Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY236199 Unique Reference Number 17 August 2006 Inspection date Nighat Ghani 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 has been registered since September 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and two years. They live in Sale, which is an area of Trafford. The whole of the ground floor, first floor bathroom and second bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years and currently there are four children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and well maintained home where the childminder implements satisfactory hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection. For example, her nappy changing routine includes cleaning the mat and washing her hands after each nappy change. Children are becoming aware of good hygiene practices as they wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. However, all the children wash their hands in a sink full of water and use the same towel to dry their hands, which increases the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with healthy and nutritious meals, which contribute to their physical growth and development. They enjoy tasting different tropical fruits, such as star fruit, kiwi and pineapple and happily discuss about the one they enjoyed the most and the one they did not like. Children's health is affected, as the childminder does not have information about children's allergies, likes, dislikes or any special dietary requirements. In the event of a serious accident or illness the childminder acts according to parental wishes, as she has obtained parents' permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Appropriate records of accidents and medication are kept, which contribute towards children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. Regular visits to the park and play in the back garden provides them with an opportunity to benefit from fresh air as well as improve their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe environment. Toys and equipment are plentiful and are of good quality. They are organised to promote children's independence skills and provide them with a broad range of activities and experiences. However, children are not encouraged to tidy away the toys as they go along, thus causing a safety hazard. Resources and play materials are kept clean and in a good state of repair.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder carries out regular risk assessments to ensure children's safety. Safety measures include locks on the kitchen drawers and the cupboards, socket covers, safety gates and fire evacuation procedures, which are practiced with the children. Children learn about keeping safe when they are on outings, because they are given clear boundaries and explanations. They know that they must stay near the childminder walking home from school and as they cross the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected in the childminder's care as she has sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is fully aware of the procedures to follow if she suspected abuse or neglect.

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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 good. Children are good communicators as they confidently ask questions and eagerly chat with the childminder and each other. The childminder listens and values what they say and do, which develops children's self-esteem and confidence. Their learning is extended through her skilful and spontaneous questioning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children benefit from planned activities, such as colouring, baking, fruit tasting, board games, construction and outdoor play in the back garden or visit to the local park. All the activities provided are age appropriate and challenging. Older children enjoy dressing up and acting out funny stories, which develops their imagination. Children's mathematical development is promoted through everyday routines, such as counting the number of steps as they go upstairs to the toilet and how many pieces of fruit they have at snack-time.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very happy, settled and secure. They have good relationships with each other and the childminder as they play together, and benefit from the regular support the childminder provides to enhance their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are confident and happy in the care of their childminder. They have excellent relationships with the childminder, which makes them feel safe and secure in their environment. The childminder encourages children to develop positive attitudes and to be kind to each other by sharing and taking turns. Children are learning independence skills through daily routines, such as moving from one room to another and selecting toys of their own choice. They access an excellent range of resources that reflect positive images, which promotes their awareness of the world around us.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are supported by the childminder. She works in a consistent way ensuring that firm boundaries are in place that are understood by all children of different ages. She makes sure that explanations given to the children are at their level of maturity and understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of children with special needs. The partnerships that are established with parents and other agencies contributes significantly to children's well-being. Information about children's achievements and progress is shared verbally with parents on a regular basis, which promotes continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are well cared for as the childminder makes good use of her time and plans her daily routines, so that children's individual needs are met. She organises her home well to accommodate different activities, which encourages children to become confident in making choices and decisions about where they want to play. This helps them to become independent.

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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 The childminder is reasonably organised, however, she failed to inform Ofsted of a significant event. Although, this is a breach of a regulation, this did not have an impact on the minded children. This situation has since been resolved.

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Organisation

Records and documents are accessible and well organised. However, occasional lapses in the organisation results in gaps, which impinge on health and safety. The childminder holds a current certificate in first aid. This enables her to take appropriate action in case of an accident. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide additional equipment and toys for the older children. Since the last inspection the childminder has purchased additional equipment. As a result, all of the children's needs are well met.

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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): • ensure good hygiene practices are carried out with reference to hand washing • ensure children's allergies, likes, dislikes and any special dietary requirements are obtained from the parents • encourage children to keep their environment safe • inform Ofsted of any significant events.

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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 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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