Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY264029 Unique Reference Number 26 July 2006 Inspection date Sue Anslow Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 was registered in 1997. He lives with his wife, also a registered childminder and their two children aged 14 and 11 years. The family live in Macclesfield. The whole ground floor and one bedroom for sleeping babies, is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed front and rear garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and together with his wife, is currently minding four children under five years and four children over five years. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and attends the local childminder's support group. The family have three cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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's physical, nutritional and health needs are met well because the childminder follows good procedures and practices. Children learn about their health and good hygiene practices through daily routines and explanations from the childminder, who actively involves the children in discussions about the reasons for washing hands after using the toilet and applying sun screen in hot weather. Children's physical development is promoted extremely well through a variety of sports activities in the garden and in local parks. The swing frame and adult sized trampoline for the older children and smaller climbing frame for younger children, help develop skills, agility and control.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy food and its effects on the body because the childminder involves them in growing, preparing and cooking food. They grow tomatoes and cucumbers in the garden, then pick them to put in a sandwich or on a pizza for tea. Children are encouraged to bring back interesting pebbles or shells from their holidays, rather than sticks of rock, which reinforces the healthy eating programme. Children are provided with drinks of diluted juice with their meals and extra drinks are supplied in hot weather. However, drinks of water are not freely accessible for children to help themselves to, which limits their independence in this area. The childminder has an excellent understanding of children's individual dietary needs, gained in consultation with parents. This ensures each child's individual needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Close supervision and constant vigilance ensures risks of accidents are minimised. All play areas are risk assessed and equipment is kept clean and checked regularly for safety. The childminder has an excellent understanding of providing a balance between freedom of choice and movement and protecting children's safety. For example, toys with small pieces are put on high shelves and coloured stickers are put at child height on the glass patio doors to prevent collisions. Children are kept extremely safe on outings because the childminder has excellent procedures in place for the children's protection. A book containing children's details is taken along, together with a mobile phone and first aid kit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Excellent use is made of good quality toys and play materials, appropriate to the children's ages and stage of development. This enhances their learning and enjoyment as well as protecting their health and safety. Excellent use is made of natural play materials such as sand, water, dough and things they find on their walks which are used in art and craft activities. The superbly warm, welcoming and interesting environment, with toys and equipment easily accessible provides children with independence, choice and excitement. Children's enjoyment and delight in the various activities undertaken is evident from art work and photographs displayed in the kitchen. Posters showing letters, numbers, colours and shapes inspire children to copy what they see in their drawings, counting games and early writing attempts.

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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 The children's welfare is extremely well protected by the childminder who has attended child protection training courses and is fully aware of his role and responsibility towards children in his care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy the broad range of exciting and stimulating activities provided by the childminder. Teaching and learning is of a consistently high standard as children are encouraged to use their imaginations and curiosity as they find out about the world around them. For example, drawing pictures of fish they see in the local aquarium shop and visiting the red squirrel sanctuary in Formby. Plans for the day remain flexible and spontaneous so children's choices and ideas can be followed and extended. Local road works prompt a visit to watch the machinery from a safe distance and a routine call from a fire officer produced a visit from the fire engine and a talk about putting out fires. Children's needs at various ages are extremely well met, with the childminder providing a fun and challenging environment, promoting effective learning. Children are actively involved in growing tomatoes and cucumbers

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

for their meals, choosing their own sandwich fillings and watching jelly cubes melt in hot water. They learn about the world around them through books, maps and visits to such places as the airport and local farms. The childminder's enthusiasm excites and stimulates the children to be creative with construction kits, paint and cardboard, making a pirate ship and dressing up appropriately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are extremely confident and self assured because of the close and caring relationship they have with the childminder. They are supervised, supported and encouraged with lots of praise and enthusiasm, making each day exciting and interesting. Efforts, achievements and kindness to others are praised and encouraged. Actively involving the children in the care of family pets and welcoming the new baby into the group promotes an excellent understanding of times when they need to be gentle or quiet, showing care and kindness to others. The childminder has an excellent understanding of each child's interests, preferences and personality, which ensures the range of activities suit individual needs and enhance development in all areas. Activities are linked together to enhance interest and learning. For example, looking at books about fish, visiting the local aquarium shop, then drawing pictures of the different shapes

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and colours of each fish. Seeing squirrels in the park leads to all sorts of research about squirrels, culminating in a trip to see red squirrels in their natural surroundings. Physical and social development is promoted extremely well through visits to local play facilities where children meet other adults and children enjoying the same activities. Regular library visits to read books or listen to stories promotes children's enjoyment, excitement and interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals. They demonstrate a caring attitude to others and gain a good understanding of the world around them through various activities both at home and on outings. An excellent range of toys and books reflecting images of diversity, encourage children's learning in this area. Musical instruments from Africa and Chinese cooking utensils

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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 help children learn about different cultures and traditions. Children's welfare is promoted well because the childminder liaises closely with parents on any issues of concern or particular requirements. Children with special needs are welcomed and integrated into the home environment. They join in with all the games and activities to the level of their ability, promoting their all round development and self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well, responding to the positive role modelling of the childminder and lots of praise and encouragement. Care of animals and children younger than themselves instils a sense of respect and nurturing. An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to the children's well being. Parents are invited to spend as long as they wish settling new children into the routine and verbal exchanges of information ensures continuity of care and contributes to the children's progress and enjoyment. Written policies and procedures ensure parents are aware of the service provided and any changes or events at home are discussed so the childminder is able to support children's questions or behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the well organised and friendly learning environment. The home and garden provide a bright, warm, welcoming space for play with easy access to a wealth of toys and materials. The childminder is skilled and knowledgeable about child care issues and keeps himself up to date by attending a variety of relevant courses and workshops. He has completed the three childminding courses along with such things as food hygiene, arts and crafts and Birth to three matters.

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Organisation

Well kept records and relevant documentation are kept up to date and reviewed regularly. A set of comprehensive policies and procedures inform good practice and are shared with all parents. These ensure children's health, safety and progress are well promoted and managed. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder agreed to bring documentation up to date, which has now been done. This enhances the support and management of good childcare.

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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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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

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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): • ensure drinks, including water, are accessible to children at all times.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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