Childminder in TamesideOfsted inspection, 15 Jun 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319428 Inspection date 15 June 2006 Inspector Shirley Leigh Monks-Meagher

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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 January 2006. She lives with her partner and their young son in the Droylsden area of Tameside. The family have a pet dog. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding purposes and toilet facilities are located on the first floor. A secure rear decking area is used for outdoor play and activities. There is currently one child on the register, who attends full-time. Children are taken to local facilities, such as the library, park and toddler groups.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, through toilet routines, such as wiping and flushing. Children's good understanding of why they wash their hands before handling food, after the toilet and after stroking the dog reduces cross-contamination. An effective sickness and exclusion policy protects children from illness and up-to-date first aid training ensures that children receive appropriate care in the event of an accident. The childminder's ability to maintain clear documentation relating to medication and the recording of injuries and accidents safeguards children's welfare. Children enjoy regular physical activity. They play in the childminder's safe and secure rear garden and walk regularly to local facilities, such as pre-school, twice a day. The use of large equipment, such as swings, slides and climbing apparatus

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Helping children to be healthy

helps the children to develop strength and coordination. Children are learning about the benefits of a healthy diet. Nutritious, home-made meals and snacks promote their growth and development. Children are able to make healthy lifestyle choices and describe their favourite foods as apples, pasta and broccoli. They eat a balanced diet and drink water to keep themselves refreshed and hydrated. Children's dietary requirements are well met because the childminder works closely with parents, sharing information relating to her healthy eating policy and gathering information about children's individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from having ample, well-organised space. They play comfortably, choosing from the variety of activities that are organised in various areas of the home. For example, they enjoy stories, construction toys and a painting activity indoors, then make patterns in the sand and fill and pour in the water play on the outdoor decking area. The environment is warm, welcoming and child orientated, providing children with a sense of belonging. A wide range of good quality, age-appropriate toys and resources are kept clean and well maintained, minimising risks to children. Children independently select activities and resources safely. Children are safe and secure. The childminder maintains safety both indoors and out because she consistently identifies and minimises risks. Children are developing a keen awareness of how to keep themselves safe. Routine activities, explanations

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and discussion reinforce children's understanding. For example, they know that they must not touch the oven because it gets hot, to apply sun cream and wear a hat when outdoors to protect their skin, and to hold on and walk slowly when using the staircase. The childminder's secure knowledge of the Local Safeguarding Children's Board

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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 procedures promotes children's welfare and safety. She clearly understands her responsibilities with regard to keeping children safe from harm and neglect, and has all the required procedures and documents in place; this includes a written policy, which she shares with parents. Children's welfare is fully safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. They relate to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at local groups and facilities. Children are developing independence and progress well; they choose from a variety of activities, toys and books which appeal to all. On many occasions the children lead and develop their own play. The children spend their time purposefully. Children's play is well supported by a childminder who gets down to the children's level and plays with them. A range of activities contribute to the children's development; for example, children develop a good understanding of number and use their knowledge spontaneously during play. They count the spades in the sandpit, group them by colour and count how many in each group. They begin to recognise and name colours and shapes when painting,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

assembling models and completing a variety of jigsaws. Children's language is well developed because the childminder gives high priority to discussion during play and general conversation throughout the day. Children listen and respond to rhymes, songs and stories. They enjoy the experiences of mark-making, reading and solving simple problems. They learn about their community and the wider world when taking a bus to the park and visiting the garden centre and pet shop. Children confidently use their imaginations; they dress up, imitate the adult world when playing with dolls, and a garage and cars, and freely express their creativity through artwork. The childminder has a good understanding of child development, but acknowledges she is less certain of how this knowledge links to the aspects and approach of the Birth to three matters framework guidance to help support children in their earliest years.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed and play a full part in the setting because the childminder values and respects the individuality of each child. The children enjoy opportunities to learn about themselves and the local community. They are exposed to different cultures through activities and celebrations like Easter and Ramadan, and through a wealth of toys and equipment showing positive images of people in society and the wider world, such as play-people, dolls, jigsaws, dressing-up clothes and good quality books, which also challenge stereotypes. This increases the children's understanding of the wider world.

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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 The childminder speaks positively to children, effectively using encouragement to support their efforts and foster their independence. Effort and achievement is celebrated, and as a result, children are confident and developing a positive self-image. The childminder consistently supports children to understand and maintain simple rules, such as sharing and taking turns. This enables them to reflect on their actions and develop their understanding of right and wrong. Professional partnerships with parents contribute significantly to children's well-being in the setting. Parents are kept fully informed of the child's progress. The childminder actively seeks parents' views about their child's needs and interests prior to the child starting at the setting, and on a regular basis throughout their time there. Effective

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Helping children make a positive contribution

systems are used to share information relating to the setting, policies and procedures, including a comprehensive portfolio and photographs. These steps ensure effective continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home within the well organised, child-friendly environment. Indoor and outdoor space and local facilities are used effectively to maximise play opportunities and experiences for children. Toys, equipment and resources are easily accessible to all of the children, who are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning as a result. Children enjoy their time at the childminders and participate fully. The childminder is well qualified and well organised and provides children with consistent routines. She organises regular visits to local facilities, which interest children and where they have fun. Children are happy, secure and widen their social circle. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They have been updated to reflect recent changes to regulations with the exception of setting-up a system to log any written complaints, should the

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Organisation

need arise. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the 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

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 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): • further develop knowledge of children's development in line with the aspects and approach described in the DfES publication, Birth to three matters: a framework to support children in their earliest years • set-up a system to record any complaints, action taken and outcome and make it available to parents upon request.

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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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