Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345798 Unique Reference Number 14 May 2007 Inspection date Teresa Ann Clark 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 three children aged eight, six and three years. The family live in the Firswood area of Stretford, Manchester. Children have access to the lounge/playroom and large dining room/kitchen. Bathroom facilities are situated on the first floor and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There is currently one child on roll who attends from Monday to Thursday. With parental consent, children are taken to local community groups, the library and to the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where all precautions are taken to promote children's good health. For example, the childminder maintains very good standards of cleanliness around her home to reduce the risk of cross contamination. She ensures children are comfortable by wiping their noses and ensuring their hands and face are regularly cleaned throughout the

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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 day. The childminder has a good understanding about storing and preparing food safely. She uses a fridge thermometer to ensure food is stored at a safe temperature and all work tops are cleaned with anti-bacterial spray before food is prepared.

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Helping children to be healthy

A clear sick child policy ensures the best interests of all children are taken into account to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder's ability to maintain clear documentation relating to the recording of accidents and injuries safeguards children's welfare. However, written parental consent has not been obtained for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide food for young babies, which ensures their dietary needs are met. The childminder promotes healthy eating with children. The provision of organic fresh fruit and vegetables helps children to develop an understanding about healthy eating. Young babies enjoy their lunch as they are given time and encouragement to eat at their own pace. Meal times are unhurried and relaxed occasions. Children are offered regular drinks throughout the day, including water to keep refreshed and hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

The daily routine provides opportunities for children to benefit from fresh air. For example, the childminder walks to and from school and takes children to local parks and other community groups. The childminder provides good support to babies in developing their walking skills. There is sufficient space and safe furniture to pull themselves up, and other toys which promote mobility.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from having ample, well organised play space. The childminder's home provides children with a safe, homely environment within which they are happy and secure. The photographs and displays of children's work provides children with a sense of belonging. Children are able to move around and explore their space safely, for example, young babies are able to crawl and pull themselves up without the risk of injury.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a very good range of toys and equipment to meet the needs of children and provide a balanced range of activities. These are safe and well maintained. Regular checks by the childminder ensure toys and equipment do not pose a risk to children's safety. The toys are within easy reach to encourage young babies to access these by crawling and reaching out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and secure. The childminder maintains safety both indoors and outdoors because she has a risk assessment in place. This helps her to identify potential hazards, which enables her to take action to minimise the risk of accident or injury to children. All reasonable steps are taken to prevent accidents. For example, the premises are secure, safety gates are in place, cupboards are fitted with locks and an emergency fire evacuation is practised with the children. Consequently children are kept safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's secure knowledge of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures promotes children's welfare and safety. She clearly understands her responsibilities with regard to keeping children safe from harm and neglect. She has all the required procedures and documents in place, including a comprehensive written policy which is shared with parents. Children's welfare is fully safeguarded.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy in the childminder's care. They feel secure because the childminder creates a relaxed atmosphere and establishes good relationships with them. The childminder is using the 'Birth to three matters' framework as she makes links with the daily routine. She also observes children's development and records their milestones to show their progress. However, she is not using the framework to plan activities for children's next steps, to ensure activities meet the children's individual needs. The childminder sits on the floor at children's level and talks to them as they engage in play. Children are confident in their interactions with her and make their needs known. For example, when the childminder stops walking with babies they make vocal sounds to let her know they want to do some more.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with a range of activities to promote their all round development. Babies enjoys exploring items in the treasure basket. They explore sound as they tap the wooden spoon against the metal dish and shakes the bells. Other sensory experiences include exploring paint and dough. The childminder responds well to babies' babblings, constantly talking and giving good eye contact. Babies enjoy lots of hugs and cuddles from the childminder, it is evident that secure and trusting relationships are formed with children. As a result, children feel secure and enjoy their time with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to treat each other with care and respect as the childminder provides a positive role model. She has a good understanding about equal opportunities and has a wealth of information about different festivals and cultures. Children develop an understanding about the wider world through activities, resources and visits within the community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has simple house rules which are shared with parents and children. Emphasis is placed on encouraging children to share and play fairly. As a result, children learn to be kind towards each other and take turns with toys. The use of praise and encouragement fosters children's self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents, which gives her a good knowledge of the children, enabling her to meet their individual needs and provide consistency of care. The childminder demonstrates a sensitivity to parents. An effective settling in procedure makes the transition from home to the childminder's care a positive experience. The use of a daily diary is used to keep parents informed about their child's day. Parents are provided with good information about the provision, which includes written policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home within the well organised environment where space is used effectively to maximise learning opportunities and experiences for children. Toys, equipment and resources are easily accessible to children, which promotes their independence skills. The childminder organises the layout of furniture well, so that babies can explore their surroundings safely and reach out for their toys with ease. The day is well-planned for children's enjoyment, with consistent routines to ensure their well-being. There is a good balance of activities, both in

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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 the childminder's home and within the community, to stimulate children's interests and make their day fun.

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Organisation

The childminder has an organised and professional approach to her childminding business. She has a good understanding about the National Standards and provides evidence to show how she meets these. She has well written policies and procedures in place and all relevant documentation. These underpin the childminder's good practice and promote positive outcomes for children. She has attended additional training since registration and is committed to providing high quality childcare. She holds a valid first aid certificate, which ensures children receive appropriate care in the event of an accident. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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 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 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): • request written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice • develop use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to plan activities for children's next steps in their development and learning.

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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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