Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY334732 Unique Reference Number 15 March 2007 Inspection date Jeanne Lesley Walsh 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 partner in the Stockport area of Cheshire. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and she employs an assistant. There are currently five children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children are cared for mainly on the ground floor of the house in the lounge/dining room and conservatory. Upstairs there is access to the family bathroom. There is an enclosed rear garden for physical activity and outdoor play. The childminder takes children to and from the local primary schools. Children are also taken on visits to the park, shops and other child-centred activities. 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 learning about good personal hygiene through routine hand washing at appropriate times of the day, such as before meals and after visiting the toilet. The nappy changing procedure ensures that children are protected from cross-infection and the childminder helps children to make good use of hygienic wipes and antibacterial gel. The childminder has valid first aid training and there is a well stocked first aid box available. This means that children are responded to appropriately in the event of an accident. Accident records are well recorded and signed by parents. However, medication records do not include adequate written instructions from parents, so children may not always be protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children take part in regular exercise each day, such as walking, playing outside in the garden or by doing music and movement in the house. During the inspection children are observed to be moving to music. They are also exploring the activities in the garden as they confidently move in and out of the play house, climb on the activity frame and slide down the slide.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses children’s individual likes and dislikes and any particular allergies with parents. She then provides food accordingly, to ensure that children’s diet is appropriate. Fresh drinking water is freely available and children have their own familiar cups. Children are developing healthy eating habits because meal time is well organised. The children are involved in the preparation, as they wash their hands and then help each other to put on their bibs or aprons. They are encouraged to eat a varied diet and they are trying out fig rolls for the first time. Some children like them, others are not so sure. The childminder talks to them about their food and they happily eat a good range of fruits and vegetables.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are learning about different foods as they crayon their five a day fruit and vegetable pictures and play imaginatively with the play kitchen, baking and making dinner. They find some bananas, eggs, fruit and vegetables in the play fridge. They are cooking, using the full size pans and the wooden spoons. 'Mmm there are some lovely smells coming from here, what are you making, is it hot?' The childminder wants to know what it tastes like and the children let her taste it from the wooden spoon. The children then share their pretend food as they serve it to each other on plates. They are starting to learn about healthy foods and positive social skills. The childminder knows how to extend their learning by asking appropriate questions and by supporting their play.

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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 well maintained environment, where the childminder has made every effort to minimise the risks of accident and injury, both in the home and on outings. General safety within the home is good and children cannot leave the premises without supervision. The childminder organises regular fire drills and these are recorded. The fire evacuation

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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 procedure is also displayed for parent’s information. However, the outdoor play surfaces are not level and the obstructions are a trip hazard for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to participate freely in a wide range of play activities that provide challenge and stimulation. The equipment is of good quality, clean and conforms to safety standards. Organisation and accessibility of the toys encourages the children to make independent choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder does not leave them unattended or with access to people who are not vetted. She demonstrates a clear understanding of her responsibility with regard to child protection issues. She has completed basic training in child protection and is waiting to attend additional Safeguarding Children Board training. Information relating to the protection of children is displayed for parents and they sign a form confirming that they are aware of the childminder’s responsibility in this area. However, the childminder does not have a copy of the guidelines in ‘What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused - Summary’. She demonstrates a clear understanding of the need for confidentiality.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are content, happy and settled in the childminder’s home. She knows them well and confidently provides for their individual care needs and their different stages of development. The children participate in a wide variety of appropriate play opportunities and activities, both inside and outside of the home. They freely choose what they want to play with, as well as enjoying some more organised and structured activities. The childminder follows a simple daily routine, which allows time and flexibility to ensure that all children’s individual care needs are met. This includes sleeps, snacks, daily exercise, outings and a wealth of stimulating activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are busy exploring the contents of the treasure box and are curious about the different textures they can feel. They pull out a soft sarong and some beads and use them as dressing up clothes to dress the childminder in. They are developing good imagination skills as they decide to explore their theme box. The theme is about helping to take care of yourself. They open the doctor’s bag and wash their hands with the hand washing gel. They put the dolls to bed and remind them to go on their potty. They are busy and serious about their activity and they read the books that are there to support their learning. Two children are sharing the painting easel. They are happily standing side by side, each taking half of the space on the paper for their painting. They are talking to each other and looking at each others pictures. They are working together. Previously all the children painted together making an extra long

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

picture using a roll of paper. They enjoyed sharing the experience and the resulting picture is proudly displayed. Children are encouraged to experiment with creative activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is clearly aware of the children's different stages of development. For example, she knows that one child is starting to walk. She encourages the child to walk between her and her assistant. The child is then wobbling towards the settee, looking for support, and is very proud and excited. The childminder encourages the child by praising and celebrating this achievement. She knows the children well and her planning ensures that their individual needs are being met. She keeps observation records of all of their activities. She is aware of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework and uses this and her observations to help her to plan activities.

