Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY136626 Unique Reference Number 20 December 2006 Inspection date Anne Drinkwater 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 2001. She lives with three children aged 12 to 16 years, in the Sale area of Cheshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for six children and currently has two children on roll. The lounge/diner and playroom on the ground floor and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a dog and two cats as pets.

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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 mostly kept healthy because the childminder provides a clean and homely environment. Children are protected from illness and infection as satisfactory procedures are in place for recording accidents and administering medication. However, children do not develop independence with their personal care as hand washing was not in evidence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are continually refreshed with drinks of water and sugar free juice, which are available at all times. They learn the importance of healthy eating because they are provided with healthy meals and snacks, such as vegetables, meat, toast, fruit and sandwiches. Meal and snack times are social occasions as children sit at the dining table chatting with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They have the opportunity to engage in physical activity as they play in the back garden, in parks and take walks, which promotes their physical development.

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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 secure home with some safety features, such as door protectors and safety gates, which promotes their safety and well-being. The childminder ensures children are protected during outings as she uses appropriate equipment. For example, children use suitable car seats, and babies and toddlers can be securely strapped in a pushchair or walk independently supported with reins; this promotes their safety. The childminder has relevant documentation in place, such as emergency contact numbers, written parental consents and appropriate car insurance, which further promotes children's welfare and safety. However, the bedrooms, toiletries and some cleaning materials are accessible to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's independence is fostered as they freely select toys and resources, which are stored at low-level. Children use a good selection of toys and resources, which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. For example, older children self-select toys from the playroom. They take responsibility for their environment as they tidy activities away. As a result, children are developing a good understanding of keeping others safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety and protection may be compromised since the childminder does not have a clear understanding regarding her role and responsibilities in relation to the Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy in the setting which increases their sense of well-being and security. They are totally relaxed as they take their shoes off and make themselves at home. They show a keen interest in the craft activities offered. For example, they make Christmas cards for their

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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 parents and families. At other times, children develop their imaginative skills as they play shop and dressing up.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make their own choices about their play from the good range of resources available in a well organised playroom. The childminder offers a flexible routine which enables children to self-select activities, toys and resources, such as dressing up and creative activities. As a result, they are developing good independence skills which promote their learning and development. The childminder plans outings to places of interest, which children thoroughly enjoy, for example, the children's zoo at a local park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children have a good sense of belonging as they are treated with equal regard. Consequently, children's individual needs are successfully met. Children access a good range of toys and resources which promote positive images of society. They value their own customs and beliefs and learn about those of others as they celebrate different festivals, such as Christmas and Eid. This enables children to value and respect differences in society, which promotes awareness of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the home because they are given meaningful praise and encouragement, which increases their self-confidence. They use good manners and develop a clear understanding of right and wrong because the childminder uses strategies which are appropriate to their level of understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnership the childminder has developed with parents. They are informed of some polices and procedures which outline the care provided. In return parents' wishes are respected as children's needs are actively sought before and during the settling in period. This promotes continuity of care. Parents are given daily verbal updates relating to the care offered, such as activities and outings, which keeps parents up to date about their child's care. As a result, parents are kept informed of their child's progress and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and relaxed as they play in the well organised home. Children are independent as they freely select toys and activities, which are well organised and easily accessible. This means they have informed choices about their play. The ratios are maintained, which ensures children receive the appropriate support and attention required to meet their needs.

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Organisation

The childminder has most policies and procedures in place, which are shared with parents, and relevant consents are obtained to meet the care needs of all children. She has most of the required documents in place, which are in line with the requirements of the National Standards. However, checks to ensure the suitability of her daughter have not been carried out. Overall, 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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to update her first aid certificate. She now holds a valid certificate which ensures the well-being of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 1 April 2004 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): • ensure good hygiene procedures are practised in relation to hand washing • develop knowledge and understanding with regard to the Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedures • practise the fire drill procedures • ensure checks are completed for all persons over 16 years.

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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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