Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344889 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2007 Inspection date Shaheen Matloob 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 November 2006. She lives with her husband and one child in the Rawtenstall, Rossendale area of Lancashire. The family has a dog. Local amenities, such as shops, schools, a park and a library are close by and also transport links into the centre and to Manchester. The whole of the ground floor, a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor and a designated playroom on the third floor, are used for childminding purposes. Children also have supervised access to the dining kitchen. There is a fully enclosed area for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five part-time, and one child over five before and after school. The childminder collects children from one of the local schools and regularly attends the local parent and toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 good. Children are cared for in a well-maintained environment where high standards of hygiene are maintained throughout. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well-planned, established daily routines to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder reinforces their knowledge through discussion, such as questioning children about why they need to wash their hands. Children are clearly protected from infection. A comprehensive sickness policy ensures that the childminder acts in the best interests of children who are ill. Additional information is kept to monitor infectious diseases alongside incubation periods to ensure children's well-being and to protect others from illness and infection. Hygienic nappy changing procedures sustain high levels of hygiene and minimise cross contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Arrangements for pets successfully promote hygiene and ensure that they do not pose a risk to children. Accident and medication records fully meet requirements. The childminder holds valid first aid and basic food hygiene certificates, and has completed introductory safeguarding training to protect and keep children safe.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder requests information from parents, and children's records contain the necessary information about their dietary requirements and preferences. Children's individual needs are catered for in accordance with parent’s wishes. Children are well nourished. They benefit from a variety of healthy and nutritionally balanced meals, essential to promote the healthy growth and development of children. The childminder introduces foods from all over the world to develop their tastes. A menu is planned in advance and displayed for parents’ information. Water and fruit juice is freely available throughout the day from a low-level table, ensuring that children remain hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating through discussion. They are aware of the recommended five a day message and ask the childminder if they can have a piece of fruit to make up their five portions for the day. Meal times are a relaxed occasion and are used effectively to maximise social interaction and to promote children's growing independence. The childminder sits with children at meal times, providing a positive role model for healthy eating and table manners.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder takes positive steps to promote safety and views this as fundamental to the welfare and well-being of children. She provides an excellent range of safe, age appropriate furniture and equipment, which is purchased with safety and the varying needs of children in mind. All toys and equipment is checked daily and cleaned frequently to ensure that it conforms to safety standards, preventing later accidents. The childminder offers a designated playroom which is organised effectively and efficiently in a nursery style environment. Safety requirements are consistently adhered to, which means that children have a safe and secure environment to play, explore and make informed choices about their play safely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Thorough use of risk assessments and daily checks in all areas used by children, ensures that potential risks are identified and either minimised or removed. The childminder uses her comprehensive knowledge of children's developing abilities and applies excellent safety measures. Children learn to keep themselves safe and avoid accidental injury because the

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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 childminder points out potential dangers to children. She patiently explains why they must wait on the stairs, hold onto the hand rail and not stand on wheeled toys. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder closely supervises children and uses effective safety measures, such as wrist restraints. Children are encouraged to learn about road safety and where possible they find a safe place to cross the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected in line with relevant guidance because the childminder has a secure understanding of safeguarding issues. Detailed systems are in place to record existing injuries and significant concerns. The childminder fully understands her role in the protection of children and ensures that the welfare of children is a priority and of paramount importance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and confident in the child-centred surroundings. Activities are planned weekly, and the childminder effectively uses and implements the 'Birth to three matters' framework to focus on improving the outcomes for children under three. The childminder guarantees an environment that is stimulating, warm and safe where all children entrusted in her care are treated with care, love and attention. She is committed to providing an environment which meets all children's developmental needs without reservation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy looking at books on a one to one basis with the childminder as they cuddle for their favourite story about a caterpillar. Children join in with repeated refrains and point to the illustrations. The childminder develops children's thinking through effective questioning and supports their numeracy skills by encouraging children to count objects in the story. Children use some numbers spontaneously through play and particularly enjoy counting fast from three to five. Children’s number skills are reinforced as they help to collect the post and are encouraged to count the number of letters.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a wide range of exciting activities, which provide good challenges and support children's development and learning. They thoroughly enjoy role play as they concentrate and use their skills to make tea for the inspector, asking how many sugars they want. They play independently with small world figures and vehicles, making appropriate noises as they move vehicles around.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident and self-assured as they make decisions, explore and investigate as they play with musical discovery toys. They use coordination and control their bodies to manoeuvre the vehicle and explore the various buttons and levers, which flash and play music. Children are actively involved in the life of the setting as they are treated as part of the family and shown genuine love and affection. By adopting a holistic approach, alongside listening to parents' views, this enables the childminder to provide effective resources and opportunities, which create the right conditions and support to enable children to develop their full potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is committed to providing equality of opportunity. She treats all children with equal concern, whilst appreciating and valuing their individuality. The childminder values diversity and respects children's differences as well as similarities. She endeavours to address stereotypes and promotes anti-discriminatory practice. Children benefit from an adequate range of resources and activities which promote diversity and enhance children's knowledge

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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 of the wider world. However, the childminder has recognised that such resources need to be developed further. The childminder ensures that all children can participate in activities appropriate to their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides children with a child-friendly environment which keeps children stimulated and occupied. Children respond to expectations for their behaviour as the childminder uses consistent and positive strategies to manage children's behaviour, such as distraction and re-direction. Sensitive explanations help children to understand why certain behaviour is unacceptable and the difference between right and wrong doing. This positive approach to behaviour management establishes clear and realistic boundaries for children and effectively promotes their welfare and development. As a result, children are extremely well behaved and well mannered. Children develop self-esteem through positive reinforcement, such as lots of cuddles, praise and encouragement and stickers to reward good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works successfully in partnership with parents as she has developed a mutually supportive and trusting relationship. She actively seeks the views of parents through a comments and suggestions system, and equally values their contributions in order to offer good quality childcare. Parents receive high quality documentation about all aspects of the setting in the form of a detailed and comprehensive parent's pack. Daily diaries and daily verbal discussions are shared effectively to keep parents well-informed of their child's activities, development and general well-being to enhance continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected and kept safe because the childminder ensures that all household members are fully vetted and clear to be in the presence of children. Good security arrangements mean that children are only released in the care of a responsible and named adult. The childminder has a clear purpose and commitment to training and development and has completed various training courses. This is reflected in her overall practice as children have exciting opportunities to support their learning and development. Children benefit from a skilled, enthusiastic and motivated childminder who holds a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education and has an excellent knowledge of child care and development.

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Organisation

Space and resources are organised effectively and efficiently in a nursery style environment. Children receive dedicated attention from the childminder as she fully involves herself supporting and enhancing children's care learning and play. Children are settled well and are self-assured as they frequently initiate and extend their play.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation is available and organised well. The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards and implements changes immediately. Record keeping systems are used well to manage and meet children's needs and maintain confidentiality. The settings policies and procedures are working documents and contribute to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and ability to make a positive contribution. 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 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 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): • continue to develop resources which promote equality and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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