Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY332423 Unique Reference Number 18 September 2006 Inspection date Julie Wright 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 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10, six years and 10 months in the Stockport area. Schools, shops, a library and parks are within walking distance. The rooms used for childminding include a lounge, dining area and kitchen. The bathroom is upstairs and an enclosed back garden is available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for up to three children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll who attend for a variety of sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children are taken, with parental permission, to local amenities such as the park, library, toddler groups and to other places of interest. The childminder 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. Suitable procedures are in place to record accident and medication details, which promote the health and safety of children. However, child welfare is compromised as written consent to seek emergency medical treatment is not sought. The sickness policy is discussed with parents and suitable exclusion periods are applied to prevent the risk of infection. Health and hygiene practice is satisfactory and children learn appropriate routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular outings to parks and develop competence on the equipment. They benefit from fresh air as they often play in the garden. They use a selection of age-appropriate outdoor toys which promote their physical development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are effectively met through the arrangements made for meals and drinks. The childminder discusses individual needs with parents and demonstrates awareness of healthy foods.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are familiar with the environment and move around with confidence. The premises are reasonably safe, with most hazards minimised. Security for children is compromised at times with the front door left unlocked or keys accessible to children. Space is used appropriately to meet the needs of the children. The childminder provides suitable activities, such as creative play at the table or games on the floor to promote general child development. Resources are sufficiently varied and currently suit the ages of children attending. Toys are suitably organised and accessible so that children can make choices. The toy library is used regularly to provide additional interest for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The required fire safety equipment is in place and there is an emergency evacuation plan, however, fire safety is compromised as this is not practised with children. Suitable arrangements are made for outings and children are allowed to play at the front of the house under supervision. Safety measures include use of a fire guard, stair gates and socket covers. The rear garden gate has been secured, however, some children can now reach or climb to open it.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Child welfare is safeguarded through a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues. The childminder has relevant information on the procedures and the appropriate contact numbers. She uses a child protection statement to inform parents of her responsibilities to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have warm relationships with the childminder and learn to socialise with each other. They benefit from a sufficient range of activities, which promote their general development.

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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 Planning is informal as the childminder selects some activities and the children choose others. They particularly enjoy outdoor play and are often in the garden or on an outing. Creative play includes use of a variety of materials for children to experience. The childminder encourages language development as children play. They develop communication skills and confidently express their needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are settled and familiar with the care and environment. They have positive interactions with the childminder and enjoy her attention. They play independently with some resources and benefit from support with others. For example, children need help with jigsaws and games. They use outdoor toys with enthusiasm, riding bikes and playing with sand. Children are generally well stimulated and make progress in the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn to share and to be kind towards each other. They have equal access to resources, some of which reflect diversity. The toys provide some positive images of difference but do not include disability. Children's individual routines and needs are known and appropriately met by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to the childminder's positive approach to behaviour management. She provides suitable boundaries and clear explanations, which they understand. For example, they learn to be careful and not to run around. Children develop self-esteem as they are praised and encouraged in their efforts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes positive working relationships with parents. Appropriate procedures are in place to help children settle in and feel secure. The childminder provides some information on a complaints policy for parents, however, there is not a procedure in place to record complaints made. The childminder and parents have regular discussions to ensure that the care is consistent for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and generally well cared for in the home. The childminder provides reasonably well organised care and plans suitable routines for the children. There are sufficient activities to meet the needs of the children who currently attend, which promote their general development. Space is used appropriately and effectively to meet the individual requirements of children.

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Organisation

Records and documentation are adequately maintained, with sufficient details to contribute to the health and welfare of children. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the National Standards and is aware of the requirements of registration. She has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice course, however, she does not yet have a first aid qualification. 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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. 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): • devise an emergency medical action plan and request written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • complete an approved first aid course, which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • develop the range of resources and ensure that they include positive images of disability • develop the complaints policy for parents and devise a procedure to keep a record of complaints • undertake regular risk assessments to improve safety for children, ensure that keys are not accessible to them and practise the emergency evacuation plan.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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