Gorton, Denise

Inspection report for early years provision

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307226 Unique Reference Number 27 June 2007 Inspection date Verlyn Ulanda Blake 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 for approximately 20 years. She lives with her husband and one adult child in the Swinton area of Salford. There are currently 11 children on the register, who attend for a variety of full and part time sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The middle room, kitchen and toilet on the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are included in the areas used for childminding purposes. There is also a small fully enclosed back garden. The family have one dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has completed Early Years Childcare and Education training to NVQ level 3. She occasionally works with an assistant. 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 learn about the importance of effective hygiene practices through well established daily routines, and by following the childminders prompts and reminders. Through discussion they understand the importance of washing their hands at appropriate times of the day to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows procedures and practices which meet their physical, nutritional and health needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit as the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of a healthy diet for children. They enjoy a range of healthy snacks, which includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and juice. However, children rarely access fresh drinking water. The childminder is aware of the benefits of regular physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. Children therefore, have daily access to fresh air. Some have the opportunity to sleep in their pushchairs in the enclosed rear garden, children also play in the garden or at the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play with a range of outdoor resources which help to develop their large muscles skills. They have opportunity to develop their confidence in using larger scaled equipment in the home. They also access the variety of equipment which is available at the playgroup which the childminder runs several mornings each week.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and secure in a welcoming and child friendly home. Children are able to settle quickly as the childminder prepares her home for their arrival by making a few toys and resources appropriate to their age and stage of development available. Children access a good variety of play resources and equipment. These are of good quality and stored at low level, which enable the children to access them independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to rest, play and eat in comfort. Suitable and appropriate low level furniture and seating is provided for children of all ages, which offers them good support and allows babies to play at the same level as the older children. Children safety is ensured as the childminder uses security equipment, such as fireguards and stair gates to restrict children's access to unsupervised areas, which reduces the risk of accidental injuries. The risks of accidents outside of the home are reduced because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring that children are safe on outings. All of her driving documentation is up to date and appropriate car seats and boosters are used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder who has attended child protection training in the past. Through discussion she has an awareness of the procedures to be followed in the event of a concern. Although, up to date information in keeping with the Local Safeguarding Children Board is not in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are interested and absorbed in the toys that are provided for them. Babies enjoy the treasure basket and enjoy the feel and texture of the different items. They like the feel of the

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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 brush bristles on their cheek. Children have well established relationships with the childminder and relate well to each other. Children are happy, comfortable and contented in the childminders care. The childminder devotes her time to playing with the children, she knows what different movements mean and is attentive to their needs. Lots of gurgles and smiles are seen and heard, as she interacts with them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies and toddlers make their needs known by pointing actions, which the childminder responds to. Children's development is enhanced as the childminder is skilled in introducing new words and language. As a result children learn to communicate, interact and respond to questions asked by the childminder. They have a developing awareness of colours and shapes through her gentle questioning and interaction. Children's self esteem is boosted through the development of warm and close relationships with the childminder. Children of all ages receive a suitable level of support and attention and are confident to explore and initiate their own play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The variety of activities provide fun and stimulation for the children. These are age appropriate and offer the correct level of challenge. During school holidays the children enjoy a good range of activities outside of the home. They visit many places of interest and learn about the world around them. Children benefit from the childminders enthusiastic and caring approach. The well planned and effective activities promote children's all round development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for by the childminder who works with parents to meet their individual and specific needs. Close caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder strives to help each child to reach their full potential. Children's individual routines are adhered to and any changes are discussed with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to a range of good quality resources that reflect diversity, such as puzzles, posters and books. Children are well behaved, this is supported as the childminder has a good understanding of how to manage a range of behaviours in a way that promotes children's welfare and development. The strategies are suitable to the age and developmental understanding of the child. Children are actively encouraged to help tidy up the toys and games they have been playing with.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children flourish because the childminder places a strong emphasis on her partnership with parents. Good information is gathered from parents to enable her to provide warm, consistent care for their children. This information is updated as needs change. The childminder spends time talking to parents on a daily basis and is sensitive and empathetic to their anxieties and concerns for their children's well being and welfare. These trusting relationships with parents help to promote children's enjoyment, development and on going progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the well organised and prepared environment. They are cared for by a childminder who is caring and is willing to embrace a wealth of training opportunities to keep abreast of new ideas in child care and education. This information is used to enhance the caring and enthusiastic approach that she has to childminding. As a result, her own childcare knowledge

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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 and practices are improved, which has a huge impact on the service she provides for children as they are introduced to new initiatives and opportunities.

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Organisation

Children's care, learning and play are appropriately supported by the childminder who ensures that they receive a suitable level of attention and supervision. Activities and experiences are carefully organised to meet children's individual needs. Children have access to a wide range of accessibly stored and well labelled toys and equipment. Space is maximised to enable children to move about comfortably and safely. Children are able to rest and sleep in comfort.

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Organisation

Relationships with parents are positive. Parents are kept well informed about the care and attention children receive because the childminder speaks with them about their day and the activities they have been engaged in. She shares her policies with parents and the extensive range of training certificates. This contributes to the on going continuity of care. Confidentiality is very carefully observed and all the required documentation for the effective attention to children's health, safety and welfare is in place and securely stored.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children for whom care is provided.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to further develop her knowledge and understanding of special needs to improve her professional development. Since the last inspection the childminder has attended several training courses including specific training around autism and Asperger's syndrome. She feels that this has helped her professional development and the care she gives to children. Consequently, good improvements have been made to ensure the welfare of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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): • ensure that children have access to fresh drinking water

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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 • further develop knowledge in relation to child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance.

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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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