Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY338104 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2007 Inspection date Christine Myerscough 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 son aged 15 years and adult daughter in the south of Manchester. The whole ground floor and first floor bathroom of the childminder's house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently two children on roll. The childminder walks to a local school to collect children. The family has two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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's health is well protected. The childminder maintains good standards of cleanliness across her home. Younger children develop their independence in their personal care as they wipe their face after lunch with individual cloths. Children have their own colour-coded towels for hand drying to minimise the risk of cross-contamination. The childminder implements consistent practices and there is a separate hygienic area for nappy changing. A clear sick child policy, which is shared with parents, protects children from the spread of infection. The childminder keeps a book on childhood illnesses, for reference, to ensure she has the required knowledge to act in the best interests of all children. A first aid box is within easy reach to attend to children's needs quickly, if required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a balanced diet to promote their growth and development. For example, they enjoy pasta dishes, jacket potatoes with tuna, and cheese sandwiches. Fresh fruit is on offer daily. The avoidance of foods, such as biscuits and crisps, supports a healthy diet. The childminder holds a certificate in food hygiene so she is aware of food preparation and handling procedures to keep children free from harm. A sample menu is available for parents so they have an understanding of the sorts of food on offer for their children. Children keep well refreshed as their drinks, such as fresh fruit juice with water, are accessible to them at all times. Mealtimes are a social occasion. Children enjoy sitting together at the table in the conservatory. Good support is given from the childminder to encourage younger children to feed themselves. This promotes their growing independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in activities to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Visits to local parks help children to develop their physical skills as they play on park equipment. They enjoy the swings, crossing the wobbly bridge and playing on the roundabout. On their walk home from school, they benefit from fresh air. In warm weather, children have access to the childminder's garden where they have opportunities to exercise their bodies and enjoy the freedom of being outdoors. Musical resources encourage children to move their bodies and express themselves through dance.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's well-being is assured. Good recognition of how children's behaviour changes when they are feeling tired helps to ensure they sleep according to their needs. Comfortable furnishings provide for children's rest and relaxation. Toddlers enjoy climbing onto the sofa and making themselves cosy. The childminder respects the wishes of older children who need time and space to unwind on their return home from school. They relax to watch their favourite cartoons on the television.

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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 bright and welcoming environment. The childminder maintains her home in a good state of repair and decoration to make inviting surroundings for children. This helps them to feel safe and secure. Children play in comfort. The layout of the furniture is

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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 effectively organised so they have space to move around with confidence. Toys and equipment are of good quality and meet children's developing needs. Children become excited and gain pleasure from freely selecting their favourite things from child height shelving. This helps to support their independence and builds their natural curiosity as learners.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risk of accidental injury is minimised as the childminder takes reasonable steps to keep children safe. For example, low-level glass is toughened and there are locks on the meter cupboard doors. However, yearly checks are not carried out on gas appliances to ensure they comply with safety requirements. The childminder maintains close physical proximity as toddlers practise new skills. This enables them to feel reassured. Effective security arrangements protect children from unauthorised entry into the childminder's home. Main doors are kept locked at all times and there is a password system in place for the safe collection of children. The childminder ensures that those who are representing an organisation show their credentials before they gain entry. Suitable fire safety equipment is in place to protect children from harm. There are smoke alarms on both levels of the property and a fire blanket is available in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

However, children do not take part in emergency evacuation procedures to help them become aware and familiar with safe practices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children avoid dangers outdoors. The childminder closely supervises children whilst they play on park equipment. Younger children wear reins as they walk along the pavement. Children are suitably protected whilst being transported in the childminder's car. The necessary documentation, such as insurance cover, is kept up-to-date and children wear appropriate restraints.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory awareness of the signs and symptoms of child abuse. She has an understanding of some of the procedures to protect children, such as recording any existing injuries. However, she is not yet sufficiently secure in her knowledge of Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines to ensure children's welfare is fully safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy in a nurturing and supportive environment. The childminder spends her time interacting with children to engage them as they play. She gets down to their level and follows their lead. Her enthusiastic and cheerful manner encourages children to be good humoured and self-assured. Children smile often and laugh out loud as they play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play purposefully and show a lively interest in what they do. A good range of activities fosters their learning well and they make good progress in their development. Good emphasis is placed on encouraging children's creativity as they play with dough, paint and explore glitter and glue. They have well developed imaginations as they pretend to make tea, feed the dolls and give them cuddles. As they chalk at the easel, they make their marks and represent their feelings and ideas. Children are keen to learn the alphabet and become adept playing games, such as 'pairs'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's communication skills are very well supported. The childminder consistently talks to children to develop their vocabulary. Effective questioning promotes their understanding 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 they develop a strong interest in repeating and learning new words. As a result, they become confident communicators and use gestures very well to express themselves. Children practise the sounds of different animals with enthusiasm and listen intently to rhymes. They eagerly take part as they sing 'Incey wincey spider' and concentrate as they perform the actions to perfection. Regular story telling encourages children to develop a love for the sharing of books. Children benefit from regular attendance at toddler groups where they can play with other children. This broadens their learning experiences and helps them to learn to be sociable.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a sense of belonging as they put on their slippers when they arrive. They establish good relationships with the childminder's family and they enjoy spending time together. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities. Her written policy outlines how she promotes anti-discriminatory practice and children learn to value others. Boys and girls freely express themselves and follow their interests as they pretend to iron and play with a range of materials. However, there are limited play resources reflecting diversity to increase children's awareness of the wider world. The childminder has a positive attitude towards inclusion and recognises the importance of working closely with parents to meet children's individual requirements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are generally well behaved and respond well to gentle encouragement to help them learn right from wrong. They learn to play cooperatively together and act responsibly as they tidy away toys. Parents are made aware of the management of children's behaviour through discussion and the childminder's policy document. Children receive plenty of praise from the childminder. This boosts their self-esteem and they smile with delight when the childminder tells them how clever they are. They celebrate their own efforts and success with spontaneous claps. Their artwork is on display on the wall and they take home their creations to share with their families. This helps them to feel proud of their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A friendly approach with parents contributes to establishing good relationships. A flexible service is on offer and pre-arranged visits before children start attending help families settle in. A daily record sheet is maintained for younger children and keeps parents well informed regarding their child's day, sleeping patterns and food intake. This promotes consistency of care for children. A welcome pack with useful information is given to parents so they are aware and in agreement to the care practices.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder complies with the conditions of her registration and has completed an Introduction to Childminding Practice course. She holds a valid certificate in first aid to enable her to administer treatment if necessary, to ensure children's health. She has a positive attitude towards her ongoing professional development and the continuous development of her childminding practice. Additional training has been undertaken on portfolio building and managing a successful business.

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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 Children are well cared for. The sharing of experiences with the childminder and one another helps to ensure they enjoy a good time. Playing so closely together provides plenty of fun and excitement. Children benefit from the use of a dedicated playroom which provides a stimulating, child-friendly environment. This enables them to feel totally secure in their surroundings. The day is organised around children's needs so they have time to rest as well as be active. There is a good balance of activities, both in the childminder's home and the local community, to stimulate children's interests.

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Organisation

Records and documentation are well organised in separate files and books. They are stored securely in a locked filing case to maintain confidentiality. This ensures a safe and efficient service to maintain children's welfare. A range of policies and procedures, which are shared with parents, support and enhance the childminder's work successfully to ensure the outcomes for children are positive. The childminder shows parents references from previous employers to provide extra reassurance in confirming her suitability to care for children. 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 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 Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines • ensure gas appliances conform to safety requirements and practise emergency evacuation procedures with children

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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 • ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote positive images of our diverse society.

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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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