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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 She monitors the children’s development this way and records the information for parents. This is an area she is moving forward with quite steadily. She intends to complete training on the Foundation Stage curriculum and wants to further develop her planning accordingly. The children are benefiting because the childminder is using her knowledge enthusiastically and additional training is helping her to further develop the service she is providing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and they show a good sense of belonging through the warm relationships they have with the childminder and her assistant. They display confidence and they listen as the childminder talks to them, explaining and encouraging their learning. They respond to what she says and she responds to them, helping them to feel valued and secure. The childminder supports and encourages the children’s play but knows when to sit back and let them find out for themselves. The children are happy and learning and they are developing socially, physically and intellectually. Their individual needs are being met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are provided with a wide range of activities and resources both inside and outside the home, which are designed to begin increasing their awareness of diversity and an understanding of others. The children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met well as the childminder discusses and agrees the children’s care with their parents. They are beginning to learn about difference and respect for others through activities. For example, as part of the current theme ‘taking care of yourself’ the children have completed an activity making spectacles. The children painted them and they are hanging up as mobiles. They also have some spare frames to try on and put on the dolls. Good use is also made of local amenities, such as visits to the park, the library and the shops. Children are developing a good sense of belonging and are starting to become aware of their local community. Their learning is supported

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Helping children make a positive contribution

by a good range of toys, books and resources that help to enhance their understanding of the wider society we live in. These reflect positive images of culture, religion, gender and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are behaving well in the setting. They are starting to learn about right and wrong as the childminder demonstrates a positive approach to behaviour management. She is clearly aware of different ages and stages of development and she tailors her approach appropriately. For example, two children are pulling a handbag as they both want to play with it. The childminder calmly explains how they should share and take turns. She quickly produces another bag and encourages them to take turns with both bags. The children happily take the bags and carry on playing together. Children are busy and well occupied throughout the session. The childminder and her assistant constantly talk to them explaining everything. They praise them and celebrate their achievements, which is boosting their self-esteem. The childminder is a positive role model for the children and from her they are learning to be calm, relaxed and to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is well promoted within the setting. Parents receive a welcome pack, which contains a good range of information about the setting. The entrance hall is busy with notices and posters informing the parents of activities and valuable information and advice. An initial settling in process is recommended by the childminder to ensure that the parent and the children are happy with the setting. This also gives the childminder an opportunity to learn

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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 about the children's specific needs and home routines. Parents are kept informed of their child's progress through daily discussion and the childminder keeps a daily diary sheet recording information about each child’s day. This ensures that there is regular information sharing with parents and that children’s progress and achievements are monitored and valued. The childminder works hard to foster good professional relationships for the benefit of the children. Discussion with parents confirms that they are happy with the provider and the care that their children are receiving.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in the setting and they confidently and freely explore their surroundings and initiate their own play and learning. Children benefit from a well planned day and they receive lots of encouragement, time and attention from the childminder, which is promoting their independence and helping to develop their self-esteem. Effective procedures keep children safe from persons who are not vetted and the childminder never leaves the children in the care or supervision of any person other than herself or her approved assistant.

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Organisation

The minded children arrive happily and immediately settle into a well organised environment. The space available is well set out so that children can explore and move around safely. Activities are rotated regularly to maintain interest and they are made easily accessible to encourage children to make independent choices of what they want to do. The children confidently chat with the childminder and her assistant and clearly feel secure and comfortable with each other.

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Organisation

The childminder holds appropriate qualifications and is willing to further develop her knowledge and skills by attending additional training. She is using her new knowledge and skills to further enhance the children’s learning and development opportunities. Children’s welfare is well supported through good practice, policies and procedures. Observations of children’s progress are recorded and the childminder is starting to link these to her activity planning, to ensure children’s individual needs are being met. Documentation is comprehensive and appropriate to the setting. The children are cared for in a secure environment where they can develop and achieve at their own pace. 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. 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): • obtain full written instructions from parents in relation to the administration of medication • ensure children's safety in the garden • obtain a copy of the guidelines in ‘What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused - Summary’.

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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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