Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY302227 Unique Reference Number 02 February 2007 Inspection date Barbara Law 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 March 2005. She runs her business from her home in the New Moston area of Manchester. She shares her home with her husband and their three children. They keep a small lizard, securely housed. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding activities. Toilet facilities are on this floor. There is a secure back garden available for outdoor play. The back bedroom is used for children being minded overnight. The registration is for four children. Currently, there are two children on roll, however, no children were present at the time of the inspection. This registration includes overnight care.

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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. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children's good health is promoted. She has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding medical needs. She describes how children are given preventative medication if needed and has relevant documentation in place. She describes how children learn about their personal hygiene as part of their normal routine, for example, through discussions after washing their hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of healthy eating. She talks about encouraging children to be healthy and provides them with snacks and drinks which are healthy and nutritious. She explains how children have access to drinks at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of offering exercise and active play opportunities for children to promote their good health. She describes how children benefit from fresh air and exercise through regular outdoor activities in the back garden, trips to the park and regular walks to other places of interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Play areas within the warm and welcoming home are well resourced and organised. This helps to promote children's independence. There is a broad selection of toys and resources in place, which are of good quality and easily accessible as they are stored at low level.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of safety within her home. She has taken action to ensure all areas within the setting are safe. For example, she has a gate securely fitted in place to prevent access to the stairs and a gate to prevent children's access to the fire. Smoke detectors are in place and kept in good order and the house and garden are secure. This minimises the risks to children, so they can play safely. She helps children learn about their own safety out of doors, through discussion and encouragement of responsible road safety behaviour when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe through the childminder's constant supervision and vigilance, she has good knowledge of child protection procedures to follow should she have cause for concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a good understanding of child development. She describes how she supports children's learning through a wide range of activities. For example, she talks about encouraging children's social and language skills through regular outings to the local toddler groups and trips to the shops. The children play in the garden or walk in the local country park to explore and discover aspects of the natural world. For example, they look at the animals in the zoo in the country park whilst out walking and picnicking. The childminder has some understanding

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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 of caring for younger children and would use her knowledge to provide activities for younger children. She demonstrates a good understanding of the needs of children as she talks about consistent routines and activities appropriate for different ages and stages of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder describes how children’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development is promoted by listening to and valuing what children say.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. From discussion. the childminder demonstrates an understanding of equal opportunities, giving good examples of how she meets children's individual needs. She explains how she supports children's awareness of diversity through books and discussions. Play materials, resources and trips out to places of interest contain positive images of our diverse society and these enhance children's understanding of the wider world. However, the childminder acknowledges her knowledge of diversity is limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive attitude towards behaviour management. She talks about how she encourages children to play together and respect each other, which promotes positive behaviour. She demonstrates an understanding of caring for children with special needs. The childminder talks about how she would provide an inclusive environment for children. She explains this would include working with parents and outside agencies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware of the benefits of working in partnership with parents for the well-being of their child. She has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding likes, dislikes and contact details. She describes how parents are kept well informed about their child's progress. For example, she talks about how she speaks to and shares information with parents on a daily basis, in order to provide continuity of care and to build an effective relationship with the parents

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children's well-being is promoted. She is suitably qualified to administer first aid. She has an organised approach to her documentation, which is clear, comprehensive and in line with the requirements of the National Standards. Children's details are recorded and kept confidentially. All required records are kept up to date.

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Organisation

Play resources are organised in a manner which helps promote children's free choice. There is ample space for children to move freely and play areas are well resourced. From discussion and examination of records, the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of caring for children in required ratios. Her service is enhanced by her commitment to ongoing training.

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Organisation

Overall, evidence suggests that the provision meets the needs of the range of the 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.

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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.

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of how to successfully promote children's awareness of diversity in society.

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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

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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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