Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342566 Unique Reference Number 27 March 2007 Inspection date Christine Marsh 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 was registered in 2006 to care for four children. She lives with her two children aged six and two years, in a semi-detached house in Bury. The lounge, play room, kitchen/dining room, upstairs bathroom and back garden are all used for childminding. The household have two pet fish. The childminder minds children during the day and provides an out of school service to children from local primary schools. There are currently three children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder has an up to date knowledge of general hygiene and also food hygiene, which informs her practice. She has recently completed the Introduction to Childminding course, which has raised her awareness of a variety of relevant issues. Children are beginning to understand the importance of hygiene as the childminder wipes their noses and explains the need for hand washing when changing children's nappies. An appropriate nappy changing procedure is in place. Children are chatted to and given a toy to play with by

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 the childminder whilst she attends to their hygiene needs. Sick children do not attend so that children do not infect each other.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished through the provision of healthy snacks of fruit and breadsticks, and also cooked meals. Parents wishes are taken into account when providing food and children are kept continually refreshed and hydrated with the provision of drinks. Children have opportunities to sleep during the day, either on the settee or whilst being out in the double pram.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from fresh air on daily walks to school and regular trips to local playgrounds. Here, children have opportunities to develop their large motor skills as they use equipment such as slides and swings. Children also go to a local toddler group and a music group regularly. They play musical instruments, stopping and starting in time with the music. They use their small and large muscles as they play these games and children's emotional well-being is being fostered.

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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 secure and welcoming environment. Smoke alarms help to promote children's safety in the home. The fire brigade have visited and confirmed that the home is safe and secure for the children in the childminder's care. Doors are kept locked. The rooms are spacious, enabling children to move around the environment freely, whilst stair gates ensure children stay safely on the ground floor. In the kitchen, cupboards are kept locked so that babies can not access kitchen equipment. Hazardous substances are kept well out of children's reach and the front of the cooker is not used to make sure children can not touch hot pans. In these ways, children are kept away from potential hazards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The large number of commercial toys are attractive, educational, and in very good condition. They meet appropriate safety standards and stimulate children to explore them. For older children, there are a variety of jigsaw puzzles, books and construction materials. All children have a selection of age appropriate toys to choose from.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

On trips out, the youngest children are kept in the pram, whilst older children are talked to about the importance of road safety and staying close to the childminder. The childminder sensibly considers the number of children that she intends to mind, bearing in mind their ages and the practicalities of going out on visits. She has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures, which helps to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder gets on to the floor and plays with the children at their level. They are happy and contented in her care. Children freely explore the toys on offer. The childminder has a friendly, calm manner that children respond to well. Babies gurgle contentedly as they explore the toys that are within their reach. They smile and begin to move towards toys that attract them. Babies are becoming effective communicators through the care and attention they receive from the childminder. Children have a positive relationship with her. She enjoys their company and provides appropriately for their needs. The childminder takes children's ages and stages of development into account as she talks to them. In these ways, children are being appropriately challenged and supported in their learning.

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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 The childminder has read the 'Birth to three matters' framework and has a sound knowledge of the development of young children. However, she has relatively limited experience of how best to implement a range of activities that are specially suited to the youngest children. This limits the range of experiences currently available for them. An extensive range of toys is available for the children, however, many of them are plastic. Children are not experiencing first-hand opportunities to explore a wide range of natural materials on a regular basis, which restricts their sensory experience. However, children do have opportunities to use play dough and play with sand fairly regularly. This provides them with some opportunities to explore different malleable materials.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice are considered by the childminder. The Introduction to Childminding course increased her awareness of how to make activities and games more inclusive for children with specific difficulties. Although no children are currently cared for who have learning difficulties or disabilities, she is prepared to cater for such children and would consult professionals for advice if she needs further information. All of the children that she cares for are viewed as individuals, with their own specific needs that she tries to address.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's work is displayed attractively around the house, helping them to feel valued and providing an attractive visual environment. Children are given choices in the toys that they play with and the foods that they eat. They are being taught right from wrong and are being encouraged to share toys with one another. Praise is used effectively to promote children's good behaviour and to develop their self-esteem. Children are successfully being acknowledged and they are developing self-assurance. Children are skilful communicators, who enjoy the childminder's company.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are developing well. However, there are limited opportunities for parents to find out about the youngest children, as information is only passed on orally. Currently, there are no written records to inform parents regarding their children's activities, therefore, they are not fully aware of what their children are doing whilst they are in the childminder's care. The childminder discusses issues with parents and they work together to develop children's good behaviour and promote consistency in the treatment children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's general health is protected by the childminder's first aid knowledge and her recent completion of a first aid course. She has a high regard for the well-being of children and her home is resourced to encourage the promotion of their physical, emotional and developmental needs.

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Organisation

The childminder's efficient organisation provides a suitable structure for the children's care. They have regular walks to the groups that they attend, and experience a mixture of indoor activities and trips to local playgrounds. Afternoon activities provide a change of stimulus for children, before older ones are collected from school and brought back for tea. Children benefit from the variety of activities and people they meet during their active days with the childminder.

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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 Documentation is up to date and thorough. Records are suitably detailed. Policies and procedures are carefully thought through and appropriate. This helps to keep children protected and safe in the childminder's care.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints that required Ofsted or the provider 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 can be seen on request. The complaints may contain records 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): • learn more about providing first-hand experiences suitable for babies and very young children • develop a treasure basket to complement and extend the existing provision, providing children with opportunities to explore natural materials and develop their curiosity • promote further opportunities to share information with parents daily, through the use of a book to describe babies' main activities, food intake and other relevant information.

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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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