Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY334829 Unique Reference Number 11 December 2006 Inspection date Rosemary Killackey 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her partner and two children aged three and eight years in Radcliffe a suburb of Bury, Lancashire. The whole ground floor and upstairs bathroom of the childminder's house are used for childminding.

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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. There are currently four children on roll. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler groups and takes children to the local library and park.

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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 learn about the importance of good personal hygiene through every day routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands before eating food, after visiting the bathroom and playing with messy play, such as paints and glue. The childminder further reduces the risk of cross infection by having sound nappy changing routines and when children's noses begin to run she immediately wipes them. She ensures that toys and equipment are kept clean. Parents are clear about her sick child policy and children with infections that could spread would be excluded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities both inside and outside the childminders home, all of which contribute to their good health and general well-being, for example, they visit the park on a regular basis where they learn to develop control of their bodies by playing on the large equipment. Children's needs are further met by the childminder being able to recognise when children are tired, hungry and thirsty and by providing opportunities for resting, eating and drinking in accordance with their individual needs, for example, when one of the children said she was hungry she was asked if she wanted a banana. The childminder ensures that the children are happy and settled by making them feel part of the family and by having consistent every day routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a well balanced, healthy and nutritious diet, for example, homemade pasta dishes or roast chicken. Water is readily available. Children learn to develop social skills during meal times, they sit together in the dining room and the childminder sits with them. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that meals and snacks are suitable for the individual needs of each child; she records any allergies, likes and dislikes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a warm, welcoming, child orientated home environment. All safety equipment is in place or available. Children are able to move safely around the home and are able to choose what they want to play with from a good range of age appropriate toys, which are stored in low level units. The risk of accidental injury is further minimised by the regular checking of play materials and the gentle reminders to children about throwing toys or standing on chairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children develop a good understanding of safety when out and about. The childminder teaches children about road safety by talking to them about how to cross the road using the pelican crossing. They stay near the childminder when walking and hold hands. She sets boundaries that help children to understand about staying safe, for example, when a toddler climbed on the furniture she asked her not to do so and explained to her that she may fall and hurt herself. Children also learn about how to stay safe in the event of fire, the childminder has a clear evacuation policy.

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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 Children's safety is further enhanced by the childminder's good understanding of child protection procedures. She is clear about her role in protecting children and knows who to contact if she has any concerns. Parents are informed about her duty to protect children at the beginning of a placement. She has continued to update her knowledge regarding child protection by attending several training courses prior to becoming a childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn as they play, because the childminder talks to them and asks simple questions to encourage their thinking, for example, when working on a large floor jigsaw puzzle she asks about shapes and colours. She asks if they know what a baby horse is called and tells them its called a 'foal'. The childminder gives the children praise and encouragement, which results in them developing good self esteem, confidence and increases their sense of belonging. Children clearly enjoy their time spent with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled, they are made to feel part of the family. They enjoy each others company and form good friendships. The childminder gets to know them because she gives them individual attention and children enjoy a good relationship with her. The children's individual needs are met effectively, because the childminder knows what they are interested in and provides toys and activities to meet those interests, for example, children bring books to the childminder and they sit and read them together. They are able to choose what they want to play with and the childminder encourages them to do so.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a variety of learning opportunities both inside and outside the childminders home, within the home they work on arts and crafts, as well as playing with all the toys and equipment available. They visit the local library, park and toddler groups all of which enhance children's learning and help them to gain confidence and independence. Although she is providing interesting and age-appropriate activities to promote children's learning, these are not yet linked to the 'Birth to three matters' framework for the younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a positive home environment, where they are encouraged to behave well and develop respect for each other. The childminder promotes this by ensuring children follow guidelines for safe play. Such as, asking children not to throw toys and to tidy away toys before choosing others to play with. Children respond well to positive praise and encouragement. They learn about boundaries and expectations through discussions with the childminder. Children are encouraged to show care and concern for each other, for example, when the children played together the childminder encouraged them to take turns and be nice to each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are recognised as individuals and their differing needs are met. They are valued and treated with equal concern. The childminder encourages the children to learn about diversity and how to respect each other, for example, they talk about peoples similarities and differences,

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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 they play with some toys that reflect positive images of gender however, there are very few toys reflecting positive images of culture and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder working in partnership with parents. They are kept informed of children's activities and progress on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the effective organisation of the childminder. Activities are planned to ensure children always have something to do and enjoy the time spent in her care. Space is well organised, which enables the children to choose from a range of toys and engage in a variety of activities with ease. The childminder uses her knowledge of the children and their stages of development to provide them with activities which stimulate their interest and help them to make progress.

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Organisation

All required documentation is in place and kept up to date. The documentation is clear and contributes to children's safety, care and well-being. As a result, children's all round care is enhanced, however, the childminder has not yet undertaken relevant first aid training or completed a local authority approved childminder's pre-registration course.

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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. 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):

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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 • further enhance the quality of care provided by using "Birth to three matters" framework to guide the childminding practice. • increase toys and resources that reflect positive images of culture and disability • provide confirmation of attendance dates, with regards to relevant first aid training and a local authority approved childminder's pre-registration course.

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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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