Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY344086 Unique Reference Number 10 May 2007 Inspection date Sheila Iwaskow Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children, aged one and three years, in the Grappenhall area of Warrington.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding; this comprises of the lounge, dining room and dining kitchen. Children also have access to two bedrooms and toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed area at the rear of the property for outdoor play. The family have two guinea pigs.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently three children on roll who attend on a variety of placements. The childminder cares for older children after school. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Delicious and nutritious meals and snacks provided by the childminder help children understand the importance of a balanced diet to a healthy lifestyle. Food provided is homemade from fresh

p.2

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 produce and sample menus are available, allowing parents to appreciate the quality of the food being provided for their children. Vegetarian options, such as vegetable lasagne, are available ensuring the dietary needs of individual children are met. Opportunities are provided for children to make their own snacks. For example, at inspection children had lots of fun preparing and eating muffin pizzas. Social skills are developing well as snack times are established occasions, where the childminder and children sit and chat. Children are continually hydrated as drinks are freely available at all times to allow then to quench their thirst. Gentle reminders are given to children who are reluctant to drink fluids on a regular basis. The childminder has recently attended food hygiene training, which ensures that correct procedures are followed in the

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a home which is spotlessly clean. Surfaces are wiped down routinely with anti-bacterial spray and visitors to the setting are requested to remove their shoes to prevent dirt being brought into the house. Such sensible procedures help to avoid the risk of cross-infection. Hand washing demonstrations from the childminder teach children to wash their hands properly and discussions about germs help them understand the reasons for washing hands after toileting and before eating. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and requests the necessary written parental consents to administer medication and seek emergency medical treatment. This ensures that appropriate care can be provided in the event of an accident.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a broad range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Walking home from school helps them understand the importance of exercise to keep their bodies fit. They enjoy physical pursuits in the back garden as they ride on wheeled toys, negotiate the slide and play interactive games, such as football.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a homely environment where play areas are maintained at a consistent temperature to ensure children's comfort. They play mainly in the lounge and dining room, which are both light, bright and airy. Space is made available for older children who may want some quiet time to do their homework or simply relax after a busy day at school. The childminder is well-equipped to promote the learning needs of all the children in her care. A good range of play materials are available and reflect the interests of the children. Toys are safe, clean and most are easily accessible, giving children the freedom of choice.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good practices and procedures keep children safe and secure. For example, smoke alarms are in place, a fire blanket is available in the kitchen and the meter cupboard is locked. Children learn how to protect themselves in the event of a fire or emergency as the childminder practises fire drills with the children on a regular basis. Effective procedures are in place for the safe collection at the end of the day and detailed written risk assessments are in place for all areas of the house used for childminding purposes. However, minor issues have been identified in the back garden, which may compromise children's safety; drains are not completely covered and there is a patch of ivy, which is accessible to the children. Children move around freely indoors and without the worry of injuring themselves. They feel reassured as the childminder supervises them closely. When walking home from school the childminder encourages children

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to observe the Green Cross Code. This helps them to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves free from harm, when out walking in the local area.

p.3

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 The childminder has a good awareness of indicators of abuse and recognises children's welfare is of paramount importance. She has a clear understanding of procedures to follow if she is concerned.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children chat happily with the childminder as they walk home from school. She clearly knows the children well and shares warm relationships with them. They are settled and happy in the friendly atmosphere created in her home. Children are secure of the routines that operate within the setting. For example, without prompting they take off their shoes, put coats and bags tidily away before engaging in play. Such practices teach children to respect the childminder's home.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make progress because the childminder assesses their current level of understanding and introduces activities to build on and extend their learning. She actively encourages early communication skills. Words are constantly repeated to reinforce early speech patterns and new words, such as 'delicious' are introduced as part of the ongoing dialogue between the children and the childminder. Story time is a popular activity and regular visits to the library contribute towards children's enjoyment of books.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's recognition of colours, letters and numbers are developing well. For example, children count the number of grapes, name the colour of fruit, sing number rhymes and identify the letter at the start of their name. There are opportunities for children to feel different textures as they knead dough to make bread, play in the sand pit and make marks using chalk. Children's creativity is enhanced as they design cards, make flowers from straws, dress up as a builder and act out scenarios using puppets. Musical instruments are available to motivate children to make sounds.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to socialise with other children when they visit a local toddler group. Good use is made of settling in procedures to ensure a smooth transition from home to the childminder's care. Children are complimentary about the childminder and enjoy being looked after by her.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides resources, such as books, jigsaws and dolls, which relect diversity and give children the chance to learn about the wider community. Future plans include the celebration of cultural festivals including Chinese New Year, Divali and Hanukah. Children's individual needs are well met. Due care and consideration is shown towards the care of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The childminder recognises the importance of providing a sharing and inclusive environment and of working closely with parents to ensure the best possible care is offered.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have negotiated and designed their own simple house rules, which are beautifully displayed in the kitchen. The childminder is respectful to all children and acts as a positive role model. Children are well behaved. Good manners are well promoted and the childminder offers children lots of praise in order to celebrate their achievements. This positive approach helps to build children's confidence and self-esteem.

p.4

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 Children benefit from the purposeful relationships that the childminder has established with their parents. A wide range of well written policies and procedures clearly informs them of her child care practices. Informal chats at the end of the day and a notice board, detailing what the children have done and eaten, keep parents well informed of how their children have spent their time whilst in the childminder's care. Parents have the highest regard for the service provided. They comment that the childminder is a 'warm and conscientious' person and that the level of care provided is 'absolutely excellent'.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. As a newly registered childminder the childminder has completed her 'Introduction to Childminding' course. She demonstrates a positive attitude to her ongoing professional development and has successfully completed additional relevant training, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework. This ensures that she is able to meet the varying needs of the children in her care. All adults with access to the children are suitable and ratios of adult to children are met at all times.

p.5

Organisation

There is a clear timetable in place to collect children from a local primary school. Children are at home in the comfortable surrounding and have settled in well.

p.5

Organisation

All the required documentation is in place, is of a high standard and organised to respect confidentiality. The registration certificate is displayed for parents to see and the childminder recognises the importance of informing Ofsted of any significant events, which may effect her childminding practice.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

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.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they may see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

Complaints 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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • ensures that drains are made inaccessible to the children and conduct a risk assessment on the ivy in the back garden.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6