Childminder in LancashireOfsted inspection, 6 Jun 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 308514 Inspection date 06 June 2005 Inspector Denise Sixsmith

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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 since 1996. She lives with her husband and teenage son. They live in a semi-detached house situated on an estate off the main road through Parbold close to the railway station. The downstairs of the premises is used for childminding purposes as well as a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. A rear enclosed garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding 8 children under eight years of age of which 3 are under five years of age. The children attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder takes and

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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 collects children from school. The family have a pet cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has obtained her NVQ level 2 and is working towards level 3.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a varied range of physical activity including trips planned by the childminder to the local park to use the swings. They actively engage in physical activity in the garden as they use the wheeled toys to develop their balancing and manoeuvring skills. Children are developing an increasing awareness of the way activity effects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. Children are cared for in a warm clean home where they readily learn the importance of good hygiene and are developing self dependence. They have a clear understanding of when and why they wash their hands particularly before making their pizzas for lunch. The childminder is vigilant in following good hygiene practices and sound health policies to monitor children's health. However, the first aid box contains some out of date items. Children are developing their own self help skills

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Helping children to be healthy

well with the childminder providing reminders for younger children as necessary. Children are healthy and well nourished as the childminder takes account of parents wishes and the children's choices. The children are learning to make healthy choices as they have access to the fruit bowl in the dinning area. Older children readily discuss the healthy tuck shop at school and the option to purchase small packs of fruit or vegetables as these are 'good for you'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment as the childminder takes steps to minimise hazards in line with her health and safety policy. They learn about road safety while out with the childminder as well as through access to books and a 'Highway Code for Young Road Users' provided by the childminder. Children confidently move around the rooms and access the outdoor play area as well as engaging in a baking activity under the supervision of the childminder. Children can easily access a range of good quality, safe toys and equipment that the childminder ensures are age appropriate. They are able to independently select their choices of activity and assist in tidying away while learning to maintain a safe environment. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a clear understanding of what to do in the event of identifying a child protection concern. She holds a current

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

first aid certificate to assist her care of the children should an accident occur.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in the presence of the childminder. They enjoy the company of the children present and engage happily and cooperatively in a variety of play opportunities with each other. Children use their imagination well during domestic play as they care for the dolls and go shopping. They enthusiastically organise hospital role play after lunch, deciding who will be doctors or patients, cutting up bandages and offering medical advice and comfort as they learn to provide care. Children readily practice writing as they prepare invitations and shopping lists during their play. Children's self esteem is fostered effectively by the childminder who has built up a warm trusting relationship with the children. They learn new skills effectively through planned activities by the childminder. In particularly the measuring and combining of ingredients as they make their individual pizzas which they then cook and eat for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

lunch. Children readily chat, they talk confidently about what they know due to the good questioning skills of the childminder. They have a variety of opportunity to go out and about, exploring their local environment with the childminder and widening their knowledge.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children and parents are welcomed into the home to ensure that children feel safe and valued as individuals. Their needs are discussed with parents but not always formally noted other than health and dietary requirements. Children benefit from a balance of adult and child initiated activities. Their contributions are noted and responded to well by the childminder to ensure that they gain confidence and feel valued. Toys and activities reflect difference enabling the children to develop an understanding of the wider world. Children are developing a good understanding of what is right and wrong through the consistent approach of the childminder to behaviour management. Lots of praise is used to build the children's self esteem and sense of belonging. A variety of methods of management are employed which are appropriate to the levels of children's understanding. Children show care and concern for each other as they play harmoniously together in

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a family group with good relationships being fostered between the children who attend.

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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 Children confidently interact with each other and adults. They initiate and select toys and activities in a safe suitably organised environment. The childminder has undertaken training to develop her childcare knowledge and skills to enhance the service she provides for children and parents. A current first aid certificate has been obtained by the childminder to add to the level of health and safety provided for the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder agreed to implement and practice an emergency evacuation plan and keep Ofsted informed of significant changes. The childminder has informed Ofsted of changes and relevant clearances have been successfully completed for persons aged over 16 years living on the premises. She has devised and practised an emergency evacuation plan thus improving the ongoing safety and welfare of the children.

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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): • replenish the outdated items in the first aid box • develop the system of sharing information with parents to further enhance continuity of care for children

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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