Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY334261 Unique Reference Number 14 December 2006 Inspection date Jeanne Lesley Walsh 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 partner and her son aged three years. The family live in the Denton area of Tameside. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with access to bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and there are currently two children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children may be taken to and from local schools and on visits to local childcare groups and other places of interest, including the park, library and the shops. 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. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home, where they are learning the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are routinely encouraged to wash their hands regularly, for example, after using the toilet, before eating and after playing in the garden. Books remind them of good self care as they read about getting dressed, bath time and cleaning their teeth.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses children's individual dietary needs with parents and provides food accordingly. Sample menus for parents confirm that children are offered a varied diet. Meals are organised as a social occasion, with the children sitting together at the table where they are learning good manners and developing positive social skills. They enjoy regular exercise both in the garden and out on trips. They walk to school, the park or the shops on a daily basis. They are singing about different foods, dancing and copying simple exercises as they watch a children's video. As a result they are starting to become aware of the importance of both healthy eating and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate records that ensure children’s well-being are available and are shared with parents. These include documentation to record all accidents and incidents and the administration of medication. There is also a sick children policy in place. However, the childminder does not have written consent for emergency care or advice for all minded children, which could be a problem in the case of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming environment, where the childminder has made efforts to minimise most risks of accidents and injuries, both in the home and on outings. She protects them from the risk of fire because she has fitted smoke alarms on all levels of the house. Plugs are protected and wiring is secure. There is a fire blanket available in the kitchen and the fireplace in the lounge is fitted with a fire guard. However, children are not fully protected because there is no emergency evacuation procedure in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are free to choose what they wish to play with because activities are made easily accessible to them. The toys and equipment available are of good quality, clean and conform to safety standards. However, the range of play activities is limited, which could restrict the children's progress.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is fully aware of Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedures and her responsibility to implement them. She demonstrates an awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse and she knows the procedures to follow should she have any concerns. However, children may not be fully protected because the childminder does not have a copy of the guidelines 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused - Summary'. She does demonstrate a clear understanding of the need for confidentiality.

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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 satisfactory. During the inspection there were children present, however, the childminder has been minding for a very short time and only on a part time basis. This means that there is limited evidence of previous activities available. The children’s day is planned to provide for all their individual care needs, such as sleeps, meals and toilet routines. Children are regularly taken out each day for walks, or on visits to local child-centred activity groups and to and from school. This is providing opportunities to improve their physical development and is helping to encourage their social skills within a group setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning independence as they are able to choose what to play with from the resources that are made easily accessible to them. The childminder actively encourages children to communicate verbally and develop their vocabulary, through talking, listening, reading stories, singing and generally chatting constantly. She describes how they play 'eye spy', using colours and size, such as 'how big' or 'how small'. The childminder encourages the children to make choices for themselves. One child chooses to play with the bricks and the childminder provides praise and support as the child starts to build them high. She is extending the child's learning by asking questions and encouraging the child to think.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are learning to share and consider other people. For example, when another child arrives at the setting the childminder quietly talks to them both, explaining and encouraging them to share the toys. Children have opportunities to use the computer. They play a range of educational games, which they access when the childminder can give them individual attention. They also enjoy messy play, such as creative activities, baking and painting. The children are beginning to learn to care about each other as they copy the childminder. She has a very gentle manner with the children. She talks slowly and quietly to them and they respond well to her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern because the childminder ensures that their individual needs are met through discussion with the parents. She obtains relevant information to ensure continuity of care, and to ensure that children are valued as individuals. They are starting to learn about their local community and the world around them by visiting the park, the shops and local children’s groups and the local school. However, the children have limited access to resources that help them to become aware of diversity and equal opportunity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children behave well and are beginning to learn about right and wrong, as the childminder demonstrates a positive approach to behaviour management. She is aware of different ages and stages of development and she helps the children to become familiar with simple house rules. Children receive positive praise and encouragement from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is building good relationships with parents. She offers them a two week settling in programme and she provides care according to parents' wishes. The sharing of information daily keeps parents informed of their child's progress. However, parents are not informed of the complaints procedure to follow, should they have any concerns about the setting.

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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 satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the setting and they freely explore their surroundings and initiate their own play and learning. Children of all ages receive lots of encouragement, time and attention from the childminder, which promotes their independence and helps to develop their self-esteem. Effective procedures keep them safe from persons who are not vetted. The childminder never leaves the children in the care or supervision of any person other than herself.

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Organisation

The childminder holds required qualifications and is willing to further develop her knowledge and skills by attending additional training. Children are cared for in a secure environment, where they can develop and achieve at their own pace. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration.

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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 complaint 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): • obtain written parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment for all children • obtain additional toys and activities, which provide opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities for children of all age groups. Include items that will help to raise awareness of equal opportunities • devise and practise an emergency evacuation procedure

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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 • obtain and follow the guidance in 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused - Summary' • share information about the complaints procedure with parents.

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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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