Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY332117 Unique Reference Number 18 September 2006 Inspection date Julie Firth 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and seven years in Worsley a suburb of Salford. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There are currently two children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects children from the local school. 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 good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They have the opportunity to develop control of their bodies, for example, young children who can sit up unaided are encouraged to reach out for toys developing coordination and are encouraged to learn to walk. A good selection of indoor and outdoor play equipment in the childminder's home and garden foster under threes and older children's physical development. Children also benefit from regular visits to the park and local groups. They are becoming aware of their own needs, such as time for a rest or drink.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are consistently learning the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after playing outside and using the toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination. Stringent nappy routines are carried out as part of the daily routine, which further safeguards children's health. There is an effective sick child policy, which excludes children who are ill from the setting, preventing infections being spread. She has recently undertaken first aid training to enable her to treat injuries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's growth and development is promoted by the provision of healthy meals and snacks. Children are given a choice of homemade foods or meals prepared by parents. She respects parents' wishes when planning menus and works with them to meet the child's individual needs. They have access to drinking water at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a safe and secure environment for children to play in comfort. She has given thought to making areas used by children safe with effective risk assessments in place. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussions with the childminder about road safety on the way to groups, school and the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's independence skills are well fostered as they access a varied range of good quality materials and equipment which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors children's choice of toys and activities to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Care is taken to ensure babies do not have access to toys which may cause them any harm and older children learn to keep small items out of reach. She constantly monitors the baby when she is sleeping upstairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has clear and consistent procedures in place. She has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures that are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children 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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children benefit from familiar routines which help them feel secure. They are happy and enjoy their time with the childminder who takes time to get to know the children in her care. This enables her to successfully meet children's individual needs. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at local groups. She encourages them to talk about their day in school enabling them to become confident in her home. They are developing good language and communication skills through a variety of informal activities. Young children enjoy reading a book with the childminder who confidently asks them questions about the story and asks them to sound out letters they are familiar with.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are engaged in a range of appropriate activities which they clearly enjoy, such as crafts, painting, counting and matching games, jigsaws and baking. Sound and action toys are readily available for exploratory play. The childminder plans her day well to ensure all individual needs and interests are met. She monitors children's development and recording of their progress is in the early stages. The childminder fosters early communication skills by responding to young children's babbling and facial expressions, she is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and this is reflected in her practice. However, there are limited opportunities for young children to experience different textures and natural resources to enhance their sensory development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Young children show an interest in the routine activities of the day. The childminder talks to them about what she is doing and explains their structured day with them. She sets herself as a positive role model and treats all children with individual care and respect. A good settling in policy enables children to become familiar with their surroundings. A sufficient range of toys and future planning of festival celebration allow children to appreciate the diverse society in which they live. The childminder does take time to explain to them that there are some children who have special needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children do learn to share and behave well, with the childminder adopting consistent procedures to manage their behaviour. Children become familiar with their boundaries and respect rules while having fun. Their self-esteem and confidence is fostered as the childminder praises children's efforts and achievements and makes space around her room to display their work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive, close relationship that has developed between the childminder and their parents. The childminder seeks a wealth of information from parents to ensure that she is in a position to offer the best possible care. Effective systems and detailed policies are in place to keep parents informed about the provision and their children's care. The childminder welcomes parents to discuss any concerns they may have.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is committed to improving the quality of care she provides to children, and to support her professional development she keeps up to date with training. She has recently undertaken first aid training.

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Organisation

Children are encouraged to explore opportunities available in clearly defined and well-organised areas in the childminder's home. She spends time with all her children to help them feel safe and secure and support them in their play. There is a clear timetable in place to facilitate taking and collecting children from the local school. She works closely with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met.

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Organisation

A comprehensive range of written policies and procedures are in place which contributes to the safety and well-being of children cared for. Overall, the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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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 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 planning to enable children to access natural materials and tactile experiences.

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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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