Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY279578 Unique Reference Number 26 September 2007 Inspection date Angela Cuffe 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 2004. She lives with her husband and child aged two in Openshaw, Manchester. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under eight on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect the children. The childminder attends local parent/toddler groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, homely environment where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They talk about the need to wash their hands after using the toilet

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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 and before eating to prevent the spread of germs. The babies' equipment and changing area are kept clean, as are the worktops in the kitchen and eating area. The children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. They have use of the garden and are taken out on a daily basis to socialise with other children and benefit from fresh air and exercise. The childminder understands the issues surrounding the safe storage of medication, however, children's well being is decreased because written permission to administer medication or seek emergency medical advice or treatment has not been sought.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet from the choice of meals and snacks available to them. All meals and snacks are provided by the childminder, which are home cooked, varied and nutritious. The childminder is aware of the need to consider parents' wishes when providing food for the children in her care. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks. They either help themselves or ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the ability to move around and freely choose from the toys and activities available. There is a good range of toys and equipment which are appropriately organised and stored within easy reach. This includes some natural materials, which provide children with sensory stimulation. The children have sufficient space to play comfortably indoors and access to a safe and secure garden for outdoor play. The risk of accidental injury is minimised by the regular checking of play materials, however, there are some hazards in the home, which pose a risk to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are taken out on a regular basis where the childminder uses careful routines to ensure safety. Discussions about road safety and stranger danger gives the children a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe. Fire safety is enhanced by the regular practice of fire drills and clear procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection, in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home. The warm, comforting environment and appropriate interaction helps develop warm and caring relationships with the childminder and each other. They are given appropriate attention as the childminder is aware of their needs. She gives them support when needed as she joins in with the activities and then watches as they happily play together. Children are motivated and interested in the range of activities available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop independence as they help themselves to toys. One child got a police helmet and said 'I am going to be a police horse'; this led to a lengthy discussion about police and their animals. The younger child is lay on a blanket on the floor. The child rolls over and pulls himself up onto his knees and tries to stand. Children are praised for their efforts and are proud of their achievements. They move around and freely choose what they would like to play with. They make choices from the planned activities and range of toys available. Children confidently talk about their favourite toys and books and interact well with the childminder as she talks cheerfully to them.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children value each other as individuals. They learn about different cultures through the activities provided and the equipment available to them. They are made aware of the wider world through regular outings and information in books. Children express their needs naturally to enable the childminder to gain a better understanding and build routines. As a consequence, the children are happy and settled in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good behaviour, children's efforts and achievements are acknowledged, recognised and praised appropriately. Consequently, children are confident and have high self-esteem. The childminder speaks positively to the children. She supports and helps them to understand simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. As a result, the children behave well. They interact with each other in a positive manner. They understand their boundaries and respond well to discussions and occasional reminders from the childminder. Information about the children's progress is shared verbally with the parents on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is sufficient. The daily routine offers a balance of adult-led activities, free play and quiet times. The childminder incorporates 'Birth to three matters' framework in her planning to ensure the needs of babies and young children are appropriately met. She also ensures that children have adequate space in order to play in comfort. She organises play materials to promote children's independence and encourage choices about their play. Children are at home in the comfortable and welcoming surroundings and have settled in well.

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Organisation

Most records and documentation are in place, as well as some policies, which are in line with the National Standards and reflect the practice. This enhances the continuity of care of the children. The childminder keeps first aid up to date and has attended other relevant training. As a result, children's safety, security and the childminder's partnership with parents is enhanced.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to ensure hazards are inaccessible to the children, obtain written permission to seek emergency advice or treatment and share the complaints procedure with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The hazards have been addressed and the complaints procedure is in place. However, permission to seek emergency advice or treatment has not been sought and a further recommendation has been raised.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns relating to National Standard 1: Suitable Person. The concerns were originally shared with another agency. A childcare inspector from Ofsted Early Years then visited the provision on 12 February 2007. Actions were raised in relation to National Standard 13: Child Protection and National Standard 14: Documentation and satisfactorily met by the registered provider. The provider remains qualified for registration. The provider is required to

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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 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 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): • obtain written parental consent to administer medication and seek emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure safety of low level glass, cleaning materials and sharp knives.

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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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