Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY101064 Unique Reference Number 01 December 2006 Inspection date Barbara Law 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 lives in the Failsworth area of Oldham. She runs her business from her home which she shares with her husband and their two sons. The whole of the property, with the exception of the master bedroom, is used for childminding activities. Toilet and bathroom facilities are upstairs. There is a secure back garden available for outdoor play. The registration is for five children. Currently, there are four children on roll. This registration does not include overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean and homely environment. Children are learning the importance of good hygiene through regular routines, such as washing their hands and covering

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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 their mouths when they sneeze. They stay healthy because the childminder has a sick children and inclusion policy and good procedures to prevent cross contamination, such as a very effective nappy changing procedure. Documentation is in place to record accidents, medication and children's individual health needs. She has well organised cleaning routines for toys and resources.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from very healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. These take into account their individual dietary requirements and parents preferences, to ensure that they stay healthy. They have access to fresh fruit and healthy drinks at all times promoting a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have lots of opportunity for fresh air and exercise which contributes to their good health. They have daily walks to the park, playgroup and other places of interest as well as outdoor play in the well equipped garden. This helps children to develop their physical skills and enjoy healthy exercise.

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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 secure environment where risks are identified and minimised. They learn about staying safe through regular routines and are developing a good sense of road safety when walking to the shops and pre school group. Children regularly practise the Green Cross Code and understand safety rules, such as holding on to the sides of the buggy when walking on busy streets. They are becoming aware of fire evacuation procedures through practice drills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to move about freely to select from a wide range of varied and imaginative toys and resources. All equipment is of very good quality, age appropriate and safe. Resources are well organised to allow children to make independent choices about their play and improve their confidence and independence skills. They are stored according to age and height, to ensure that very young children can't access toys for older children that may pose a danger or hazard to their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder has a very clear understanding of her responsibilities to keep children safe, the children's welfare is paramount. She has attended training in child protection and has a sound understanding of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and very settled in a warm, welcoming environment. They are given a sense of pride in their achievements as their creative work is thoughtfully displayed. A wide range of very good quality toys and resources are available to the children, such as imaginative play, construction, books, jigsaws and creative play. Resources are easily accessible to the children and this enables them to develop their independence and make decisions about their play.

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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 Children are listened to, given lots of individual attention and are stimulated by eye contact, conversation and questions. They show good levels of concentration in their play, for example, when the are engaged in a role play activity. The childminder gives them lots of praise and encouragement, for example, when they complete a craft activity, to increase their confidence and self-esteem. Their play is significantly enhanced as the childminder ensures that their play can develop spontaneously with the provision of imaginative resources.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make positive relationships with the childminder and each other. They play very well together and cooperate in their activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder speaks positively to the children at all times and works hard at building their self- esteem. Their social skills and respect for people and property are developed through the use of good manners and encouragement in simple chores, such as tidying toys away. They are developing an understanding of responsible behaviour through simple house rules. Their efforts and participation are rewarded by praise and encouragement from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are fully discussed with parents and are competently met by the childminder. Children are learning about the world around them and are encouraged to value people, and themselves, as individuals. They have access to a good range of toys and resources which develop their awareness of other peoples cultures and traditions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children benefit from a positive partnership between the childminder and their parents. Children settle well because she is aware of their individual needs through pre-placement meetings and the use of contracts. Information is shared with parents on a regular basis and she provides daily information sheets for parents of young children. This ensures consistency for children and involves parents in their child's care. However, the childminder has a limited understanding and knowledge of children with learning difficulties or disabilities. Testimonials from parents confirm their delight and satisfaction with the service they and their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for. They benefit from good organisation and the care of an enthusiastic childminder. Their development is enhanced by the individual support they receive and good time management which ensures their emotional, physical and developmental needs are met. Children actively contribute to their care by making decisions about their play.

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Organisation

All required documentation and records are well maintained and kept up to date and children's progress is shared with parents. She is qualified in first aid and children are protected from harm by the childminder's constant vigilance and supervision. Her service is enhanced by her commitment to ongoing training.

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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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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

Systems are now in place for all necessary consent forms to be available and completed by parents. This ensures that children are cared for in a safer environment.

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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.

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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 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of children with learning difficulties or disabilities.

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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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