Holland, Trina

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 502056 Inspection date 21 March 2006 Inspector Janet, Elizabeth Singleton

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and three children within Padiham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with bathroom and sleeping facilities on the first floor. There is a further bedroom where children can access the computer. There is an enclosed yard at the rear of the property for outdoor play. A maximum of five children may attend at any one time and she currently looks after five children who attend for a variety of sessions during the week. She is a member of the local support network of childminders and is a member of the

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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 National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay very healthy because the childminder follows good hygiene practices which limit the spread of infection and cross contamination. The childminder raises children's awareness of good practice by setting a good example as she washes her hands, encourages children to clean their teeth and engages children in topics to learn about their bodies. The childminder's own effective practice for nappy changing ensures children's individual routines are followed and they are protected from the spread of germs. Children are well nourished because the childminder has a good understanding of a balanced diet including the need for five portions of fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. Children enjoy fresh fruit for their snack and are provided with a very healthy selection of meals at lunch time including chicken and rice and pasta. They help themselves to a drink of water or sugar-free fruit juice so that they can monitor their

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Helping children to be healthy

own needs and cups are kept filled and within reach at all times. The childminder acts in the children's best interests when they are ill and their welfare is protected as she has all the necessary documentation in place and maintained to a high standard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children play extremely safely and are cared for in a very welcoming, warm and safe environment. They enjoy seeing their work displayed in the setting and develop a lovely sense of belonging. They make good choices and decisions about their play as they access a vast range of suitable and safe equipment being stored within their reach, encouraging their high level of independence. Children are developing a good understanding of safety because the childminder discusses crossing the road, being careful and holding hands when out walking. The childminder maintains a high level of supervision of the children at all times, being in very close contact, and supporting them as they play. Children are beginning to understand the need for safety as they discuss stopping and looking and listening when crossing the road. All the required documentation such as consent for outings is in place and further

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safeguards the welfare of the children. Children's welfare is protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection. She is aware of the signs and symptoms and is confident in the action to take should any issues arise.

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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. The children enjoy and achieve because the childminder knows the children very well and is very attentive to their individual needs. The childminder plans and provides a good range of high quality activities and opportunities which are effective at promoting their interest. Children learn about colour, shape and numbers as the childminder names these as the children play freely. Children are motivated and stimulated, being interested and occupied at all times as they change toys, listen to stories and play with the play dough. They show an excellent interest in what they are doing and become animated as they sing songs and act out nursery rhymes, for example, 'Twinkle twinkle little star'. The childminder uses skilful questioning to encourage the children's thinking and make their play more enjoyable. Children enjoy a very close and caring relationship with the childminder, which contributes to their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

high levels of self-esteem and increases their sense of well-being. The childminder has a formal planning system in place linked to the 'Birth to three Matters'. She monitors the children's development as she carries out observations on them and has folders of their achievements. There are lovely displays of the children's activities including balancing on beams, walks in the park and children learning about their environment, as they examine leaves and the explore the natural world. The children are able to socialise outside of the home as they visit the local toddler groups to allow them to experience new environments and take part in further activities to promote their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the setting being valued as individuals and their family respected. The childminder has a good understanding of equality of opportunity for all children. The children learn about people's differences in a positive manner, because there are toys and equipment available to them at all times. There are posters displayed representing culture, there is a welcome poster displayed, and there are books about all sorts of people; thus children are surrounded with positive images of diversity. The childminder ensures all children can join in all activities and effectively encourages the younger children to take part. Children are beginning to understand how to manage their own behaviour in a positive manner. They are beginning to take responsibility because the childminder gives good explanations and sets clear boundaries, for example, not jumping on the sofa. The children are beginning to understand right from wrong as the childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

uses stickers, star charts and certificates as a reward for good behaviour. The childminder fosters good relationships with parents by sharing information which contributes significantly to the children's well-being. Detailed polices and procedures are shared, and opportunities are provided for parents to discuss their child to ensure

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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 they are fully informed of the care their child receives whilst with the childminder. Parents of the younger children are provided with a daily communication book detailing their child's time and in which they can contribute to their child's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from an environment and practice that is very well organised to meet their needs effectively in an imaginative and exciting way. The children have a sense of belonging because of the well planned playroom, this being a safe area with good organisation of toys and equipment enabling children to make decisions about their play. The activities provided are stimulating and challenging for all children. However, there is a notice board for parents with information displayed about children's dietary needs and therefore, the confidentiality aspect is not maintained. Children's needs are met because the childminder has all regulatory documentation in place which is very well organised and up to date. The documentation was readily available for inspection and includes individual files for children attending. The childminder has links with other childminders and support from the local

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Organisation

childminder network group. The childminder constantly evaluates her practice and is very forward thinking to ensure she meets children's needs, and is familiar with new childcare policies to improve the care provided for children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to devise a child protection policy and to maintain children's safety by securing the banister on the stairs. The childminder has devised a child protection policy and shares this with parents at the time of their child starting. The banister has now been attached firmly to the wall. The above action ensures parents are full aware of the childminder's duty to protect children. The fixing of the banister keeps children safe when having to negotiate the stairs to use the facilities on the first floor.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • maintain the confidentiality of children's individual dietary requirements.

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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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