Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY334657 Unique Reference Number 01 February 2007 Inspection date Judith Anne Kerr 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 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her partner and son aged three years in the Failsworth area of Oldham. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house and first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local adult/toddler group and takes children to the park and library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for three children. 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 good. Children are cared for in a very clean home where they learn about good hygiene habits, such as washing their hands before meals and after using the toilet. The childminder implements beneficial hygiene procedures, such as wiping down surfaces on a regular basis. This minimises the risks to children of cross infection. Children's health needs are protected with accurate records and the childminder's up to date knowledge. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has the necessary written parental consents to administer medication and seek emergency medical treatment. This means that she can give appropriate care if there is an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a broad range of activities which contribute to their good health. They have the opportunity to develop control of their bodies. For example, young babies who are unable to crawl are encouraged to reach for toys and older children enjoy doing exercises, such as hopping, skipping and jumping. A good selection of outdoor equipment enables children to develop further skills as they enjoy the swing, see-saw and bikes. Such activities help all children to develop coordination and balance and promotes their physical development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's clear understanding of a healthy diet. They are beginning to understand the importance of making healthy choices, such as fruit and vegetables to support their physical well-being and development. Children's individual dietary needs are recorded and respected at all times. This ensures that children's individual needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a well maintained home where the childminder gives a generally high priority to safety. The childminder has taken most steps to ensure that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment, such as covering electrical sockets and practising the emergency evacuation procedure. However, the meter cupboard in the hall and the fireplace in the lounge are accessible. As a result, children may be exposed to risks. Children are beginning to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe as the childminder explains boundaries. For example, she ensures the children understand the importance of following her instructions when crossing roads and only stepping out when told it is safe to do so.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and resources are varied, suitable and easily accessible. This allows children to make choices and develop their independence. The childminder carefully supervises children's choices of toys to ensure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection matters and knows whom to contact in the event she has concerns about a child. This ensures children are protected from harm and abuse.

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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 good. Children enjoy good relationships with the childminder. The childminder dedicates her time playing and talking to the children. They are settled and happy in the friendly atmosphere created in her home. She is calm and kind in her approach towards them and offers lots of positive physical contact by means of hugs and cuddles. As a result, they are settled and happy in the friendly atmosphere created in her home. The children benefit from sleep and feeding routines which are consistent with their experiences at home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are provided with a wide range of age appropriate activities which enable them to learn new skills, such as successfully completing jigsaws. Resources are arranged accessibly which enables the children to make their own choices and develop independence. The childminder makes good use of local amenities to widen children's experiences. These include feeding the ducks and trips to the library. Children are able to socialise with other children when they visit the local toddler group. These activities increase their awareness of the world around them, provide opportunities to access different play resources and environments and helps them to become confident.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make good progress as the childminder informally assesses their current level of understanding and introduces activities to build on and extend their learning. The childminder encourages children's early communication skills. She responds to baby's babbles in gentle tones, introduces new words and sounds and sings songs, such as the wheels on the bus; this reinforces early speech patterns. Children have opportunities to learn new skills. For example, as the childminder makes jelly with them she discusses how the liquid cools and the jelly sets. They count and sort the cars to encourage mathematical concepts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides some resources, such as books, jigsaws and dolls which reflect diversity and give the children opportunities to learn about the wider community. All children are valued and encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards others. The childminder shows due regard towards children with disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Expectations for children’s behaviour are stated in a gentle and positive way; thus all children quickly acquire confidence and self respect and are aware of right and wrong. Their behaviour is good, they are happy, confident and learning good manners. The childminder praises children to encourage acceptable behaviour. Children benefit from the agreeable relationships the childminder has developed with parents. The progress of young babies is discussed to ensure consistency and continuity of care. Daily informal discussions and a diary for babies keeps parents informed about the provision and their children's activities. The required documentation is maintained relating to individual children but siblings share the same contract.

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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 good. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's good organisation. They feel at home and at ease in a well arranged environment. There is lots of space to play in comfort with resources being organised to promote their independence. This encourages them to make their own choices about their play and learning.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to improving the high quality of care she provides for the children. All the mandatory training has been completed, adults with access to the children are suitable and ratios of adults to children are met at all times. This helps to keep children safe.

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Organisation

The required documentation is in place and for the most part appropriately completed. It is well organised with confidentiality being respected. This promotes continuity of care for the children and contributes to their health and well-being. The certificate of registration is clearly displayed for parents to see.

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Organisation

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

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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 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): • minimise hazards to children from the fireplace in the lounge and the meter cupboard in the hall

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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 • ensure individual contracts are maintained for each child.

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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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