Howman, Cecilia Ruth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296072 Inspection date 12 May 2005 Inspector David Corcoran

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 2004 and lives with her husband and daughter, aged under five years, in a house in a residential area of Knutsford. Areas of the home used for childminding purposes are: lounge, kitchen, dining room, downstairs toilet, bathroom and two bedrooms. The rear garden is used to provide outdoor play. There are currently two children on roll, both of whom attend on a part time basis.

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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 Family pets consist of a cat and chickens. The childminder uses local parent/toddler and childminding groups and is able to offer a service for children attending local schools and Bexton Pre-school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children stay very healthy because the childminder has an excellent awareness of hygiene matters, using proprietary substances to keep their environment germ free. She makes sure she knows each child's health and physical needs because there is very good communication with parents. Babies are extremely well cared for, because the childminder is very attentive to their development, physical well-being and comfort. They rest and sleep according to their needs. Children benefit greatly from a wide range of physical activities which contribute to their good health. Activities stimulate babies’ mobility, physical skills and control of their bodies, for example, encouraging them to move towards, reach out for and hold different objects. Older children use large active play equipment when in the garden or at the park. Children have daily exercise, going for walks and trips to outdoor play

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Helping children to be healthy

areas. Children are very well cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care, for example washing hands after playing outside or using the toilet. They learn about keeping clean and how to avoid the risk of infection. Children are very well nourished because the childminder has an excellent understanding of nutrition. She prepares meals freshly each day, such as cauliflower cheese and spaghetti bolognese. Children's awareness of the need to eat healthily is strongly promoted, for example, by introducing them to different finger foods, such as carrot and pepper sticks and providing fresh vegetables, fruits and salads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, well-maintained home where risks are identified and minimised by the use of much safety equipment. This means they are able to move around their environment safely, freely and independently. The play equipment children are able to choose for themselves is safe and suitable for their age. Younger children are effectively prevented from gaining access to play equipment which may pose a risk of injury, such as small play pieces. Children learn how to keep safe because the childminder takes positive steps to promote their understanding through discussion, activities and routines, for example

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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 when practising fire drills, when out walking, crossing the road or using public play areas. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children’s learning and enjoyment are supported and extended well because the childminder carefully plans what she does with them according to their individual needs. Babies acquire new knowledge and skills because the childminder spends her day helping them to learn about and control their bodies. They make sense of their world, become aware of themselves and others, and learn how to communicate and express themselves. Babies' understanding of language is stimulated by constant interaction with the childminder who talks to them all the time. Their senses are stimulated through different tactile experiences, colourful resources and interesting sounds. They discover how to solve simple puzzles by learning about shapes. The childminder’s use of the Birth To Three Matters framework supports and extends babies' learning and enjoyment. Older children are given the opportunity to express their imagination and creativity

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

through different craft activities, such as gluing, cutting and making cards and play and learning experiences are enhanced by trips out to different places of interest. Children develop confidence and self-esteem because they are given praise and encouragement. They learn how to use their initiative and solve problems because they have the opportunity to make decisions and do things for themselves. Children make positive relationships. They are introduced to group settings and learn how to play together and build friendships. They develop caring skills through sharing in mixed age group activities where, for example, younger and older children engage in construction play using different types of equipment according to their age and ability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and are cared for with consistency and continuity. Their emotional and physical needs are met because the childminder has effective partnerships with parents. Good communication ensures that any concerns are shared and addressed. Verbal and written information about children’s individual needs and progress is exchanged each day and parents are encouraged to support the play and learning environment which the childminder provides. Children are encouraged to show care and concern for each other, and play together harmoniously. They develop social skills because good behaviour is praised and encouraged, and they learn about boundaries in a way which is sensitive to their age

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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 and stage of development. Children are introduced to social settings where they interact with other children and adults, which helps them learn to share, take turns and show respect. Children learn to value and respect differences because, for example, the childminder uses appropriate resources, and talks to them about people from different cultures and with different ability levels. However, children do not always have daily access to the full range of resources because much of it is shared with other childminders.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit significantly from a safe, comfortable and stimulating environment because play space and resources are very well organised. They are settled and secure because the childminder plans their admission to the setting with great care and provides a structure to their day which is balanced, which offers variety and stimulation and which is sensitive to their individual needs. Children’s well-being and progress is assured because the childminder has a very high commitment to developing her practice through further training, for example, the Birth to Three Matters framework and Basic Food Hygiene. This commitment significantly benefits the children because the childminder is able to put into practice the skills and knowledge she has acquired to plan effectively for their development. Children’s care is managed in a highly professional manner. The childminder has

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Organisation

devised excellent policies, procedures and documentation which she uses to ensure that, from the outset, she has a comprehensive understanding of children's needs, preferences and stages of development. This helps her to monitor and plan for their future progress. Children’s very good progress is supported by the continuity and partnership which sharing of this information with parents brings. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend very well.

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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

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 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): • expand the stock of play equipment which promotes children's awareness of diversity

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures 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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