Myles, Wendy

Inspection report for early years provision

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318218 Unique Reference Number 21 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 1991. She lives with her adult daughter. They live in Stretford, which is an area of Trafford. The playroom, kitchen, upstairs bedroom and the bathroom 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 six children under eight years and currently there are five 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. The family has two dogs. 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 warm and clean home where the childminder generally implements satisfactory hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection. Good hygiene practice is followed during toilet training, which includes washing hands and close supervision. Suitable procedures are followed by the childminder to protect the children from illness and infection. However, the childminder has not obtained parents permission to seek emergency treatment or advice, consequently in the event of serious accident or illness, the childminder may not act according to parents wishes. Children's health is not met as they are not encouraged to wish their hands before they have their snack.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with nutritious food, which encourages them to make healthy choices at snack time. Older children independently access fresh drinking water to refresh themselves, while younger ones are offered frequent drinks during the course of the day. Children of all ages benefit from a relaxed social atmosphere during meal times as they sit around the table and take their own time to finish their meal.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. Outdoor play in the back yard and regular visits to the park improves children's physical skills. As they play outside they climb, run, kick and slide, helping them to gain control of their bodies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments to ensure children's safety. However the banisters remain a safety hazard to the children. The childminder has devised an emergency evacuation plan and children know what to do in case of an emergency. She is vigilant in checking that the toys are safe and suitable for the ages and stages of development of children in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children feel comfortable in a warm, clean and well presented environment. They use a range of developmentally appropriate resources, which encompass all areas of their development. Toys are in excellent condition and easily accessible, which promotes children's choice and develop their independence. Space and furniture are well organised to allow children to move around safely and play in comfort.

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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 suspects 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 happy and settled in their environment. They take part in developmentally appropriate play and learning experiences both indoors and outdoors. Children are confident and independent as they move around freely choosing activities, which appeal to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are warm and caring towards each other, as they happily interact, take turns and share resources with each other. They have an excellent relationship with their childminder who offers them appropriate support and guidance as they take part in different activities. For example, when playing board games she supports the younger children to make right decisions to win the game. She extends children's vocabulary by introducing words, such as longest, shortest and highest as children build with the bricks. Regular visits to the local groups give children the opportunity to play with different equipment and mix with other children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy taking part in physical activities in the back yard and the local park, such as riding their bikes, climbing on the slide and playing with balls, which promotes their large motor skills. They enthusiastically participate in creative and imaginative activities, such as painting and drawing, which enables then to express themselves freely.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs discussed with parents. The childminder ensures all children can take part in activities, which meet their needs and abilities. Children are developing some understanding of different cultures and religion through activities and discussion. However, there are few resources that reflect positive images, which limit children's understanding of the world around us.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and have a good understanding of acceptable behaviour, due to clear boundaries and expectations given to help them learn right from wrong. They share and take turns when playing. Children have good relationships with each other, which makes them feel safe and secure in their environment. Older children support younger ones when building with the bricks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's care is enhanced by the effective partnerships that the childminder has with parents. Warm and friendly relationships are formed, where parent’s views are sought and respected. The childminder gives feedback to the parents at the end of each day, which promotes continuity of care. Parents are encouraged to stay with their children for as long as they wish during settle in period. This helps them to become familiar with the childminder and the surroundings at their own pace.

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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

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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 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

Most of the required documentation, which contributes to children's well-being are in place, accessible and shared with parents. 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.

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Organisation

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

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that the last entry in the accident record book is signed by a parent. Since the last inspection all the accidents recorded have been signed by the parents. This has contributed to enhancing children's health.

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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 • obtain parental permission to seek emergency treatment or advice • make the banisters safe • increase resources that reflect equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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