Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342798 Unique Reference Number 13 March 2007 Inspection date Kay Margaret Armstrong 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 has been registered since October 2006. She lives with her two adult children, her son who is aged 14 years and her grandchild who is aged four years. The family live in the Ashton-under-Lyne area of Tameside, which is close to parks and local shops. Children have access to the lounge and dining room of the childminders house. The bathroom facilities are on the first floor. The rear garden is available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for five children. Currently, she cares for one child who attends on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder receives support form the local authority.

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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 satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their physical growth and development. They have plenty of fresh air as they walk to and from school daily. Children play in the garden and visits to the park provide the opportunity for children to run around and use the large equipment, such as a climbing frame and swing. These experiences help children to develop physically and gain control of their bodies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Hygiene procedures are implemented effectively to ensure that children are cared for in a warm, clean home, minimising the risk of cross-infection. Daily routines, such as washing their hands before meals and after using the bathroom, promote children's understanding of good hygiene practices and helps to keep them well.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses and agrees children's dietary requirements with parents. She provides children with healthy snacks, which contribute to their understanding of healthy eating and promote physical growth and development. Children remain hydrated as they are encouraged to have regular drinks, which are easily accessible.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children benefit from a homely environment where the childminder places a high priority on safety. Children play safely and freely, as the childminder has a sound recognition of the need for a balance between safe limits and freedom. The premises are safe and secure and are suitable for the caring for children. Children are beginning to learn about some aspects of managing their own safety, for example, they practise crossing the road safely as they walk home from school. There is a written emergency escape plan in place, however, this has not been practised with the children, which impacts on their overall safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an adequate selection of resources and equipment to meet the needs of children attending. Resources are organised and some are easily accessible to the children, which enhances their choice and promotes their independence. Resources are clean and comply with safety regulations, minimising the risks to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has the required documentation and knowledge in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has an understanding of child protection procedures and her responsibility with regards to keeping children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children's welfare is adequately promoted and their individual needs are generally met through activities that include some opportunities for social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. The relaxed atmosphere enables children to settle quickly, they are happy and

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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 have a positive relationship with the childminder. The children are keen to sit on the childminder’s knee and talk to her about their day. They have adequate support and attention from the childminder, which increases their sense of security.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a satisfactory range of activities, she spends time interacting with the children, who are engaged and interested in their self-chosen activities. The children are relaxed and comfortable as they choose to play with electronic games brought from home. They express themselves creatively with drawing materials and play on the hop-scotch mat before choosing to play outdoors. Here, they enjoy playing on the climbing frame and swing. The children proudly show how they can use their bodies to make the swing go higher. The childminder gives them encouragement and praise for their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has an understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory play. However, there are few resources which reflect our diverse society available, which limits children's understanding of the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are learning right from wrong as they know and understand simple house rules. The childminder uses strategies appropriate to children's ages and understanding, to manage their behaviour effectively. She speaks positively to children, using praise and encouragement to support their efforts and achievements. As a consequence, children are confident and are beginning to develop positive self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met in accordance with parent's wishes. This is achieved by the childminder as she offers support and works in partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a warm and homely environment. They benefit from the caring attention of the childminder, which results in children being relaxed and secure. Most records relating to children's individual needs are in place, which promotes children's welfare and ensures children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. However, the daily attendance record is not accurate which impacts on children's safety.

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Organisation

The childminder cares for children within the required adult to child ratios, which ensures that they are safe and she is able to support their play and learning. There is sufficient space in order for children to play in comfort. Play materials are organised appropriately to promote children's independence and encourage them to make choices about their play. The children enjoy different play opportunities away from the home, such as visits to the local parks.

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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 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): • improve fire safety by ensuring children know what to do in an emergency • continue to develop the range of resources which reflects our diverse society • ensure the record of attendance is accurate.

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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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