Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY245239 Unique Reference Number 06 October 2006 Inspection date Judith Anne Kerr 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 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband, who also works as her assistant, and one child aged eight years. They live in the Pilsworth area of Bury. The lounge, kitchen and bathroom of the childminder's apartment are used for childminding. Children are taken to the park for outside play. Facilities within walking distance from the house include a primary school, toddler group and a library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and well maintained home. They learn the importance of hygiene and personal care as they talk about the need to wash their hands after using the toilet to wash away the germs. The worktops in the kitchen and eating area are continually wiped

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 down in order to minimise the risks of cross infection. Children's medical and dietary needs are recorded and the childminder understands the issues surrounding the safe storage and administration of medication. The childminder has a current first aid certificate so she understands what to do in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. Regular walks from school promote healthy exercise for children and encourage them to understand how this helps them to stay healthy. Visits to the local park provide opportunities for physical play and allow children to gain confidence and learn how to use their bodies in different ways as they play. The slide and climbing frame are particular favourites as they provide challenges and encourage the children to gain new skills in climbing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet from the choice of healthy and nutritious home cooked meals and snacks available to them. This is further promoted by regular discussions with the children, such as a satsuma looking like sunshine when arranged on a plate in a circle. The childminder is aware of the need to consider parents' wishes when providing food for the children in her care. Children's individual dietary needs are discussed and agreed on admission. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks. They either help themselves or ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well maintained home where they and their parents are warmly welcomed. They can move around confidently and freely, they are well supervised. The childminder caries out regular risk assessments on the premises, toys and equipment to ensure safety is maintained. However, children are exposed to risks as the boiler in the kitchen and the lock on the bathroom door are accessible. The children are beginning to learn about how to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about dangers within the home and during outings. Walking home from school the childminder talks to the children about road safety, ensures they hold her hand and has highly visible jackets for them to wear. As a result they have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a good range of resources available to meet the needs of the children. Toys and equipment are clean, well maintained and comply with safety standards. Resources are effectively organised to promote choice and independence, this stimulates children's play and learning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection issues. In the event she has concerns about a child in her care, she will record her observations in a confidential manner and follow local procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable, happy and relaxed in the childminder's home. They laugh and talk together as they share experiences and this helps develop warm and caring relationships between them. Children are given appropriate attention as the childminder is aware of their needs. She gives them support when needed, such as when they are unable to secure small pieces of the flag together. She then sits on the floor talking and discussing what they are doing as they build the garage. The children are encouraged to count how many flags and compare what they are building and whether it is the same as the picture on the box. She talks about the size of

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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 different pieces saying 'is it smaller, will it fit?' This motivates the children and keeps them interested in the challenging age appropriate activity. At the same time they are developing concepts of size, shape and colour.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop independence as they freely make choices about how they wish to spend their time. They enjoy each other's company and form strong friendships. The children enjoy the planned activities and then sit on the floor playing with a collection of cars. They confidently talk about their favourite cars, the colours and the sound the police car makes. The childminder asks 'who drives round in one of these?' and is told it is 'a naughty man'. They confidently choose their own book and snuggle on the childminder's knee for her to read the story 'Fun Phones'. As she reads, she points to the words and involves the children by encouraging them to make the phone ring at the appropriate time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder values each child in her care and treats them with equal respect. Children's individual needs are discussed during the admission process. The childminder raises children's awareness of the wider world through naturally occurring discussions, such as 'why is that person fat?' She calmly explains we are all different and equally important. Resources that reflect equality of opportunity, such as books and dolls, are provided. All the children access the resources equally. The childminder has a positive attitude towards caring for children with special needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed well. The childminder distracts very young children away from unwanted behaviour. She ignores tantrums unless they pose a danger to the child or others and provides age appropriate explanations to older children. She recognises the need to encourage children to be kind and respectful to each other, sharing and taking turns as they play. As a result the children are polite and behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder establishes open and friendly relationships with parents. She provides parents with verbal feedback at the end of the day and warmly welcomes them into her home; such practices promote security and consistency in children's lives. However, the childminder does not maintain all the required records to ensure consistency of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have the opportunity of benefiting from an organised environment, where they receive the appropriate adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder is committed to improving her practices and is considering enhancing her professional development by attending some short courses offered by Sure Start. The childminder recognises her responsibility to supervise children at all times, ensuring that they are never left alone with persons who have not been vetted.

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Organisation

Most documents relating to the continuity of care of the children are in place and organised to respect confidentiality. However, there are some omissions. Children's dates of birth and the home address of one child are not recorded. This is a breach of regulations. The childminder does not maintain a complaints log and this is a breach of regulations.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to complete an appropriate first aid course, provide play materials which reflect diversity and ensure all persons in the household are suitably vetted.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All adults in the household have been vetted and the childminder holds an appropriate current first aid certificate. As a result, children's safety is promoted. Additional resources are available to increase children's understanding of the wider world, such as jigsaws, dolls and books.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • minimise risks to children relating to the boiler and the lock on the bathroom door • ensure children's records contain full details, maintain a record of all complaints and share appropriate information from that record with parents on request.

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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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