Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340551 Unique Reference Number 20 February 2007 Inspection date Zoe Smith 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives in the Hazel Grove district of Stockport with her husband and their daughter who is aged five. Children have access to all rooms on the ground floor, two bedrooms and the bathroom on the first floor. The enclosed rear garden is used for outdoor and physical play activities. Children can be taken to and collected from local schools. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children and is currently minding six children on a combination of part-time places. 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 have lots of opportunities to participate in a wide range of physical play activities and are making good progress in their physical development. They look forward to playing on the wheeled toys, swings and slides in the garden, and frequent walks round the local neighbourhood. Younger children sleep outside in a pushchair. These activities provide plenty of fresh air and exercise, and are introducing the children to a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective hygiene procedures are implemented to reduce the risk of cross contamination and to help keep children well. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home, and are learning about cleanliness and how to look after their bodies. They help to wash fruit before eating it, wipe the table clean before and after snack and know to wash their hands after going to the toilet. The childminder has all the necessary permissions and records in place regarding accidents and the administration of medication to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a varied diet that includes fresh fruit, salad and vegetables. Dietary requirements and preferences are discussed and agreed with parents. Children receive food and drinks in sufficient quantities to meet their needs. Fresh drinking water or diluted juice is readily available for children to quench their thirst during the day. Children are finding out about healthy eating through stories, discussions and activities. They enjoy helping the childminder to make lunch and regularly visit the local greengrocers to look at and buy fruit and vegetables.

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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 safe, secure and well maintained home. The childminder has identified potential risks and put effective safety precautions in place to minimise them. Cleaning fluids and sharp knives are in locked cupboards, an impact absorbing surface has been laid underneath the swings and plug socket covers are used to keep children safe. Effective fire precautions and procedures are in place. A fire blanket is in place in the kitchen and smoke detectors fitted on every level of the house. Fire fighting and detection equipment is regularly checked to make sure it is in good working order.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant in her supervision of the children. Simple tasks and discussions help them learn how they can keep themselves safe. They know they must not climb on the furniture and to care for and look after each other. Children choose what to play with from a good range of safe, high quality and age appropriate toys and equipment. They have plenty of space so they can extend their activities and spread out throughout the downstairs rooms. The safety and protection of children is very important to the childminder. She has up to date knowledge of child protection and knows the procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child’s well-being.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle immediately as they arrive at the childminder's home and quickly become involved in the good range of activities. They are becoming increasingly independent as they confidently choose what they want to play with. The children’s day is planned to provide a well balanced range of activities that are designed to be enjoyable and stimulate the children’s interest and development. Regular outings, attendance at physical activity centres and toddler groups provide opportunities for children to play with other children and to explore a wider range of toys and activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are making good progress in developing new language skills and in becoming competent communicators. The childminder reads stories to, sings with and constantly talks to children about what they are doing, using every opportunity to reinforce colours, shapes and numbers. Children are beginning to recognise and name colours and shapes, and confidently count the toys they are playing with. Children have extremely well developed imaginations. They become engrossed in their make believe play; putting the fire out in the activity house and building long lines of vehicles, then filling them with play figures and zoo animals, ready to take them on an outing to the farm. Children have great fun with and make very good use of a large cardboard box, decorating the box and then using it as a clinic, house and boat.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to explore a good range of sensory and creative activities, such as dough, painting, water and sand play. A wide variety of paper, colouring books, crayons and pencils are readily available for children to use to draw with, colour and make marks. Younger children enjoy helping and imitating the actions of the childminder. They love to empty the washing machine and to help sort brightly coloured socks into pairs. The childminder has positive relationships with children and is friendly and approachable. She knows when to join in to support and facilitate their play and when not to, in case she interrupts activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to some books and toys that provide positive images of culture, gender and disability. The childminder regularly talks to the children about their own customs, beliefs and festivals and those of others. However, resources and activities are not sufficient to actively promote the children’s understanding of the wider world. The childminder values all children in her care and is proactive in taking positive steps to welcome them and meet their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy and are kept busy and interested in their play, and therefore do not have time to misbehave. They are caring, kind to each other, share toys and are responsive to the encouragement and praise they receive. The childminder uses stickers to recognise the achievements of children when they are particularly helpful and behave exceptionally well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has an effective partnership with parents, who are greeted in a welcoming and friendly manner. She works very closely with parents prior to a placement commencing to agree individual settling in programmes to ensure children settle well and are happy in her care.

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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 Parents are kept well informed about all relevant policies and procedures. Verbal discussions keep them up to date about their child's day, progress and any issues.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised, busy, happy and child friendly home. The childminder sets out resources on low level shelving units so they are easily accessible. Children confidently and enthusiastically explore their surroundings and choose the toys and activities they want to play with. The childminder has positive relationships with children and organises her day so she is able to spend lots of time with them. This ensures they are well supported and receive lots of encouragement and attention. All childminding records and documentation are in place, they are clear, up to date and stored securely. Attendance on short courses is enabling the childminder to continually enhance her skills in specific subjects, such as 'Teeth and tummies'.

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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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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 all 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 the range of resources and activities that help children learn about wider society.

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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 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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