Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY306814 Inspection date 16 March 2006 Inspector Lorraine, Susan Fay

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged 5 years and 6 months. The family live in a detached property which is situated within easy access of Burnley town centre. There is one child on roll aged 5 years. The child is looked after before school. Children have access to the whole of the premises, however, do not usually access the bedrooms. Children access the lounge, dining room, kitchen, bathroom/toilet and a secure rear garden.

p.2

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 This childminder has contact with other registered childminders. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Burnley New Era network group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a satisfactory range of activities and daily routines, which contribute to their good health. They have regular exercise, as they walk daily to school. This childminder sets sound examples to children in relation to personal hygiene practices. Children copy, for example, the washing of hands after using the toilet. The premises are clean, allowing children to play and move around without the risk of infection. This childminder has completed the Birth to three matters framework training. Children grow and develop within this setting. This childminder has a broad understanding of nutrition and healthy eating. Menu's are prepared in advance and are shared with parents. Sample menu's include a variety of home cooked meals and a daily intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Suitable records are kept in relation to children's dietary requirements, with information including likes, dislikes, allergies or any medical conditions affecting their

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

diet. As a result, this childminder is able to meet and cater for individual needs satisfactorily.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay safe because this childminder pays sound attention to safety within the setting and during outings. She has a safety system in place when walking children to school. The childminder further reduces risk within the setting; there are appropriate safety features available and in place, including socket covers, safety catches on kitchen cupboards and safety gates. As a result children are able to play and enjoy themselves in a safe environment. Toys and equipment are of a sound quality and in safe condition. The childminder pays fitting attention to safety when purchasing equipment and resources. She organises space and resources sufficiently well, which allows children the space to move around without restriction and the ability to play without risk. Children take some responsibility for their own safety. They help to tidy away toys and take an active part in regular fire drills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This childminder safeguards children's welfare. She has a sound understanding of Child Protection, following procedures in order to protect children should the need arise.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 provision is good. Children enjoy and achieve because this childminder provides a wide range of interesting activities for indoor and outdoor play. They look forward to their time at this childminder's. The children are extremely happy and content as they play, relating very well to the childminder. Children can access a wide range of appropriate books. This means that they enjoy stories and learn to handle books with care. They develop their independence as they are able to reach toys and equipment easily. Children develop great imaginations as they access a range of exciting craft activities. They make a 'fantasy castle' with the childminder's own son. Children are proud to show the inspector this creation. Babies are able to access interesting treasure baskets which have been purposely created by the childminder following the

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Birth to three matters training workshop. This means that children become competent learners. Children develop a keen interest in music. They are able to access a good range of musical instruments. This childminder provides musical instruments which are imaginative and unusual. Children smile with delight as they shake the metal whisk which contains a small 'jingle bell'. Children are encouraged to express their creativity and imagination. Children are occupied and stimulated. This childminder provides them with the opportunity for outdoor activities. Children develop their physical skills and enjoy the fresh air as they walk to school and play in the back garden. This childminder spends time talking to the children and is interested in what they have to say. As a result, children are very content.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to make positive contributions because they are valued and respected by this childminder. She is a positive role model who sets clear boundaries for children. This means that children are well behaved and have autonomy within the setting. They are asked for their opinions and are able to select resources and equipment to play with. All children have access to all activities and equipment. They learn to share and be kind to each other, as a result, children are polite, considerate and well mannered. The childminder shows a keen interest in the children. They have high self-esteem and feel very comfortable with this childminder. Children learn about other cultures through a range of resources including books and jigsaws. However, resources reflecting positive images of disability are lacking. This means that children's understanding of disability is not maximised. The children learn

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

about their immediate surroundings. They tell the inspector all about their route to school. This childminder builds positive relationships with parents from the onset. She provides them with detailed information about herself and her policies and procedures. This childminder gathers sound information from parents in relation to their child's likes, dislikes and any other personal characteristics. This enables the

p.4

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 childminder to get to know the children exceptionally well, in order to meet their individual needs. Children feel 'at home' within this setting.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. This childminder organises resources appropriately. As a result, children are relaxed and confident to play and enjoy themselves. Suitable use is made of internal and external resources. This means that children can play without restriction indoors, as well as enjoying a variety of outdoor play experiences. They look forward to their walks to school where they get to know the local community. Routines are based on the individual needs of the children. This assists them in feeling settled and welcome in this setting. The childminder has a fitting understanding of the National Standards and the Birth to three matters framework. This is demonstrated in her everyday practices and procedures. She builds positive relationships with parents; sharing her comprehensive policies and procedures with them. This ensures that parents are kept fully informed of this childminder's sound practices and their child's day with her.

p.5

Organisation

Documentation is kept to a satisfactory standard, organised and up to date. However, there is no system for the recording any complaints should the need arise. Children's details and emergency contact numbers are accurate and sufficiently documented. This allows the childminder to contact parents should an emergency arise. Written agreements are clearly set out and are regularly updated. This reflects a professional approach by this childminder to her role. On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

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 that children are able to access a range of toys and equipment which promote positive images of disability • ensure that there is a system in place for the recording of any complaints.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6