development are a high priority at this setting. The childminder has a sound knowledge and practical hands on experience of working with children with special needs. This is supported with a policy that is shared with parents, which clearly defines the procedures to follow when children are identified or admitted to this provision with a special need. With support and encouragement from the childminder, children are well behaved and well mannered. They are aware of their boundaries, as methods used to manage their behaviour is discussed and agreed with parents. This is supported by a detailed behaviour policy, individual diaries and verbal communications with parents on a daily basis. This provides an opportunity for positive working relationships and

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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 keeping them fully informed of their children's activities and routines of the day. A parent of a minded child speaks highly of the care and education their children receive from the childminder and his partner. Other parents also convey this message through parent questionnaires and thank you cards. Children socialise well with adults and peers in the home, at the local nursery, playgroup and trips outdoors. This introduces them to members of the community. Observations and photographs of children's social skills at this setting, demonstrate that they are fully engrossed in activities directed by other peers and adults. Awareness of wider society is promoted by access to a broad range of toys and equipment which reflect diversity and anti-discriminatory practice; for example,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children contribute to a display “Map of the world”. Learning about travel, around the world, is consolidated as children send postcards from areas they have visited, whilst on holiday.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder's partner is also a registered childminder at this setting. Together they work in partnership and choose specific activities to support the care, learning and play of the varied age groups of children cared for. Robust policies, procedures and effective daily routines promote children's health, enjoyment and achievement, safety and ability to make positive relationships at this provision. Children are settled and happy to attend this vibrant, safe and well organised environment. They are eager to attend and separate with ease from their carers. This is a result of being cared for by a childminder who has exceptional organisational skills and sound knowledge of child development. He draws upon his positive experience of being a father of two young children and information obtained through his partners course material on the NVQ level III qualifications in Child care and

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Organisation

Education. This all positively affects the welfare and development of children in his care. Documentation, for example, certificate of registration, attendance register, training certificates, contracts, children's details, accident and medication records is shared with parents and confidentiality is acknowledged and maintained. This keeps parents fully informed about childcare practices and children's daily routines. Overall, the needs of all children are met well.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the actions raised in relation to sharing information with parents have been successfully addressed. The childminder shares policies with parents on the operational procedures at the setting and how they report any concerns. Therefore, parents are well informed about their child's care, learning and play.

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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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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): • amend the child protection policy, to include procedures, to be followed where allegations of abuse is alleged to have taken place, while the child is in the care of the childminder.

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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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