Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY339459 Unique Reference Number 19 February 2007 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 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged one and 14 years in the Culcheth area of Warrington. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes, this comprises of the family room, lounge, conservatory and kitchen/diner. Toilet facilities are also on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and currently has three children under eight years on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a parrot. The childminder 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 learn to maintain their health, as good routines are in place to promote this. They eagerly wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet as they do not want to lose their reward points. Positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection, for example, all the surfaces are cleaned with anti-bacterial spray. All the records in relation to accidents and administration of medication are in place, which safeguards children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted as they are provided with nutritious meals. The childminder has devised a balanced snacks and meals menu; as a result children relish the freshly prepared meals and are encouraged by the other children try new foods and fruits. Children's allergies are discussed with the parents on entry, and are recorded and respected. Children access fresh drinks freely, which keeps them refreshed and hydrated throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with daily opportunities to benefit from fresh air and vigorous play. In the rear garden there is apparatus, such as a trampoline, which is well supervised. In bad weather they enjoy parachute games and dancing to the rhythm of the music, they develop their co-ordination as they sing.

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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 clean, well maintained and organised house. They are welcomed into a secure environment where there is ample space for them to move around safely. They are able to help themselves to the many safe toys and resources, as they are stored in low-level storage boxes for easy access.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised at all times by the childminder. Effective measures are in place to prevent accidental injury, for example, children knock before entering a room. The childminder has identified some potential hazards and has taken good steps to reduce these. For example, they do not use the garden, as a fence panel has been damaged. However, although the childminder has devised her emergency evacuation procedure, children have not practised this. The fire controls are accessible and the high chair does not have an appropriate harness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is mostly safeguarded as the childminder is clear about her responsibilities relating to keeping children safe from harm and neglect. She understands that her first responsibility lies with the child, however, she is uncertain as to whom to divulge information to in the event of a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and have a strong bond with the childminder. They benefit from clear routines, which meet their individual needs. They are excited and engaged in a range of

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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 stimulating activities on offer, such as topic work on the importance of water, growing vegetables and cultural activities. Children benefit from the good planning, interaction and support the childminder provides them with.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's contributions are valued. They sing, dance, demonstrate their karate skills and make gifts for each other to celebrate cultural activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to each other. They play together, happily share the toys and take turns. The childminder actively listens to the children and offers an explanation to their enquiry. As a result, children comfortably ask questions, and approach the childminder if they need any help.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing an understanding about the community. Cultures and festivals are regularly celebrated resulting in children gaining an awareness of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents, which gives her a good knowledge of the children, enabling her to meet their needs and develop consistency of care. Good communication systems are in place which ensures children are cared for in accordance with parents' wishes. Written information, as well as verbal feedback at the end of the day, keeps parents informed about their children and activities and helps children to become familiar with the childminder and their surroundings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are respected as individuals and the childminder helps them to develop an understanding about right and wrong. They learn to share resources, take turns and play together cooperatively. The childminder is a positive role model who provides a calm and relaxed atmosphere for children. She successfully manages children's behaviour by talking to them at their level of understanding and using effective strategies.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's secure knowledge and understanding of the care for young children. She is well organised, warm and affectionate towards the children who are relaxed and very happy in her care.

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Organisation

The childminder has strong commitment to ongoing training. This ensures that she is fully informed about current good practice within childcare.

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Organisation

All the records to promote the safe and efficient management of the provision are in place. All the documentation is stored confidentially. Children's overall care and learning are enhanced by the information shared between parents and the childminder. As a result children are happy and secure in her care.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration, 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): • ensure children know what to do in the event of a fire and make the high chair safe • update knowledge regarding the correct procedures in regard to who to inform if you suspect abuse • make fire controls inaccessible.

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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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