Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345657 Unique Reference Number 09 July 2007 Inspection date Susan Magaret Lyon 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 satisfactory. 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 2007 to care for five children. She lives with her three children in a town house in Manchester. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the lounge, kitchen, upstairs bathroom, converted garage and back garden. There is a pet dog in the household and three rabbits kept in the garden. There are currently five children on roll. The childminder provides an out of school service from local primary schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy through satisfactory hygiene routines, such as washing hands after toileting and before food. They understand the importance of this as the childminder talks to them and explains the need to 'get rid of germs'. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. They are protected from infection through a clear exclusion policy being in place which is shared with new parents. Children enjoy daily physical activity by using a range of age-appropriate play equipment in the garden and walking to and from school.

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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 Children are adequately nourished through healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit and yoghurts. Their health and dietary needs are met through appropriate discussions with parents and the recording of allergies and intolerances. Drinks are provided throughout the day promoting children's good health. They rest according to their needs improving their health and well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Space and resources are well organised to allow children to move around freely and safely. Play areas are colourful, child-centred and welcoming. Children use suitable toys and equipment through satisfactory routines for keeping them clean and safe. Children are cared for in a mainly safe and secure environment through the childminder taking some precautions to minimise hazards. For example, socket covers are in place and the front door is kept locked. However, the use of climbing equipment on a hard surface in the garden puts them at risk of accidents. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder puts appropriate measures in place, such as holding hands, staying together and using crossings. They learn to keep themselves safe through relevant discussions about road safety and being careful during play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is enhanced due to the childminder's awareness of fire prevention. They are kept safe through close supervision. Children are protected because the childminder has an adequate understanding of her role in child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the childminder giving them lots of praise and encouragement. Children engage well in a broad range of interesting and stimulating activities. For example, growing strawberry plants, making castles and mountains out of junk boxes and den making. They are eager to play and join in activities, such as making bugs with the play dough. An abundance of educational resources creates a rich learning environment. Additionally, children learn through the childminder skilfully asking them questions to make them think. For example, 'how many cars can you see?' and 'find the blue circle'. They are encouraged to make positive relationships through sharing and taking turns. Children are freely able to make choices in their play and pursue their interests, for example, by selecting a favourite toy or activity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled because the childminder supports their play well. Well organised resources help children to become independent and confident learners. Through a good range of art and craft materials children develop their imagination and creativity, thus promoting their sense of achievement and enjoyment. For example, they make masks, puppets on sticks and faces on paper plates.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a good sense of belonging through a trusting relationship with the childminder and having their 'own space' for play and activities. They are valued and made to feel important through their art work being displayed and the childminder placing strong emphasis on treating children as individuals. For example, new children are settled in at their own pace and parents invited to stay if appropriate. Children become aware of the wider world through a good range

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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 play resources, such as ethnic dolls, books showing positive images of black people and puzzles showing different cultures. Children begin to develop awareness of the needs of others through books about 'all kinds of fears' to encourage discussions about feelings. Furthermore, an interest in the environment is promoted through litter picking sessions in the local park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures all the children are fully involved in the life of the setting through changing or adapting the way play is provided to suit all levels of ability. Good communication with parents result in children's needs being met effectively. Children behave well. They understand responsible behaviour through clear boundaries and explanations. Children are cared for well by a childminder who works with parents to meet their individual needs. For example, detailed record forms are discussed and completed by parents. Children's care is enhanced through the daily exchange of information regarding their progress and welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are safe and protected through the childminder's awareness of the vetting of household members. She maintains adequate ratios, thus improving the safety of the children. The childminder organises her time, space and resources well to meet children's needs. Children benefit from visits to facilities in the local community, such as parks, shops and library. Their care and well-being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training as and when she is able. Most required documentation is in place, although the lack of parental consent for emergency medical treatment impacts on the individual care of children. Children's records are up to date and kept confidential. A range of written policies are in place and shared with parents appropriately. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of 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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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

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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 satisfactory. 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 the safe use of climbing equipment in the garden • obtain parents consent for emergency medical treatment

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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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