Childminder in LancashireOfsted inspection, 6 Mar 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 308274 Inspection date 06 March 2006 Inspector Ann, Theresa Flynn

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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 1996. She lives with her husband, and their adult child, in a semi-detached property situated in the village of Hoghton near Preston. The house is within close proximity of a nursery, school, shops and play area. Minded children have access to all of the ground floor, which includes the lounge, dining area and the kitchen. Toilet, washing facilities and space for children to sleep and use a computer are available on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden area available for outdoor play.

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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 Presently the childminder has six children on roll, three of whom are under 5 years of age and all the children attend on a part time basis. The family have no pets and the childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is appropriately promoted because the childminder encourages children to learn about personal hygiene. For example, children access their own towels within the bathroom, which are colour coded to prevent cross infection, and hand-washing is promoted prior to eating meals and snacks although this practice is not consistent. Children's medical details are adequately recorded and first aid and emergencies are sufficiently planned for to help to maintain children's health. Suitable opportunities are provided for children to access fresh air and exercise. For example, children play out in the garden, have daily walks from school and visit facilities such as the library thus helping to promote children's physical well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because the childminder has an understanding about healthy eating. Children are encouraged to eat fruit regularly and the meals provided are mainly home cooked. Drinks are freely available to children and age appropriate cups were observed to be used throughout the inspection. Children receive appropriate comfort when they require, by for example, sitting on the childminder's lap, which helps to develop children's emotional well being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are suitably cared for in a well maintained and clean environment. The adequate organisation of toys and equipment means children can move around safely and freely to independently access available and varied resources from storage boxes at their height. A good range of safety measures are in place, such as, socket covers, safety gates and a lock on the outside garden gate ensures the premises remain safe for children. However there is no devise on the first floor landing area for detecting smoke, which impacts on children's safety. Children learn to keep themselves safe. They are actively involved in practising fire escape plans. Their safety away from their home is well considered and addressed. Children are beginning to learn safety rules with regard to crossing the road and therefore children are learning to keep safe with adult support.

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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's welfare is suitably protected because the childminder has an understanding of the procedure to follow in the event of concerns. She knows to contact social services and to document her concerns if she is worried about the welfare of any child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. An appropriate range of varied resources are available, some of which are geared to children's individual learning needs. For example, children enjoy puzzles, a doll and pram, tea-set, shape sorter, cars and garage. Children initiate the majority of their play wandering freely from toy to toy, approaching the childminder with ease when requiring attention. Children have suitable opportunities to express them themselves and develop their creativity through art and craft activities. Art and craft is undertaken on the dinning room table and the activity is available throughout the day and for the children who attend after school to enjoy. Adequate opportunities and experiences away from the home are provided to help children develop a sense of the world in which they live. For example, the children visit the library regularly which helps them learn about books and to the park to enjoy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the large play equipment. Children also visit parent and toddler groups where there are sufficient opportunities to socialise with children of a similar age.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing their awareness and understanding about diversity. They have access to a basic range of resources which reflect these areas, discussions about diversity helps to re-enforce their learning. Children are valued, included and have their individual needs met appropriately. For example, sleep times and meal times are catered for as children require. The behaviour of children is good. They accept and work with age appropriate strategies, explanations, praise and encouragement, including the use of stars. These strategies encourages children to behave well, be kind to their peers and develops their confidence and self-esteem. Children's individual needs are suitably met because of the positive relationships which have been established with parents. Information is shared through written daily diaries for younger children. These include details of sleeps, meals, nappies and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

activities. Basic policies are available for parents which, helps the childminder and parents to work together in the best interests of the children. Verbal discussions at the end of each day helps to ensure that parents remain informed.

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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. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children who attend. Time and space is appropriately organised so that children are able to independently play and relax within the childminder's home. Children have use of the ground floor, they enjoy free play in the living and dinning room areas and easily access varied resources which, are stored at child height. Time is satisfactorily organised to cater for sleep and meal times therefore meeting children's individual needs. Documentation is maintained appropriately and in line with National Standards. Documents relating to the safety and welfare of children, including accident and medication records contain all the necessary detail, are stored in a confidential manner and are shared with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection seven recommendations were raised in relation to documentation, safety and a lack of resources which reflect diversity. The childminder has attended to all seven of the recommendations. Documentation has now been improved by developing the accident record, the attendance record and parental consents are now appropriately maintained. Children's safety has been improved by removing poisonous plants, protecting the low-level glass and knives are now inaccessible to children. Basic resources which reflect diversity are now in place to help promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Due the action the childminder has taken in relation to the recommendations raised the care and safety of children has been enhanced.

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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 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

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): • ensure positive steps are taken to promote safety in relation to the detection of smoke on the first floor of the premises

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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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