Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342654 Unique Reference Number 01 May 2007 Inspection date Krystina Chitryn 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 husband and two children aged four years and 18 months in Irlam, Greater Manchester. All of the premises excluding the main bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local playgroup, library and parks. The family have a pet dog. The childminder is also a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder discusses dietary needs with parents and provides the food for children. Written information about the children's dietary requirements, including food allergies are recorded in the contracts. Thus ensuring the children’s good health is maintained. The daily menu is written on a board in the kitchen and this keeps parents informed of their children’s diet. The childminder offers a wide range of healthy foods and snacks, which include home cooked foods,

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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 fresh fruit and vegetables. Children have opportunities to sleep and rest according to their needs. Children are given drinks at snack times, however, they do not have independent access to drinks at all times and this does not ensure the children remain hydrated. The sick child policy is shared with parents on admission, ensuring they are aware of when children should not attend.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has good domestic routines and hygiene practices. She cleans her home daily and wipes surfaces with antibacterial spray, which ensures that the children's health is protected. The childminder teaches the children about the importance of cleaning and staying healthy. This ensures there health is maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about effective personal hygiene routines as the childminder talks about washing their hands and keeping clean. She explains about bugs and how they are removed by washing hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular exercise by walking to and from the childminder's home to the school, local groups and the local park. This helps them to enjoy physical activities and personal fitness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are clean and well maintained. The childminder checks the toys and equipment daily for cleanliness and safety. The furniture is organised so the children have sufficient space to play on the floor. The childminder has a secure knowledge of home safety and daily risk assessments are carried out, safety appliances are in place to ensure children’s safety is maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are stimulated through the good quality toys that are stored at child height and are accessible so that the children are able to make choices. Children’s safety around toys and equipment is maintained, as the childminder makes effective checks and provides good quality toys and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a broad understanding of the safeguarding children procedure and has undertaken additional training, enabling her to protect the children from harm. She has a written statement that parents sign to say they are aware of her responsibility to protect children and can seek first aid treatment for children when necessary. She also provides them with written information on the safeguarding children procedure. The childminder uses incident and accident recordings to identify potential risks and keeps parents well informed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children's individual needs are met in a supportive and homely environment. Children are offered reassurance and are comforted with affectionate hugs and smiles. They respond with smiles and laughter. The childminder sits with the children and helps them develop their skills. This helps them to feel safe and secure. The children play with the home kitchen and identify foods and colours. They talk about keeping food in the fridge to keep it fresh and how this helps them to stay healthy. The children are given praise for their achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a secure outside play area. This enables them to develop good physical skills. Children self select their toys and play with each other and the childminder, who

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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 encourages them to participate in activities. The toys are kept in boxes around the room and are easy to access. This enables the children to make choices. As a result the children are interested in what they are doing. They have access to an extensive range of toys and activities. They gain confidence and benefit from the praise and encouragement that they receive from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have a broad access to toys and equipment which reflect our diverse society. This helps them develop their understanding of our wider world. They have access to books, figures, dolls, jigsaws, games and posters. The childminder is aware of equal opportunities and promotes this in her work. Cards that the children have made are displayed celebrating Chinese New year and St Patrick’s Day. This raises children’s awareness of our multicultural society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. This is actively encouraged by the childminder who is supportive of the children and is respectful to them. They are reminded to say please and thank you and are developing respect for others and learning to share. When children disagree over the castle the childminder uses distraction with the younger children. This ensures their behaviour is managed in a positive manner, through the use of distraction, praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure that their children’s specific health needs are met. Children benefit from the good relationships, between the childminder and their parents. She exchanges information regularly about the children and a good system of communication ensures an effective passage of information. Parents are provided with a progress book which contains information about the children's day and activities. The childminder ensures that information is shared with the parents about how the child has spent their day. Parents can access the childminder's files, which contain policies and photographs of the children participating in a variety of activities. This ensures that the children's parents are kept updated and well informed. They also receive a pack which provides written information on the policies and procedures. Parents are informed of the complaints procedure and a book is available for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

logging any written complaints received.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children and their families feel welcome in the childminder's home. The required documentation is in place and in order. The childminder organises her day around the children's needs. Children are cared for appropriately as the required ratios are always maintained.

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Organisation

The childminder is aware of updating her training in the 'Birth to three matters' framework to improve her overall practice.

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Organisation

All household members and visitors are subjected to regular checks and visitors are not left unsupervised. 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

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 require 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 complaint 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): • ensure children are able to access drinking water freely at all times • update the training on the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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