Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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308062 Unique Reference Number 26 April 2006 Inspection date Wendy Fitton Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and two teenage children. The family live in a detached property, which is situated in a residential area within easy access of Padiham town centre in Lancashire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to all areas of the house, which includes a secure rear garden, lounge, kitchen, two bedrooms for sleeping and a downstairs bathroom. Children sleep in the conservatory in a pram, but do not use it for play purposes.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children and there are currently four children on roll attending full and part time sessions. Children are taken out to local toddler groups, soft play gym, parks and shopping. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay reasonably healthy as they walk out in the environment, feed the ducks and follow routines for rests, meals and care needs. They understand the need to follow hygiene procedures as they are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before food. The childminder talks about germs and bacteria with the children to enhance their understanding of health and hygiene. All areas of the premises are very clean and surfaces and bathrooms are wiped with anti-bacterial spray. Medication and accident records are up to date and signed by parents, a first aid box is available and the childminder has up to date first aid training.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted through regular activity. They enjoy outdoor play in the garden and walk to the park to play on the large equipment. Children attend the soft play gym sessions and ride on bicycles and trucks at the toddler groups. Children rest and sleep according to their individual routines. Prams are used in the bedrooms and the conservatory as agreed and discussed with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished and provided with foods from home that have been freshly prepared by their parents. The childminder provides snacks and drinks, which include fruit, toast, fruit and cereal bars with water or juice to drink. Mealtimes are planned at a table or for younger children a feeding chair is available. Children's dietary needs are met and known as the childminder discusses needs with parents at the start of the care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure indoor and outdoor environment. They can play freely and safely without restriction on the floor in the lounge or at a small child sized table. Children are safe and secure as the front door has a safety buzzer in place, safety gates are across doors and all safety equipment is in place. The rear garden is enclosed and the children are not exposed to any hazards. The childminder has risk assessments in place for various aspects of the home and follows a fire evacuation plan.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use safe and suitable equipment to support their development needs. For example, tables and chairs for activities and meals, prams for sleeping in, along with baby walker, bouncy chair, crockery and cutlery. Children's overall learning needs are developed as they access a range of toys including construction, small world, baby toys, activity toys and large physical play equipment. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder has appropriate seats and vehicle insurance. She has signed consent from parents for trips out and children wear reins or sit in a buggy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from abuse as the childminder understands her role in protecting children. She is aware of her responsibilities and has adopted a child protection policy that is discussed with parents. She has up to date information on referral procedures and keeps a record of all issues.

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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 satisfactory. Children are provided with a suitable range of activities, resources and experiences to help them learn and develop. They develop their social skills when they meet with other children at the toddler groups and at the park. Children are confident and feel good about themselves as the childminder positively supports and encourages them as they play on the floor or at the activity table. Children are familiar with the daily routines and therefore feel secure; snacks, meals, free play and sleeps feature daily.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show an interest in what they do as they explore and investigate the toys and equipment. For example, musical activity toys, rattles and soft toys are set out for younger children to make choices. Toys are stored in plastic storage boxes to provide some choices and allow self selection. Children show an interest in what they are doing, concentrating when gluing and crayoning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from positive relationships with each other and the childminder, and older children support and help the younger children reach for toys or find out how they work. The childminder demonstrates a positive, caring attitude as she cuddles the children and encourages their speech and language. Children are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong, when they are gently reminded about not climbing on furniture.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a childminder who works with parents to meet individual needs and ensure that children are fully included in all aspects of the provision. She is aware of keeping parents informed of any issues and is confident to speak to parents if she highlights any difficulties their children may be experiencing. Children's needs are recorded and all individual requirements are met and known to the childminder. Children feel a sense of belonging as the childminder gives them cuddles, reassures them and keeps to their individual routines.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand responsible behaviour as they know not to throw toys and tidy up after themselves. Children are positively praised and encouraged during their play as the childminder claps and cheers when they achieve or do something positive and this helps them to feel good about themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to relate to differences and the make up of society. They go to local community activities and meet with other children at the toddler group and in the park. The childminder provides craft activities to celebrate festivals and seasons and children have access to books and dolls that reflect culture and disability. Children are encouraged to respect and care for each other and in particular older children support the babies during their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from positive relationships they observe between their parents and the childminder. Parents complete contracts, therefore, appropriate care is provided and all individual needs are met. Parents are made aware of the routines and activities and induction meetings are held prior to the care starting.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from some useful aspects in the organisation of care. The premises are clean, safe and organised to enable the children to play, rest and eat in comfort. Children follow simple care practices to help them stay healthy, they are learning about positive behaviour and routines to meet their individual needs. Children receive good support from the childminder as the low numbers of children on roll ensure that one-to-one care can be provided as required.

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Organisation

The childminder is aware of the National Standards, but does not have information relating to new legislation, regulations or inspection requirements. Organisational policies and procedures are limited and only verbally discussed with parents at the start of the care contract. Written information does not fully inform parents of the childminder's role and responsibilities in relation to their child's health, safety and well-being.

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Organisation

All regulatory records are accessible, up to date and available for inspection. For example, medication records, accident, emergency consent, attendance and personal information. Children are protected from abuse owing to the childminder ensuring all household members are vetted and deemed suitable to be in the presence of children.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that children can access a variety of craft materials and resources to reflect cultures, ensure that written risk assessments are carried out and that contractual agreements are set out with parents to include business arrangements, activities and routines. Children now access glue and assorted papers, make cards for various festivals and access books, dolls and community activities, therefore, their creative and imaginative skills are enhanced and they understand and access resources to reflect diversity. Children are now safe and protected as the childminder has devised a fire plan, carried out a risk assessment on the fire in the lounge and the water feature in the rear garden, the water feature is not switched on when minded children are present and the fire in the lounge is not used. Children are provided with appropriate care to meet their individual needs as the

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Improvements since the last inspection

childminder completes a care contract in partnership with parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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Complaints 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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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): • update knowledge and procedures in line with new regulations • develop organisational policies and procedures that are accessible to parents.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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