Childminder in LancashireOfsted inspection, 23 Feb 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY239859 Inspection date 23 February 2006 Inspector Kathy Ann Leatherbarrow

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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 June 2003. She lives with her three children aged over 8 years. They live in a detached home, located within a quiet residential area of Lancashire close to local schools, shops and park. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor including, lounge, playroom, dining area and downstairs bathroom. The rear outdoor area is not available for the children to play in. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under 8 years.

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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 There are currently 11 children on-roll, of which nine are under 8 years of age.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are good indoor and outdoor activities to help them develop their health and enjoy the fresh air, such as walks in the local area to collect leaves. These activities are well-planned and improve the children’s physical skills. The younger children are alert and well rested. This is enhanced by the childminder's good understanding of appropriate activities and level of support which enables them to gain in confidence and to try out new skills. For example, infants successfully jump up and down to music. The children are secure and cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are developing an understanding of why they must wash their hands after going to the toilet and brush their teeth after meals. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. The children enjoy a

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Helping children to be healthy

variety of fresh, such as bananas and apples on a daily basis. Young children are offered frequent drinks, throughout the day while older children can access their own cups. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide well balanced meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe and secure. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in the home. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, during role-play children are careful with the hot iron when ironing the dolls clothes and to blow the hot food before feeding the dolls. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Therefore, children are effectively stimulated and their development is good. Children are safe and their well- being protected, as the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection procedures.

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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 The provision is good. Children settle well and are confident to make themselves at home. They relate well to each other and the childminder, enjoying lots of cuddles and reassurance. Children are enthusiastic as they make choices about their play and are independent as they choose from a variety of exciting toys, books and activities. They are successfully supported by the childminder who gets involved in their play. For example, the all play in the home corner together. They develop their language and communication skills through the good use of books, stories and role play. They show a healthy interest in books and listen attentively to stories read by the childminder. The childminder spends time talking and listening to children which successfully promotes their self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn well through play and every day experiences. They enjoy a broad range of creative activities, such as painting, drawing, sticking and baking. Children's all round development is good. However, infants sensory development could be further enhanced through the use of Birth to three matters.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children are welcomed and play a full part in the homely environment because the childminder values and respects their individuality. Children behave very well and are learning to co-operate with one another. For example, they happily follow guidance from the childminder to 'take turns' looking at the pictures during their story. Children have some opportunities to learn about others, through planned activities and books. However, there is limited resources that reflect positive images of diversity which restricts children's awareness of difference and the wider world. Clear information is exchanged with parents which helps to identify children's individual needs. Regular discussion about children's activities and achievements are shared with parents the end of each day. Information is up-to-date ensuring that all children's individual needs are met in a consistent manner.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. The childminder organises the day to ensure children's routines and individual needs are met. For example, planning activities with young children when older children are at school. This means they are confident, independent and able to initiate their own play in a bright and well-organised playroom. The childminder ensures that children are safe and seeks some training on first aid to enhance her skills and knowledge. She increasingly uses some policies and procedures to promote the welfare and care of children. She shares them regularly

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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 with parents to keep them informed. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. However, there are some omissions of parental signatures within the medication record to acknowledge the entry and all parental consents should be kept on the premises. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There have been a number of improvements since the last inspection. The childminder has completed a relevant first aid course including training in first aid for infants and young children. A risk assessment has been completed on collecting children from school identifying how risks will be minimised and adult: child ratios are maintained at all times. These improvements have increased children's safety and well-being.

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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): • further enhance infants sensory development through the use of Birth to three matters • increase children's awareness of diversity through play, activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice • ensure all parents sign the medication record to acknowledge the entry and copies of all parental consents are in place.

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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 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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