Singleton, Karen Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY311157 Inspection date 16 February 2006 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged 3 and 6 in Leyland, Lancashire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for the children. There is a secure garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet dog and three cats. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time

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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 and is not currently minding children under 8 years but does care for a child over 8 years of age. There were no children present at the inspection. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children’s good health is promoted. She has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. She describes how children would learn about their personal hygiene through their normal daily routines and for example, through discussions about cleaning their teeth daily and washing hands after touching animals. The childminder has taken action to ensure that good hygiene practices are in place so that children are protected from cross contamination. Individual cloths and towels are available for children and appropriate provision is in place for nappy changing. The childminder has undertaken training in first aid to enhance the welfare of children in the event of an accident. However, some of the contents of the first aid box need to be renewed. The childminder talks enthusiastically about ensuring that children receive ample

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Helping children to be healthy

physical exercise and fresh air. The house is within easy walking distance of the open country and a range of walks where past children have enjoyed conker hunts. The childminder describes how she takes children to a well appointed play area to ensure that they develop their climbing, swinging and balancing skills. The rear garden provides good opportunities for smaller scale outdoor play. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children’s dietary requirements will be met. She explains how she helps children to learn about healthy eating through setting a good example, for instance by cooking her own meals from fresh produce and encouraging children to help. The childminder has a well stocked fruit bowl that is readily available to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has taken action to ensure that risks in and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. She explains how she helps children to learn about their own safety through discussion about fire evacuation and road safety. She insists that children walk with her when they are on outings. The childminder uses her own car to transport children and appropriate insurance is in place. There are sufficient good quality toys and resources available for all ages of children, including bright and clean toys for younger children. The childminder has a number of good quality wooden toys which are easily accessible in low-level storage units.

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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 Babies are safe and secure when eating and sleeping because the childminder has some very good quality equipment in place. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of her responsibilities for recording and reporting child protection concerns and has attended training to enhance her knowledge to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded. However, her documentation requires updating in line with the latest government summary booklet.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder speaks about the children that she has cared for in a warm manner. She demonstrates through discussion that she gives appropriate thought to the planning of activities that promote children's development. A good variety of toys provide opportunities for children's interest to be engaged. The childminder shows a sound knowledge of building positive relationships with children and developing their self-esteem. She talks about building their confidence and independence by encouraging them to try new activities while offering support and praise. For example, encouraging children’s language through reading stories and their creative skills through drawing and painting. The childminder demonstrates through discussion that she has a good understanding of why planning is important to the overall development of children. Role play resources are in place to foster

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's emotional and social development. Shopping trips are included in planning to assist children to develop a wider social experience as well as trips to visit a farm and its animals. The childminder is committed to developing her childcare knowledge to enhance the quality of the care provided for the children. For example, she has secured a place on a Birth to three matters framework course.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrated through discussion that she has a sound understanding of treating children as individuals and with equal concern. Play resources are organised in a manner which helps to promote children’s free choice. They are sufficient in quality and easily accessible from low-level storage. The childminder showed a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving good examples of how she would approach a variety of situations for children of different ages. A clear statement, shared with parents, outlines the childminders positive approach to behaviour management and sets boundaries ensuring that children can begin to be aware of what is expected of them. Parents are provided with good information about the childminder and the service that she offers. This is evident through the informative prospectus, parent pack 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 clear policies and procedures. Provision is in place to obtain required parental consents as well as additional ones including the taking of photographs and the use of sun cream.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides an environment that is welcoming to children. There is sufficient space for them to move freely in safety both indoors and outdoors. A balanced range of toys and activities are in place to meet the needs of the children that the childminder is registered for. The childminder demonstrates an understanding of the requirement to maintain records and the requirement to notify Ofsted of significant changes. Children's details and records have been compiled and maintained as required to ensure children are protected from potential harm. The childminder has undertaken first aid training to enhance the welfare of the children in the event of an accident. She has a good commitment to continuing her own self development, to increase her knowledge and understanding of child care issues, and subsequently improve the quality of care that she provides for children.

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Organisation

Evidence suggests that the needs of all children would be met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to record. 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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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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): • develop the complaints procedure to ensure that it reflects current requirements • develop the child protection statement in line with the Government Summary document • develop a system to ensure that the contents of the first aid box are checked regularly and contents are up to date.

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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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