Beig, Collette Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296973 Inspection date 21 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 December 2004. She lives with her husband and two grown-up children in a three bedroom terraced home. The home is located in a village in Lancashire, within a quiet residential area close to local schools, shops and park. Children have access to the lounge, dining area, conservatory and the bathroom on the first floor. There is a rear outdoor area 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 two children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a suitable range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are pleasing outdoor activities to help them to develop their health, such as walks in the local area. These activities enable children to enjoy the outdoors and improve their physical skills. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are beginning to learn the importance of sound personal care. For example, the childminder encourages children to wash their hands with her after nappy changes. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as the childminder works closely with parents to ensure the food they provide is well balanced. Children are offered frequent drinks and babies are offered cooled boiled water throughout the day to quench their thirst.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally safe and secure. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in the home which means that they are able to move around safely and independently. Children are beginning to have an understanding of how to keep themselves safe in an emergency as they practice the evacuation procedure on a regular basis. Children select activities from a developing range of suitable toys and equipment, which meet safety standards, consequently, children's independence and choice is limited. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Therefore, children are reasonably stimulated and their development is sound. Children are safe and their wellbeing protected as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well and are confident to make themselves at home. Children are happy as they make choices about their play and from a range of toys and books. They are successfully supported by the childminder who gets involved in their play. For example, they sit together and enjoy looking at pictures within books. They develop their language and communication skills through the good use of

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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 stories. 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. Children learn well through play and everyday experiences. They are taken on outings locally to the shops and the park, which raises their awareness of the local area and offers them pleasing opportunities to socialise and make friends. Children's all-round development is sound. However, infants development is not fully enhanced through the use of the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed and play a part in the homely environment because the childminder values and respects their individuality and family context of each child. Children behave well and are encouraged to be polite and well mannered. Limited access to resources and play materials that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity and disability restricts children's awareness of difference. Useful information is exchanged with parents which helps to identify children's individual needs. A friendly open relationship between the childminder and parents contributes to the children's sound sense of belonging as they settle well into a happy home-from-home atmosphere.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the suitably organised environment. The childminder organises the day to ensure that children's routines and individual needs are met by, for example, planning activities with young children around their sleep patterns. This means that they are confident and able to initiate their own play. 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 with parents to keep them informed. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has improved safety within the garden by removing debris, building equipment and securing the area, thus enabling children to play outdoors in a safe and secure environment. She has also completed a paediatric first aid course so that children's health and wellbeing is protected.

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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 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): • increase children's independence and choice by broadening the available range of toys and equipment • further enhance the care and development of young children through the use of the Birth to three matters framework • increase children's awareness of diversity through play, activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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