Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY252657 Unique Reference Number 17 April 2007 Inspection date Julie Wright 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 April 2003. She lives with her partner and their two children aged five years and seven months in the Heaton Mersey area of Stockport, which is close to shops, parks and the library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The children have access to the lounge, dining kitchen and downstairs toilet. The first floor rooms are used as required, with the exception of the small bedroom. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for up to four children at any one time. There are currently six children on roll who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis and 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 satisfactory. Children develop independent skills as they learn about everyday hygiene routines. For example, the younger children stand on a small step to reach the sink and soap dispenser. Their health is protected through a suitable sickness policy, which prevents the risk of illness and infection. Procedures are in place to record accident and medication details as required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted when they use play equipment at the park and toddler groups. The childminder provides a selection of resources for outdoor play in the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Suitable arrangements are in place to discuss and meet the children's dietary requirements. Children have access to regular drinks and benefit from an appropriate variety of meals and snacks. They use age appropriate utensils with competence and enjoy sociable mealtimes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are familiar with the environment and move around with confidence. Since the last inspection an extension has been made to the premises, which provides the children with additional space. Areas are used well and clearly defined into play, rest and dining areas. With written parental consent, children sleep upstairs during the day. However, procedures to ensure that children are within sight or hearing at all times are not sufficient to fully assure constant supervision. Resources are well maintained and rotated to promote children's interest. The childminder responds to the children's requests for particular toys from the cupboard and makes them accessible.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a secure environment as the childminder ensures that they cannot open the front door by themselves. The garden is enclosed and the childminder restricts access to areas where work is in progress. The childminder talks to children about the emergency evacuation procedures, although they are not practised to promote their understanding. Reasonable measures are in place to reduce the risk of accidents and minimise hazards in the home. Consent for outings and suitable car seats are provided, however, confirmation of appropriate car insurance is required to assure safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the procedures to protect children. She is aware of signs for concern and has current contact numbers for appropriate agencies. The childminder provides parents with a child protection statement to advise them of her responsibilities to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and have warm relationships with the childminder and each other. The childminder provides a suitable range of activities, which promote the children's overall development. Children feel secure with consistent routines and show interest as they move around and play. Younger children benefit from the social opportunities when they are taken to toddler groups. The childminder encourages language development as she talks to the children and involves them in all 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 After school the children choose to play outdoors, do creative activities or their homework. Children enjoy using creative play materials or playing with everyday items, such as cardboard boxes. Some textured toys are available and occasional water play outside provides children with investigative experiences. The childminder provides opportunities for children to bake and also to make food for the birds in winter. Photographs provide evidence of previous activities which the children have enjoyed. They make sound progress in the care of the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual requirements are discussed with parents and appropriate records maintained, which promote consistent care. The daily routines are suitably planned to accommodate the children's individual needs. The childminder has a satisfactory awareness of equal opportunities and provides children with equal access to resources. Children take part in some activities which help them to be aware of other countries, however, the resources which reflect diversity are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cooperative and behave well in the care of the childminder. She describes age appropriate and positive strategies to manage behaviour. Children understand the simple explanations and expectations of behaviour. They respond to the consistent routines, such as tidying up and having a quiet time before they go home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive working relationships develop between the childminder and parents. They share information on a regular basis and maintain the required records. The introductory procedures help children to settle and long standing arrangements are in place. Parents and children provide positive feedback in reference letters on all aspects of care. They refer to a happy and stimulating environment where children make progress and enjoy themselves.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and stimulated in the care of the childminder. She organises her time and space well to meet the individual care needs of the children. A variation to numbers of children and use of rooms was discussed and agreed at inspection.

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Organisation

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the childminding regulations, however, the first aid qualification has expired. She has made arrangements to complete an approved course in order to meet the requirements of registration and protect the children's welfare. The childminder has experience in caring for children under the age of three years. However, she does not have information on the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which supports children's development in their earliest years. Records and documentation are suitably maintained in order, which contribute to the continuity of care for children.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to develop knowledge and understanding of behaviour management techniques, to ensure that all written agreements and consent forms are countersigned by parents and that the driving licence has the correct address, to ensure that hazards to children are minimised and to ensure that suitable procedures are in place to

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Improvements 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 minimise the spread of infection. The provider was also asked to provide a suitable range of toys and resources, which include a variety of resources that reflect our diverse society, in order to meet the developmental needs of children being cared for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since then the childminder has gained confidence and experience in managing behaviour, all required agreements are in place and the driving licence details amended. The fence has been replaced and most hazards removed in the garden. Suitable nappy changing procedures are in place to promote hygiene and the childminder has provided some books with positive images of diversity, although a further recommendation is made. These actions result in improvements to the health, safety and welfare of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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 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 that the car insurance includes confirmed business use prior to transporting minded children • ensure that a first aid qualification is maintained • further develop the resources to reflect positive images of diversity and to include disability • improve the supervision of children when they are sleeping upstairs.

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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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