Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY136618 Unique Reference Number 20 November 2006 Inspection date Susan Magaret Lyon 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 2002 to care for three children. She lives with her partner and two children in a terraced house in Oldham. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the lounge, kitchen, front bedroom, upstairs bathroom and back garden. There is a pet dog in the household. The childminder provides an out of school service from local primary schools. There are currently two children on roll. The childminder has a childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children begin to understand satisfactory hygiene practices through hand washing before food and after touching pets. They are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. The childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 follows a satisfactory nappy changing routine, reducing the risk of cross-infection. Children are further protected through the exclusion of children who may be infectious and the satisfactory care of the pet dog. Children stay healthy and enjoy walks in the fresh air and also pick-up leaves. Their physical development is promoted through using appropriate equipment in the garden, such as swings, a see-saw and bikes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and dietary needs are satisfactorily met through appropriate discussions with parents and the recording of allergies and intolerances. Drinks are provided throughout the day, promoting children's good health. Children are nourished through healthy food, such as fresh fruit and yoghurts. Children can rest or sleep according to their needs improving their health and well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Space and resources are adequately organised to allow children to move around freely and safely. Play areas are bright, welcoming and child-centred. Children use suitable, safe toys and equipment, which meet British safety standards and are kept clean and hygienic. Children are cared for in a mainly safe and secure environment through the childminder taking some precautions to minimise hazards, such as using safety gates and socket covers. However, sharp knives are accessible to children, putting their safety at risk. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder puts sufficient safety measures in place, for example, using a double buggy and wrist straps. Children learn to keep themselves safe through appropriate discussions with the childminder, such as picking toys up off the floor and playing safely with equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's awareness of fire precautions contribute to children's safety whilst on the premises, although the lack of sufficient smoke alarms compromises their safety. Children are kept safe through close supervision. Children are protected because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her role in child protection and appropriate procedures to follow if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and made to feel important through the childminder giving them lots of praise. They play well with a range of age-appropriate toys, such as activity centres, shape sorters and books. Children acquire new knowledge and skills through the childminder reading them stories and asking appropriate questions to make them think, such as 'feel the cat, he's nice and soft.' They learn about numbers through singing counting songs together. Children play well together during role play through taking turns to 'push the babies in the prams'. They are freely able to make choices in their play and pursue their interests, for example, through choosing a favourite toy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children chat and smile a lot during play. They are happy and settled because the childminder provides close supervision and allows children time to settle through a series of visits. Resources are adequately organised to help children become independent learners as they are easily

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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 accessible and children enjoy putting them back in the correct containers. Children can explore textures of natural materials through touchy/feely books and jigsaws. Through a satisfactory range of art and craft materials children develop their imagination and creativity, thus promoting their sense of achievement and enjoyment; for example by, making leaf or chalk pictures to take home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. Children are valued as individuals and made to feel important through being given lots of praise and attention. However, children lack opportunity to develop an awareness of the wider world through limited play resources reflecting equal opportunities. Children are encouraged to be sensitive to the needs of others through discussions about sharing and taking turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures all the children are able to join in activities by changing or adapting the way play is provided to suit all level's of ability, such as moving a painting activity from the table to the floor. Children are cared for well by a childminder who works closely with parents to identify individual needs and routines, and works with other professionals to share information appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and begin to understand responsible behaviour through clear boundaries and explanations. Their care is enhanced through the daily exchange of information regarding their progress and welfare through a satisfactory partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are safe and adequately protected through the childminder's awareness of the vetting of household members. She maintains appropriate ratios, thus improving the safety of the children. The childminder organises her time, space and resources sufficiently well to meet children's needs. Children benefit from visits to facilities in the local community, such as adult and toddler groups, park and shops. Children's care and well-being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training, for example, the Diploma in pre-school practice and food hygiene. However, she does not have a valid first aid certificate. This is a breach of regulations. Most documentation is in place, up to date and kept confidential, although the lack of parental consent for emergency medical treatment impacts on the care of individual children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of

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Organisation

the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that there is sufficient and suitable toys and play materials. The childminder has obtained a range of age-appropriate toys including small and large building bricks, jigsaws, books covering various ages from birth to eight years and a paint and chalk easel. A range of outdoor play equipment has been purchased, for example,

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Improvements 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 swings, play house, sand and water trays. These improvements further enhance the care of children attending the setting.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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): • ensure sharp knives are inaccessible to children • fit smoke alarms to every level of the house • increase stock of play resources reflecting equal opportunities • obtain parents' written consent for emergency medical treatment • obtain a valid first aid certificate.

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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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