Powell, Lynn

Inspection report for early years provision

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504144 Unique Reference Number 28 August 2007 Inspection date Barbara Law 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 lives in the Eccles area of Salford. She has been registered since 2001. She runs her business from her home which she shares with her husband, their three children and a rabbit. The living room, kitchen and hallway on the ground floor and the en-suite bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding activities. There is a secure back garden available for outdoor play. As part of her service she uses local amenities, such as the parent and tots group, library, recreational parks and other places of interest.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The registration is for six children. Currently there are six children on roll. This registration does not include overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and welcoming environment. They are provided with healthy, balanced and freshly prepared homemade meals and snacks. These include plenty of fresh fruits, such as grapes, oranges, bananas and a variety of different meats and vegetables.

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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 Drinks of diluted juice or water are freely available and frequently offered in familiar beakers. This ensures children are well hydrated, are well nourished and their appetites satisfied.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children benefit positively from consistent routines for sleeping, which are discussed and agreed with their parents. They develop a range of physical skills as they freely access sit and ride toys and many other toys and activities in the garden. Children are taken outdoors everyday for walks to the local recreational park, toddler group or other places of interest. They are able to run, jump, swing, skip and slide and have fun developing their physical skills whilst enjoying healthy exercise and the benefits of fresh air. They are able to socialise whilst enjoying the benefits of fresh air.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from some risk of infection and helped to maintain good health because the childminder is meticulous in her cleaning procedures. For example, she follows her own cleaning routine and ensures she thoroughly cleans equipment, such as toys, high chairs and changing areas, with antibacterial solutions. However, a review of the nappy changing procedure would enhance the practice. Children's physical needs and well-being are met by the childminder who recognises when they are tired or thirsty and provides opportunities for them to rest, eat and drink as they need to, to meet their individual needs.

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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 very safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised. Many safety features are in place to protect children, such as smoke detectors, gates and electric socket covers. The childminder further considers children's safety as she carries out risk assessments of the premises and equipment. The childminder ensures children develop a good understanding and awareness of how to keep themselves safe during her detailed discussions with them and the varied activities they undertake. For example, they read educative story books such as 'Stepping out together' and 'Salman's Friends' and have activities to learn about responsible road safety behaviour and the potential hazards of traffic. They are developing a good sense of road safety when walking to the park or to and from school. Children regularly practice the Green Cross Code and understand safety rules, such as staying close by,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder has a very clear understanding of her responsibilities to keep children safe and the children's welfare is paramount. She has attended training in safeguarding children and has a sound understanding of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. Outings to the park and other places of interest helps to increase opportunities to be sociable. Children are encouraged in the development of communication skills as the childminder constantly asks questions, looks at books and reads stories with the children and talks to them. They are developing confidence and self-esteem as they are praised for effort and achievement. They respond to the praise they receive as they practise new skills, such as turning the pages of the book, identifying the animals on the page, finding the corresponding animal in the sack and making the animal sounds.

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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 Children's development is fostered by the childminder's knowledge of their needs and personalities. They are given lots of individual attention and are stimulated by cuddles, conversation and eye contact. They interact happily with the childminder, joining in gleefully when she sings familiar rhymes and songs. Their play is significantly enhanced as the childminder ensures that children's play can develop spontaneously through, for example, the provision of imaginative resources, some of which are everyday household items. The childminder uses observations of the children based on the 'Birth to three matters' framework to plan their play and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed into the home and are treated with equal regard, which increases their sense of belonging. Their favourite toys are readily available and children are totally assured as they are provided with lots of smiles, cuddles and kind words from the childminder. As a result, children are happy and secure. Children are encouraged to participate in all activities regardless of their gender, which promotes equality. They gain a good understanding of the wider world because they have free access to a good range of resources which reflect positive images of gender, race, religion and culture.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because the childminder gives lots of praise and encouragement, which increases their self confidence. Their behaviour is managed effectively by the childminder as she understands stages of development. Consequently, children respond well to the consistent strategies which are appropriate to their age and understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met well by the childminder due to the good relationships she has established with parents. Children settle well because she is aware of their individual needs through pre-placement meetings and the use of contracts. There are good systems in place for the regular exchange of information and parents are regularly updated on the children's activities and achievements. This keeps parents fully informed, ensures consistency for children and involves parents in their child's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Testimonials from parents confirm they are delighted with the service they and their children receive from their valued childminder. They state their children are safe and well looked after and their overall development is enhanced through the care they are offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in this child-centred environment. They have good access to resources and are provided with a wide range of experiences which keep them busily occupied and interested. For example, children are taken to the park and parents and tots groups, which gives them a range of experiences and opportunities to socialise and play with others.

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Organisation

Space is well organised enabling the children to move freely as their play develops and they become more independent and confident. Toys and equipment are appropriately and safely stored allowing children to self-select play activities. The records and procedures in place ensure that children's care, welfare and development are promoted efficiently and safely.

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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 has a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to continual improvement, which impacts positively on the outcomes for children. She has attended all mandatory training. Her service is enhanced and developed through her exceptional commitment to ongoing training.

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Organisation

All required documentation is maintained and kept up to date. Children's progress is shared with parents. This provides consistency for children and reassurance for parents. Children are protected from harm by the childminder's vigilance and supervision.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Systems are in place to record babies eating, sleeping and nappy changing habits. These records are shared with parents. This ensures that parents are kept informed of their child's day.

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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): • take positive steps to prevent the spread of infection, for example, by wearing protective clothing when changing nappies.

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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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