Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 308950 Inspection date 02 February 2006 Inspector Mary Wignall

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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 March 1999. She lives in the Ashurst area of Skelmersdale in a detached home she shares with her husband and five children, one of whom is under the age of 8 years. The main areas used for minding are the conservatory, playroom, dining room, living room, kitchen and ground floor toilet and wash hand basin room. There is also an enclosed rear garden with both hard and grassed areas. Care is offered to children school aged or younger, either full or part time, both term time and non term time. There are currently 7 children on the roll. She provides opportunities for socialising by attending parent and toddler groups as well as other outings. She lives within walking distance of shops. The family have 2 pet

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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 dogs that are separated from the children both indoors and outdoors. The childminder is on the Lancashire Constabulary Network, is a Support Childminder registered with Lancashire Early Years, and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted by the maintenance of a well maintained, hygienic house and equipment. Children enjoy playing in a clean environment with clean toys and equipment. The childminder protects the children well from cross infection as parents receive good information about childhood illness. This supports her practice of children not attending when ill. Children can have safe contact with the family pet dogs and rabbits as the childminder has effective procedures to ensure they do not pose a health risk to children. The pets’ health is monitored by regular vet checks and good supervision is maintained when close to the pets. The childminder provides regular opportunities for physical play. She takes the children to local groups where they can run and play with large equipment during all weathers. A well presented photo album shows the children enjoying lots of physical

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Helping children to be healthy

activities indoors and outdoors. In the house the younger children are developing confidence and greater control of their bodies as they walk around the furniture or explore the premises. Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents and recorded to ensure children enjoy their meal times. The childminder liaises with parents to provide food or serve food provided by them. The childminder understands about healthy eating and serves healthy food with fresh fruit and non sugary snacks to encourage good eating habits in the children.

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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 welcoming, secure environment where potential hazards are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. They make full use of the clear space available with older children having a separate room for them to have their own space as wanted with supervision. Children's safety is maintained indoors and outdoors with appropriate action taken to ensure the premises are secure. The childminder takes effective steps to keep the children safe. They have regular opportunities to practise fire drills increasing their safety awareness. Children can easily access a range of well-maintained toys. These are stored carefully to ensure children have access only to toys suitable for their age and stage of development. The childminder has a good understanding of the potential signs of possible abuse of

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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. Children’s welfare is protected by required procedures and documentation in place. These are used to ensure the children are safe during outings and that appropriate accident records and insurances are maintained.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children have good relationships with the childminder. This creates a positive caring atmosphere for the children to play and develop. The childminder provides a range of activities outside the home to give the children good opportunities to socialise. Regular visits to local groups are planned where the children play and learn alongside other children. Planning for sessions in the home is more relaxed, relying on good quality toys to interest the children. The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework although has not yet implemented it fully. This means at times the balance of activities is based around the older children as she responds to their eagerness and excitement in the toys available. The children are confident in the childminder’s care. They are reassured when restless, offered cuddles when sleepy and relaxed into the routine of the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children learn about diversity from the resources provided. The childminder makes use of national or cultural festivals or celebrations to provide activities for the children to enjoy and learn about the wider community. The children have recently celebrated Chinese new year with her and had a barbeque to acknowledge Australia day. The children listen and respond well to the childminder and are easily diverted from unwanted behaviour. The children have a good sense of belonging as they move freely about the premises making choices about what they want to do. Children’s needs are discussed with parents at the beginning of each child starting. Their care needs are recorded clearly for ease of reference and are implemented by the childminder. Partnership with parents is valued and actively encouraged to provide continuity for the children. Any special needs, such as dietary needs and preferences are discussed at the beginning

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Helping children make a positive contribution

of the placement and the parents wishes implemented.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has all the required documentation in place to support the care of the children. Good procedures are in place to ensure parents are informed about care provided. Contracts are used to set out the business arrangements and parents receive daily written information about their children’s care and activities. The premises and equipment are organised to maximise the space available for the

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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. This means they move freely and younger children can have space separate from older children if wanted. The childminder holds a level three qualification in Early Years care and education obtained in 2001 and is committed to continued learning and improvement. She has attended regular training sessions on a variety of topics, including special needs, and is currently working towards the quality assurance scheme with the National Childminding Association. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection two of recommendations were agreed to improve the health and safety for the children. It was agreed that work to provide improvements to the hard surface areas in the rear patio area be completed and to request written permission from parents for the seeking of emergency medical treatment or advice. Since the last inspection the work in the garden has been completed providing safe secure hard and soft areas for the children to play in the rear garden. Consent for emergency medical treatment or advice has been obtained by the childminder increasing partnership and emergency care of the children. The wording of the consent is in need of minor revision to reflect the National Standards more fully. The childminder was advised of this during this inspection and agreed to revise. As a result of these recommendations the health and safety has been increased.

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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): • plan and provide activities in line with the Birth to three matters framework, to provide a balance of activities to meet the needs of all the children attending.

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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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