Inspection report for early years provision Unique Reference Number EY300466 Inspection date 13 May 2005 Inspector Wendy Fitton Type of inspection Type of care Childcare Childminding
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. 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. THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection: The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT? The childminder registered in February 2005. She lives in a terraced property in the Clayton-Le-Moors area of Accrington in Lancashire. She lives with her husband and two children who are 10 and three years old. She is currently minding one child under one year on a full time basis. She is registered to provide overnight care for a maximum of two children under eight years and a maximum of five children at any one time.
Children have access to a through lounge, with specific play space. The bathroom is upstairs and there are two bedrooms for sleeping arrangements. Children do not have access to the rear outdoor area. The children participate in activities outside the home, local toddler groups, activity gyms and access the local amenities. The childminder has completed the childminder training workshops. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION Helping children to be healthy Children's health needs are met because the childminder follows a routine, that meets their individual needs. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their respective needs thus promoting their physical growth. Children learn about simple hygiene practices, washing hands after food and nappy changing. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate hygiene procedures. They have individual bedding and carpets and work surfaces are clean. Children can play safely on the floor. Toys and equipment are wiped and sterilised regularly Children are protected when they are ill. There are sickness procedures in place. Parents are asked to collect their children to prevent risk of infection to others. Children are provided with regular drinks and food, this is in partnership with parents to meet any special dietary requirements. The baby is still bottle feeding and so parents are providing food, this is stored safely in the fridge and individually, to protect from bacteria. Children enjoy physical activity, both inside and outside the home environment. For example, the baby enjoyed rolling on the floor, trying to get on his knees to start to crawl, this supports physical development. Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe Children are cared for in a safe, satisfactory environment, where there is access to all necessary facilities to aid their overall development. Safety equipment is in place, this includes, gates, socket covers, fire blanket, smoke alarms and so children are not exposed to hazards. However the childminder has yet to organise her insurance documents for the home and vehicle. Children are safe in the home environment due to the childminder giving attention to security of the exits, the removal and protection of low glass and two fixed fireguards. Areas are clean and there is plenty of floor space for children to play comfortably and safely, promoting their independence.
Children enjoy outdoor opportunities. This is away from the premises at local parks, toddler groups and activity centres. These excursions develop children's physical and social skills. Children are protected because the childminder has knowledge of child protection procedures and has completed some training. Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do Children receive lots of cuddles and develop a strong bond with the childminder, increasing their sense of belonging and security. Children play happily with adults, enjoying the use of resources that are accessible. Children are encouraged and supported to move around and explore. This helps children to feel good about themselves, particularly when praised and verbally rewarded. Children learn to become confident and vocal, when the childminder echoes the sounds that they make. Children's social skills are enhanced, through visits to local groups to meet other children. Children learn a sense of achievement, particularly with the baby who was reaching, rolling and grabbing toys. Children develop their listening skills and pay attention to what others do and say. For example, the baby was responding to the childminder, when she was playing on the floor, showing him the book and offering him toys and rattles. Helping children make a positive contribution Children gain confidence as they are supported to try out new things. The baby was rolling over onto his knees and starting to crawl, reaching for toys and helped in starting to sit up alone. Children learn to communicate and express their feelings, when the childminder is fully attentive and listening. The baby became tired, but also wanted to stand on his legs, rather than lie down on the floor. He let the childminder know this through use of his voice developing his confidence. Children are treated with equal concern and individual needs are met and known to the childminder. She has individual records sheets, to ensure that all children's needs are known. Children do not have sufficient opportunities or resources to develop an awareness of the world around them. There are some dolls and books, but the childminder is aware that she needs to develop this area. Children gain self assurance through close relationships. Children enjoy close contact during bottle feeding and cuddle time. Children acquire good levels of confidence as they are valued and encouraged, when the childminder said clever boy, good boy and clapped hands. The baby showed he was settled and secure with
the childminder. Children's needs are met through effective working relationships with parents. There is daily discussion with parents to ensure individual care routines are met. Organisation The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities and procedures to follow. Adult to child ratios currently supports children's needs, one to one care is in place at present. Children can become independent as the areas of play are organised, with plenty of free floor space. Children benefit from the childminders active involvement in the local community groups. The childminder has shown some commitment to pursuing her First Aid training and broadening her knowledge and organisational procedures, with support from the development workers. Documentation is limited and does not contribute to the safe efficient management of the provision. There are no records of accidents, medication or attendance and insurance documents were not in place. She has started to develop some procedures to hand out to parents. Documentation is stored securely and is inaccessible to others. Overall the provision satisfactorily meets the needs of the children attending. Improvements since the last inspection Not applicable Complaints since the last inspection There are no complaints to report THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection: The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?
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 organisational policies and procedures increase resources to reflect diversity pursue First Aid training provide written proof that there is Public Liability Insurance in place provide written proof that the vehicle is insured for business use ensure that all accidents, attendance and medication records are in place Any complaints about the inspection or the report should be made following the 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