Manchester Young Lives

Inspection report for early years provision

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136264 Unique Reference Number 06 November 2006 Inspection date Janice Clark 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 childminding for 20 years. She lives with her husband and adult son in a semi-detached house in Patchway, Bristol. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and school age children also have access to the first floor bathroom. There is a secure rear garden for outside play. The childminder's husband occasionally acts as an assistant.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and there are currently six children on roll who attend on a variety of sessions. The childminder walks to collect children from local groups and schools.

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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 well maintained, clean and tidy home. They enjoy the benefits of a routine that ensures the appropriate balance of rest and play, for example, a 3 year old child happily snuggled on the sofa for a sleep after a morning at pre-school. Regular opportunities to play in the garden with wheeled toys, walks and outings provide children with fresh air and exercise that contributes to their good health. Children begin to understand the importance of hygiene and personal care. For instance, they go to the toilet independently and routinely wash their hands. Most procedures to promote children's health are in place however, some lack necessary detail, for example, the method of recording the administration of medication. Not all written parental consents are in place, for instance, permission to seek medical aid or advice and to take children on outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of healthy eating and as a result, children enjoy a variety of nutritious snacks and meals. For example, they eat spaghetti hoops or home made rolls with ham for lunch and fruit, biscuits and cheese as snacks. Children have drinks with their snacks and meals and are able to access further drinks on request. The childminder only offers sweets as an occasional treat. Therefore, children are beginning to learn the benefits of a balanced diet. The childminder consults parents regarding children's religious or dietary requirements and she respects their wishes. Children often sit together with members of the childminder’s family at meal times and this assists in promoting their social skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe and secure in an environment where they grow in confidence because there is sufficient room to move around freely and unrestricted. The childminder checks toys and resources regularly to ensure that they are safe for children's use. She has identified and minimised most hazards to children both in the home and in the garden. For example, heaters are thermostatically controlled, there are no hazardous materials accessible to children and the garden is secure. Children learn about road safety during outings. As a result, they play and travel in safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes appropriate steps to safeguard children's welfare. She has an up-to-date first aid certificate and keeps an appropriately stocked first aid kit. She has a satisfactory understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder welcomes children into her home as part of the family. She has a good relationship with the children, interacts with them and as a result they are confident in her care. Children enjoy watching suitable videos to help them to relax after a busy morning at pre-school. They play with construction materials and gain a sense of achievement as they

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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 build a home for their animals. Children learn new skills as they roll out bread dough into shapes and they enjoy eating the end product. Older children choose from a range of board games. Some children bring toys and resources from home. Visits to the local shops, parks and the lake offer children new experiences. However, the children lack variety and choice in their play and activities sometimes lack challenge for the children attending. For example, children only have a limited amount of toys out at any one time and there are no opportunities for children to experience messy play for example, painting, exploring a variety of tactile materials or mixing ingredients together for cooking.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the local community and the diversity of the people who work and live there through attending groups and going on outings to the local shops and parks. For instance, during one outing the children observed an elderly gentleman in a motorised chair. The childminder uses discussions to promote children's understanding of the similarities and differences of others. However, she has few resources to further promote children's awareness of positive images. The childminder has a positive attitude towards working with children who have learning difficulties or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about consistent boundaries from the calm approach of the childminder. She speaks quietly to the children and promotes positive behaviour through praise. The childminder uses some developmentally appropriate strategies for handling inappropriate behaviour. For example, she offers explanations as to why some behaviour is unacceptable, offers alternatives, uses distraction and negotiation. As a result, children are beginning to learn to share and behaviour in the setting is satisfactory.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder discusses the children's needs with the parents when they first visit. She encourages them to settle their children slowly into the setting. This helps her to gain a secure knowledge and understanding of individual children and they confidently settle into her care. Daily discussions with the parents assist in the sharing of information and help to promote continuity of care. The childminder has not yet devised a method of recording complaints in line with current guidance and regulations. Therefore, this does not fully promote children's welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children enjoy the benefits of a home environment, as well as socialising with other children and exploring different resources and activities at a local group. The childminder helps to promote positive outcomes for children by only caring for small numbers at a time. Children receive sufficient adult support to help them to feel safe and confident in her care. The childminder shares most policies and procedures with parents when they first start. This assists in promoting a happy comfortable atmosphere for children to play. However, not all required procedures are in place, for example some written parental consents. Some records, such as the documents for recording the administration of medication, lack necessary detail.

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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 Consequently, this does not fully promote children's well-being. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

During the last inspection the childminder was requested to: develop the range of toys and activities available for children; devise and implement a system to record incidents; and to provide written information for parents regarding their children's progress. The childminder has provided further resources for children, for example, a tea set, toy food and construction materials. This offers children some additional choice in their play. She has devised a method of recording incidents. The childminder offers written information regarding children's care to parents, however, current parents request that she shares information orally at the end of each day. These improvements assist in promoting children's care and welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 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): • improve the outcomes for children from birth to 3-years by using an approach in line with Birth to three matters • devise a method of recording complaints • further develop documentation to meet the required National Standards

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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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