Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY276119 Unique Reference Number 19 October 2007 Inspection date Shirley Leigh Monks-Meagher 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 March 2003. She runs her business from her home, a three bedroom semi-detached house, in the Droylsden area of Tameside. She shares her home with her partner, 13 year old daughter, a cat and a dog. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding activities. Toilet and bathroom facilities are upstairs. There is a secure back garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and currently has six children on roll. This includes one child who is over eight years. The children attend for various full and part-time arrangements. The childminder, with parents' permission, takes children to local toddler groups, the library and the park on a regular basis. She has a City and Guilds National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in Early Years Childcare and Education and is a member of the local childminding network.

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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 are cared for in a home which is maintained to a very good standard of cleanliness. As a result, the risk of cross-infection is minimised. The childminder pays good attention to hygiene practices as she uses anti-bacterial sprays to clean surfaces and the babies' changing mat after each use. A clear sick child policy ensures the best interests of children are taken into account to help prevent the spread of infection. They learn good personal hygiene. Young children understand when to wash their hands and do so independently, competently dispensing soap and drying with individual paper towels. The childminder maintains clear documentation relating to consent and the administration of medication, thus safeguarding children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a range of nutritious foods to promote their growth and development. Meals are well balanced to meet dietary requirements. The childminder prepares homemade meals, for example, chilli, rice and garlic bread, corned beef hash or chunky vegetable soup and crusty bread. She consults parents about children's individual needs and respects their wishes, which ensures children remain healthy. Children enjoy helping to prepare the strawberries for dessert. They all sit and eat together at the table, whilst babies' highchairs are close by. This makes eating a social occasion for children. Regular drinks, including water, are readily available. Babies are offered regular drinks throughout the day to keep refreshed and hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are taken out in the fresh air each day and the childminder's garden provides good opportunities for children to develop their coordination and muscular strength. Babies have sufficient space to roll and crawl and there is safe furniture for them to pull themselves up. Toys are set out close to babies, which enables them to reach out for what they want.

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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 bright and welcoming environment. This helps them to feel secure and settle quickly. They play in safety and comfort. The childminder uses her space well, children have designated areas for role play, messy activities, quiet play and eating. Changing equipment is organised in the hallway close to the children's toilet facility. Toys and equipment are well maintained, meet the needs of the children and promote their overall development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and secure. The childminder maintains safety indoors because she identifies risks. She carries out risk assessments and visual checks each day. There are safety gates in place to prevent children's access to the stairs. Socket covers are in place and the premises are kept secure. Smoke alarms are fitted on all floors and there is a clear evacuation procedure to ensure children are kept safe. Accident records are comprehensive and accurately maintained. Children are learning to keep themselves safe. They practise emergency fire evacuation of the premises, understand stranger danger and know how to behave safely on the roads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's 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 written policy which she shares with parents. As a result, 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. Hugs and cuddles are freely shared. She spends her time playing and talking with them to support their efforts and achievements. Children experience a good range of developmentally appropriate activities, which promote their learning. For example, they visit the allotment to discover how carrots, strawberries and potatoes grow and help to milk the cows on a visit to the farm. They enjoy stories, singing rhymes and chalk pictures on the garden flags. Children benefit from regular attendance at local groups where they play and mix with other adults and children. This helps them to become sociable and broadens their learning experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies are confident and curious as they explore colourful toys around them. Different sounds captivate their interests as they enjoy tapping and shaking objects and are able to explore simple wooden and metal objects in a small treasure basket. However, the childminder has yet to fully implement and extend sensory play with natural materials for the younger children, in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children develop good communication skills at the childminder's house. She listens carefully to children and responds effectively to babies' facial expressions, gestures and babble. She echoes the sounds babies make, helping them develop an early understanding of speech patterns, and consistently chats to children, discussing what they are doing and helping them to express themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and the childminder divides her attention well between the minded children. As a consequence, children soon settle and feel at ease in their surroundings with frequent cuddles and reassurance from the childminder. Children's own home routines are followed when they start with childminder, with regard to sleeping and eating, which makes children feel secure. A good range of resources which promote our diverse society help children gain an understanding about the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A clear behaviour management statement is shared with parents. The childminder uses positive strategies to manage children's behaviour, such as distraction. She acknowledges the importance of praise and encouragement to foster children's self-esteem and confidence. The childminder works closely with parents and shares any concerns about children's behaviour to ensure a consistent approach and to help children know what is expected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. Time is spent chatting together to develop friendly relationships and to enable relevant information to be shared. A daily diary system is effectively used by the childminder and the parents to ensure individual needs are met consistently. Written policies and procedures are shared so parents are fully aware of, and in agreement with, care practices. This provides consistency and continuity of care for children. Parents are provided with procedures to follow in the event of a complaint.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from ample indoor and outdoor space so they can move around freely. The childminder organises the layout of her furniture well so babies and children can explore their surroundings and access 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 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 demonstrates a strong commitment to her ongoing professional development in order to provide a good standard of care for children. She holds a valid first aid certificate to enable her to respond appropriately to children's health needs in the event of an accident.

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Organisation

The childminder is well organised and has a professional approach to her childminding business. She has well written policies, which are shared with parents and form an effective plan, to ensure children are well cared for and her business runs smoothly. All relevant documentation and records are in place, and are well maintained to ensure the safety and welfare of children. Records are kept secure to maintain confidentiality. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, enhance the resources which reflect positive images and obtain some additional information from parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has attended training relating to safeguarding children. She demonstrates a good understanding of issues that raise professional concern and the procedures to follow in the event of such concerns. She shares her role and responsibility with parents via a written statement that she has devised and by using the government guidance 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused'. Additional information has been added to children's records relating to the parents' place of work. The actions taken by the childminder since the last inspection further enhance children's welfare and well-being. Resources have been increased to include positive images relating to disability, race, culture and gender. She has purchased puzzles, musical instruments, play people, dolls and books, such as 'Two Left Feet' and uses the local resource library to supplement her selection. As a result, children are broadening their

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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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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 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): • further develop sensory activities and experiences for younger children in line with recognised guidance, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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