Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY252313 Unique Reference Number 15 November 2006 Inspection date Carol Ann Dixon 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 2002. She is registered to provide care for four children and is currently minding three children. She lives with her husband and 14 year old son in a residential area of Middleton, a suburb of Rochdale. There are a few shops and a toddler group within walking distance. The ground floor and upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed back garden available for outdoor play. The family have a pet cockatiel. The childminder takes the children to the local toddler group on a regular basis. She 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 warm and clean home. The childminder implements effective hygiene procedures and routines to protect the children from cross infection. For example, individual flannels and hand towels are provided and surfaces are regularly cleaned with antibacterial spray. Children are starting to learn about good hygiene and how to care for their bodies. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating and even young children can explain that they do this to prevent germs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities to participate in a wide range of physical activities in the house and garden, and through walks and visits to local parks, toddler groups and soft play centres. They enjoy dancing to music and manage to have fresh air and exercise despite the weather as they put their coats and wellingtons on to splash in puddles outside. These activities are helping children gain good control and coordination over their bodies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet that includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. They are given cooked meals with vegetables for lunch and dinner. Dietary requirements and preferences are discussed and agreed with parents and children. Fresh drinking water is readily available for children to quench their thirst throughout the day. Children are beginning to find out about the importance of healthy eating as they are able to talk about foods, such as chocolate and sweets, as being bad for their teeth.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very safe and appropriately maintained home, where they can move freely and play without unnecessary restriction. They access the lounge and dining area as they play both at the table and on the floor. Potential dangers have been identified and sensible safety precautions put in place to minimise risks. For example, smoke detectors, a fire blanket and plug socket covers help to keep children safe. The childminder is extremely diligent in her supervision of the children. She maintains detailed written risk assessments and health and safety checklists which help to ensure the environment is safe for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder directly supervises the children at all times and makes sure they play with safe and age-appropriate resources. They choose from the readily accessible toys and equipment, including the play house, musical instruments and books, which enables them to make their own decisions about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is promoted by the childminder who encourages them to do simple tasks, such as helping to tidy up the toys before getting different ones out and using the equipment safely. Their awareness of keeping themselves safe is reinforced as the childminder talks to them about road safety and practises monthly fire evacuation procedures with them. The welfare, safety and protection of children are very important to the childminder. She has up to date first aid

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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 training and a sound knowledge of child protection procedures. However, the information for parents does not clearly explain the childminder's responsibilities with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and happy at the childminder’s home, where there is lots of activity, chatting and singing as they play and learn. They confidently choose what they want to play with from the wide variety of resources. The children’s day is planned to provide a well-balanced range of interesting and enjoyable activities both inside and outside the home. Regular attendance at toddler groups provides opportunities for children to mix with other children and to experience a wider range of activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are making good progress in developing language skills; they talk to the childminder, recognise colours and are becoming increasingly competent at counting. Children enjoy painting. They enthusiastically cover the paper with handprints and enjoy mixing colours as the childminder chats to them about what colours they are using. They love creating sounds using a good variety of musical instruments and receive lots of support and encouragement from the childminder as they sing and dance using a microphone and enthusiastically bang the drum. Children enjoy a close relationship with the childminder. They love to sit and look at photographs with her as they recall past activities and events they have participated in.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder makes effective use of training she has undertaken in relation to the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Planned activities are linked to the skills and competencies in the framework and demonstrate how the childminder plans for children's developmental needs but also responds to the children's interests and ideas. During the inspection the choice of painting and musical instruments was initiated by the child present.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into the setting and are encouraged to take part in all activities. They make decisions about their play and access a good range of resources which promote their understanding of diversity. The childminder has an understanding of working with children who have learning difficulties or disabilities. She recognises the need to maintain close links with parents to ensure children's individual needs are fully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children regularly participate in activities that help them find out about their own and the religious and cultural beliefs of others. For bonfire night they made pictures of bonfires and fireworks and at Chinese New Year they enjoyed using Chinese utensils and tasting Chinese food.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses positive methods to promote good behaviour. Children are responsive to the consistent approach and the plentiful praise they receive from the childminder and consequently behave well. Good manners are actively encouraged by the childminder. Children seldom need to be reminded to say 'please' and 'thank you'.

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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 The childminder has an effective partnership with parents. She takes positive steps to ensure that they are kept well informed about relevant policies and procedures. Parents speak highly of the childminder and the quality of care she provides for their children. Regular discussions and monthly newsletters keep parents up to date about their child's day, progress, future planned activities and any issues.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a friendly and well-organised home which is set out in a child-friendly manner, with a wide variety of enjoyable play and learning opportunities within easy reach. Children confidently and eagerly explore their surroundings and initiate their own play. They have very good relationships with the childminder and benefit from receiving lots of guidance and attention. All records and documentation are in place, well maintained, stored appropriately and retained for inspection. The childminder's commitment to continually developing her childcare skills and enhancing the quality of care for children is excellent. She reflects on her practice and identifies her own training needs. She has formalised a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures, which she puts to good use to inform her practice. Children are making good progress in all areas of their development. Overall, the provision meets the

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Organisation

needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has enhanced children's knowledge and understanding of other cultures and disabilities by the provision and effective use of a good range of resources which reflect positive images. Children's safety has been improved by her updated knowledge of first aid and detailed risk assessments which ensure a safe environment is offered.

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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. 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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • ensure that parents are informed of child protection procedures.

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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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