Grundy, Helen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY320200 Inspection date 20 June 2006 Inspector Julie Wright

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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 2005 and lives with her adult child. The house is in the Reddish area of Stockport within walking distance of schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor, which includes the through lounge and kitchen is used for childminding. The bathroom is on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently three children on roll, aged one and two years, who attend on a part or full time basis.

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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 The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Accurate records of accident and medication details are kept to promote the health and safety of children. Suitable procedures are in place regarding medication, however, consent to seek emergency treatment is required. The sickness policy is discussed with parents. Suitable exclusions for specific illnesses prevent the risk of infection for other children. Health and hygiene practice is appropriate and effective to ensure that children are cared for in a clean environment. Children become aware of hygiene routines as they learn to wash or wipe their hands. Children enjoy regular outings to parks, indoor play areas and also benefit from fresh air when they play in the garden. They develop physical skills and coordination as they use age-appropriate outdoor toys which promote their development. Children are well nourished and hydrated through the arrangements made to provide

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Helping children to be healthy

food and drink. Their individual dietary requirements are met, discussed with parents and recorded. The childminder encourages children to try new tastes and textures in foods and keeps their drinks accessible. Children enjoy the opportunity to have picnic lunches and develop independent skills as they open their own lunch boxes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe and well cared for in warm and welcoming premises. The home is secure and all areas are maintained in a clean and suitable condition. Space is used effectively to meet the needs of children and to promote their development. Children move around with confidence as they explore and play. They are comfortable and show interest in their environment. Resources are sufficiently varied and currently suit the children aged from birth to four years. Toys are well maintained and suitably organised so that children can reach them and make choices. Children are safe in the home as the childminder effectively minimises the risk of hazards and takes appropriate steps to prevent accidents. The required fire safety equipment is in place and an emergency evacuation plan is practised with children. Suitable arrangements are made for outings and children are well supervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Child welfare is safeguarded through a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues. The childminder has relevant, up to date information on the procedures. She discusses her responsibilities to protect children with parents during introductory visits.

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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 have friendly, affectionate relationships with the childminder and each other. They benefit from an age-appropriate range of activities to stimulate and promote their overall development. They enjoy some creative play, for example, making hand and foot prints with paints, however, other sensory play opportunities are limited. The childminder plans consistent routines which help the children feel secure. They regularly go out in the morning to toddler groups where they develop social skills and confidence. Children are secure in the care of the childminder. She sits on the floor with them to ensure positive interactions and to support their learning. They confidently select resources, such as shape sorters and jig-saws, and are encouraged in their play. Language development is promoted as the childminder plays music and children begin to learn songs. They enjoy looking at the books and learn how to use them

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

appropriately. Children are happy and make sound progress in the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop positive attitudes as they learn to share and are encouraged to be kind. The childminder promotes equal opportunities and provides children with sufficient choice and access to resources. Children take part in some activities which help to develop awareness of difference and similarity in people and places. However, resources which reflect positive images of diversity are limited. Children's individual routines and needs are known and met well by the childminder. Children respond well to the consistent approach in behaviour management. The childminder has a clear awareness of the children's understanding and sets suitable boundaries and expectations for them. She promotes good behaviour and children develop self-esteem through praise and positive attention. The childminder has good working relationships with parents. Effective procedures are in place to help children settle in and feel secure. Regular discussions with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents ensure that the care consistently meets their requirements for the children. A daily diary provides parents with information on their child's activities and routines.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and stimulated in the home. The childminder provides well organised care arrangements and plans suitable routines for the children. The appropriate range of activities meets the varied needs of children and helps them make progress. Space is clearly organised and used effectively to meet individual requirements of the children. The childminder organises time well to give children appropriate support and attention in their activities.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Records and documentation are clearly organised in suitable order to promote continuity of care for children. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the National Standards and meets the requirements of registration. She plans to develop her childcare practice and has relevant information on training from Sure Start. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop the range of resources for children, include sensory play materials and provide positive images of diversity • obtain written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

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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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