Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346582 Unique Reference Number 15 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 January 2007. She lives with her husband and their seven year old child. The family live in the Heaviley area of Stockport, which is close to shops and parks. The children have access to the through lounge and dining room, the hallway and kitchen. The bathroom facilities are on the first floor and the small front bedroom is included in the registration. The rear garden is available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for five children. Currently she cares for two children, who both attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Borough of Stockport Childminding Association and she gains support from 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. Effective hygiene procedures are implemented 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 nappy changes, promote children's understanding of good hygiene practices and minimises the risk of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their physical growth and development. They have plenty of fresh air as they are taken out daily. Regular visits to parks, childminding groups and toddler groups provide the opportunity for children to run around and use large equipment, such as a climbing frame and slide. The childminder encourages and supports the babies' physical development, by providing opportunities for them to practise skills, such as sitting up unaided. These experiences help children to develop physically and gain control of their bodies.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses and agrees children's dietary requirements with parents. She provides children with a range of meals and snacks, which are nutritious and contribute to their physical growth and development. The sample menu indicates she has a good understanding of children's nutritional needs. Children remain hydrated as the childminder encourages them to have regular drinks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a well maintained, homely environment, where the childminder places a high priority on safety. Risk of accidental injury is minimised by the good supervision of the children and appropriate use of safety features, such as safety gates and socket covers. The safe and secure environment, which is provided, is suitable for caring for children, as they have space to move freely and are able to play in comfort. Children are learning some aspects of safety as the childminder teaches them how to cross the roads safely. However, the emergency evacuation procedure has not been practised, which impacts on children’s overall safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a broad selection of resources and equipment to meet the needs of children attending. Resources are well organised and are made accessible to the children, which enhances their learning, promotes choice and independence. Resources are well maintained, cleaned regularly 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 a clear understanding of procedures to follow if she had concerns, and of her responsibility, with regards to keeping children safe.

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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 satisfactory. Babies benefit from routines which are consistent with their experiences at home. They enjoy exploring toys which are colourful, tactile, have pulsating lights and make sounds, promoting their sensory development. However, all the resources the babies have access to are manufactured, which impacts on their sensory development. The childminder dedicates her time to encouraging babies to explore resources and their environment. Babies' hand to eye coordination is developing well as the childminder encourages them to grasp at toys, push buttons on resources and put shapes into a posting box. Babies giggle and squeal in delight as the childminder plays with them using a hand puppet. They enjoy looking at books and babble away at the childminder who responds positively. Her interactions are very supportive of early communication skills, as she echoes babies’ early speech patterns. This promotes their language,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

ensures that babies know their communication is valued, and effectively increases their self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The relaxed atmosphere and the warm relationships, which are established enable babies to settle quickly. Babies are well nurtured and have clearly formed positive attachments to the childminder. They look to her for comfort and reassurance, which they are given through cuddles and soothing, gentle words. This promotes their trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self, which contributes to babies' well-being and sense of security.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a satisfactory range of activities for older children. They are encouraged to make choices about their play which promotes their independence. Children are able to choose to play in the garden, express themselves with creative materials, use the computer or play games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works closely with parents, sharing information on a daily basis, to ensure children's individual needs are recognised and their welfare is promoted. Children's home routines are followed with regard to meal and sleep patterns, providing a secure and familiar environment, which promotes a sense of belonging and develops trust.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has an adequate understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory play. There are some resources available reflecting positive images of our diverse society, however, these are not yet fully developed. Consequently, this limits children's awareness of difference and the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder speaks positively to children, using praise and encouragement to support their efforts and achievements. As a consequence, children are becoming confident and beginning to develop a positive self-esteem.

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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

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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. All records pertaining to children's individual needs are in place, which ensures children are cared for in accordance with parents' wishes and promotes children's welfare.

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Organisation

The childminder cares for children within required ratios, which ensures that they are safe and she is able to adequately 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 their local groups and parks. 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 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): • ensure children are aware of the emergency evacuation procedures • provide some natural resources for babies and children • continue to develop range of resources which reflects our diverse 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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