Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346157 Unique Reference Number 27 April 2007 Inspection date Julie Firth 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband in the Flixton area of Trafford within walking distance of schools, parks and shops.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under eight years and there are currently two children on roll. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well-maintained home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children are given their own towels and face cloths and their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after playing outside and using the toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination. There is an effective sick child's

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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 policy in place to prevent the spread of infections and protect children's health. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate to enable her to treat children with minor injuries. The physical development of older children and children under three years is fostered by the use of a sufficient range of outdoor toys in the childminder's garden and regular visits to the park and local groups. They learn the importance of regular exercise through daily routines. Children are becoming aware of their own needs such as, time for a rest or drink.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's growth and development is promoted by the provision of healthy meals and snacks. Menus are displayed and children have a choice of a variety of home made food. They have access to drinking water, fresh fruit and vegetables at all times. Children sit together for meals and snacks and enjoy a relaxed social occasion. The childminder respects parents' wishes and children's needs when providing meals. Their dietary requirements are met well as she also works with parents in finding out their child's requirements and respectfully follows these.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, bright, stimulating indoor and outdoor environment. Rooms are appropriately organised ensuring a balanced range of activities for children. They play in a safe and secure environment where thought is given to making areas used by them safe, with effective written risk assessments in place. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussions with the childminder about road safety when out on trips. A detailed fire record is in place and children regularly take part in fire drills giving them a clear knowledge of evacuation in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is enhanced by the careful monitoring of toys and activities ensuring they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Care is taken to ensure that younger children do not have access to toys and activities which may cause them any harm and older children learn to keep small items out of reach. Children's independence is enhanced by the organisation of resources, which enables them to freely choose what to play with and where. A picture display of equipment available enables children to ask for toys that are not on display. Visits to the toy library are planned to enable children to have a wider choice of equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place. She has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures that are in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy the company of the childminder who has developed warm caring relationships with them. She offers appropriate physical contact by means of cuddles and hugs, maintains eye contact and smiles. As a result the children are happy, secure, content and relaxed in her home and care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Themes are planned and evaluated to meet the age and stage of the children attending and they benefit from a structured day which helps them feel secure. This enables her to successfully meet children's individual needs. Children relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at local groups. Their imaginative skills are enhanced as they dress up during role play and sit on the floor with small world toys and they become independent as they are encouraged to help and tidy away their equipment. They are developing

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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 good language and communication skills through a variety of informal and planned activities. The childminder enjoys reading to the younger children and confidently asks them questions about the story and encourages them to point to the letters, shapes and colours to develop their language and communication skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are engaged in a range of appropriate activities which they clearly enjoy, such as crafts, painting, counting and matching games, play dough, salt dough, chalking, creating Mother's Day cards and baking. Sound and action toys are readily available for exploratory play. The childminder plans her day well to ensure all individual needs and interests are met and as a result children are motivated and make good links in all areas of their learning. She has a good knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and this is reflected in her practice. She has individual files for the children monitoring their development, progress and plans for their next steps of learning. She organises activities around the curriculum and links it to the foundation stage. However, there are limited opportunities for young children to experience different textures and natural resources to enhance their sensory development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from a good range of resources to increase their awareness of diversity and different cultures and the childminder has activities planned for future festivals. Children are valued and respected as individuals and are well behaved. They are clear about their boundaries and expectations which are explained to them and applied consistently. Their self esteem and confidence are fostered as the childminder praises their efforts and achievements and makes space around her home to display children's work. Children receive a certificate as a reward for achievement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the warm and friendly relationships the childminder develops with parents. Positive remarks from new parents indicate a good service is provided for all children. A notice board and detailed portfolio displays information about the setting. They receive verbal feedback on a daily basis about their child's activities and planning is displayed and they have access to comprehensive written policies and procedures. Children's progress is recorded and this can be observed by parents at any time. There is a detailed complaints procedure in place. This effective communication between them helps to promote children's welfare, safety and developmental progress and provides consistency and care for all children.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is committed to accessing regular training to update her knowledge and skills so that she remains able to provide the best possible care and education for children. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the National Standards and has organised a portfolio describing how she is meeting each outcome of learning for children. Her previous knowledge of nursery nursing and childminding reflects in her practice and she has a very good understanding of how children develop. As the children are new to the environment she tries extremely hard to get to know their likes and dislikes and monitors their development on a weekly basis.

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Organisation

She organises her home very well before the children enter and there is a comprehensive operational plan in place demonstrating that she regards the well-being of all children. Records and documentation are highly detailed to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of each

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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 child are paramount. Children are very well supported throughout the day and are aware of their familiar routines. Children's records are stored appropriately and confidentiality is respected for children and their families.

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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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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • provide children with more access to natural materials to promote their sensory development.

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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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