Atkins, Diane

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

502381 Unique Reference Number 30 August 2006 Inspection date Barbara Law Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2001. She runs her business from her home in the Whitefield area of Bury. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, and their daughter. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding activities. Toilet and bathroom facilities are upstairs. There are secure gardens available for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The registration is for four children when minding alone, nine when working with another minder. Currently, there are 15 children on roll. This registration does not include overnight care.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a good quality environment where the childminder places a consistently high emphasis on keeping the home and equipment clean and hygienic. Children are learning to take care of themselves and understand the importance of good hygiene routines. They are given enthusiastic praise when they respond to their own needs, such as toileting and hand washing. They stay healthy because the childminder has a sick children and exclusion policy and good procedures, such as individual towels, tooth brushes, nappy changing mats and equipment, to prevent cross-infection.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from highly effective planning and routines which provide for plenty of fresh air and exercise which contributes to their good health. They have access to varied and imaginative daily outdoor activities which include walks to the field and the park. Their physical development is further promoted through access to a variety of local activity centres.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to make choices about healthy snacks and are confident about choosing to eat when they are hungry. They have access to healthy options, such as fresh fruits, yogurt and savoury snacks. Drinking water is available at all times promoting a healthy lifestyle.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a spacious, clean, comfortable and well maintained household.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is given high priority in a very safe, secure and welcoming environment. They are closely and safely supervised and understand and respect safe boundaries. Children move freely and confidently between rooms to select from a wealth of varied and imaginative toys and resources. All equipment is of good quality, age appropriate and safe. Resources are very well organised to allow children to make independent choices about their play and improve their confidence and independence skills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

They practise emergency escape procedures with the childminder. They learn about personal safety, such as responsible road safety behaviour when out walking and discussion about 'stranger danger'.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures and shares information with parents. A record is maintained of all accidents and incidents that occur whilst children are at the provision, however, there is not a record of any injuries children may arrive with from elsewhere.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. Children are confident and self- assured as they freely move around. Children's independence skills and self-sufficiency are developed through easily accessible resources and equipment.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's individual needs are met very well through the childminder's knowledge of child development and the children in her care. She has attended training on the 'Birth to three matters framework'. She is skilled in offering reassurance, developing children's play and in recognising their immediate needs, such as providing quiet times when they are tired.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's enjoyment is enhanced by an excellent variety of toys and resources. They experience a wide variety of activities and experiences, such as construction, books, imaginative play and visits to local places of interest. Their language and communication skills are developed as they are stimulated in discussion and through skilful questioning about their play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are enthusiastically learning about the world around them and are actively encouraged to value people and themselves as individuals. They enjoy a wide range of interesting books and activities to develop their awareness of other people’s cultures, traditions and the wider world. Their cultural and individual needs are fully discussed with parents and are confidently met by the childminder.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has with parents. Their needs are promoted through good systems being in place for sharing information. The childminder gives daily feedback to parents and keeps a progress file of children's development, which is available to parents at all times.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder speaks positively to the children at all times and works hard at building their self- esteem. Their social skills and respect for people and property are developed through the use of good manners, tidying up and encouragement in simple chores. Children are encouraged to share and taught to respect each other. Their efforts and participation are rewarded by constant praise and encouragement from the childminder.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The effective routines and very well planned activities enable children to be confident and happy in their play. They benefit from an excellent range of indoor and outdoor experiences giving them a varied and interesting day. Children actively contribute to their care by making decisions on when they would like to eat their snacks, have a drink and choosing what to play with.

p.4

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 Children's freedom of choice is enhanced by a well organised and set out environment. Children move comfortably between activities, making selections and gaining confidence and independence skills.

p.4

Organisation

Children benefit from the care of a highly motivated and well organised childminder. In the main, documentation and record keeping is very effective. Information, written and verbal, is shared with parents. Children are protected from harm by the childminder's constant vigilance and supervision. She is trained in first aid and her service is greatly enhanced by her interest in accessing and completing further training and personal development opportunities. She regularly reflects on, monitors and improves the quality of the care that she offers as part of her own personal development.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve safety features in the home and garden. These recommendations have been carried out ensuring that children are cared for in a safer environment.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • maintain a record of pre existing injuries.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5