Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY282198 Unique Reference Number 13 August 2007 Inspection date Kay Margaret Armstrong 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 May 2004. She lives with her husband and their two children aged three and 12 years. The family have a pet cat and they live in the Ashton area of Tameside which is close to shops and parks. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor, which consists of the play room, lounge, conservatory and kitchen. Bathroom facilities are on the first floor. The rear garden is used for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children. There are currently six children on roll, one of whom attends on a full-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the Tameside Network of Childminders, she works with another registered childminder and gains support from the local authority.

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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 clearly thrive because the childminder follows effective and robust hygiene procedures to ensure children are cared for in a warm clean home. They have a clear understanding of good hygiene procedures and they independently wash their hands at appropriate times with little adult intervention. The childminder supports children’s independence by ensuring they are able to access appropriate hand washing facilities freely. She minimises the risk of cross-infection by using antibacterial spray to clean tables before the children sit down to eat. Pump action antibacterial soap in the bathroom and kitchen encourages children to wash their hands properly and the risk to children’s health is further minimised as they use paper towels to dry their hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have lots of opportunities to be active. They play in the garden and have access to ample resources, which promote their physical development and coordination. For example, they confidently move their bodies to keep hula hoops moving and they use the swing and slide independently. The children get lots of fresh air and are beginning to develop a positive attitude to physical exercise as it becomes part of their daily routine, for example, as they walk to and from school or visit the park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses and agrees children's dietary requirements with parents. The menu clearly demonstrates that meals are well balanced and take account of the individual needs of all children. Children are becoming aware of where food comes from, as the childminder provides activities, which promote their understanding. For example, there is photographic evidence of children visiting an allotment and digging up potatoes and onions. They know that fresh fruit is good for them and they are beginning to understand the importance of remaining hydrated. These activities help to promote and develop healthy eating habits, which contribute to children's physical growth and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children benefit from a well maintained, homely environment where the childminder places a high priority on safety. They are able to play freely and safely, as the childminder is vigilant. She has a good recognition of the need for a balance between safe limits and freedom. Safe and secure premises are provided that are extremely suitable for caring for children. Children have space to move freely and play in comfort. They move from one area to another, accessing equipment and activities independently, which enhances their learning and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised, because the childminder uses risk assessments to identify and reduce potential hazards. The childminder works hard to introduce children to safety issues and children are beginning to learn about some aspects of managing their own safety. For example, she encourages children to take an active part in keeping themselves safe, as they practise crossing the road safely. Also there is a written emergency escape plan in place, which has been discussed with the children, who are becoming aware of what to do in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use an extensive range of good quality equipment appropriate to their age and stage of development. Toys are clean, well maintained and comply with safety standards, which

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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 minimises risk to the children. Resources are effectively organised and easily accessible, which enhances their learning and promotes choice and independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She has accessed relevant training and is fully aware of possible signs and symptoms of abuse. The childminder understands her duty to protect children and is aware of procedures to follow in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. However, the childminder has not recorded concerns relating to child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder plans and prepares a rich, varied and imaginative range of experiences for the children. She spends time playing and interacting with the children who are engaged, motivated and interested. Activities are fun, interesting and promote and challenge children's development and learning through a range of well planned topics. Children learn about the world around them as they participate in creative activities about mini beasts and visit places of interest, such as a farm and the science museum. The work of paramedics and the fire service is brought alive for the children as part of the 'people who help us' theme. The childminder skilfully introduces mathematical concepts and language into the activities, for example, children learn about weight as they weigh out the ingredients when baking. They understand that print carries meaning and emerging skills, such as pencil control and forming letters are promoted as the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder encourages children to over write or copy their own names.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children make confident choices about their play and learning as they choose from an excellent range of resources which are effectively organised and easily accessible. They enjoy playing imaginatively with cars, they play outdoors with a variety of resources and express themselves creatively as they draw, sing and dress-up. The children are enthusiastic and eager to listen to stories. They snuggle up to the childminder and they are animated as they join in the repetitive phrases in well loved stories. They laugh and giggle as the childminder uses a range of different voices to enhance the story telling, making it fun.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The relaxed atmosphere enables children to settle quickly. Warm and caring relationships have been established between the childminder and children, which increases children’s sense of trust and belonging. The children are happy and have a really positive relationship with the childminder. Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the childminder’s home. They achieve well because the childminder is skilled and uses her understanding of early years guidance, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the curriculum guidance for the Foundation Stage, to provide outstanding care and education for the children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed and play a full part in the setting, because the childminder values and respects their individuality. She has a clear understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory play and children are encouraged to participate in all activities regardless of their gender. Children become aware of the wider world as they access a good range of resources that promote positive images of our diverse society, such as books, dolls, jigsaws and imaginative toys. Children are becoming aware of difference and developing a positive attitude to others as the childminder encourages them to listen to each other and respect each other.

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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 Children behave extremely well because they are occupied and receive lots of support and attention from the childminder. She acknowledges their achievements with lots of praise and kind words. This boosts their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder supports children in sharing and turn taking. She sets clear and consistent boundaries for the children. This helps them to learn to negotiate with others and take responsibility for their own behaviour. Children are considerate and show care and concern for each other. Their good behaviour is acknowledged, celebrated and praised appropriately. As a result, the children are very confident and have high self-esteem.

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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. There are good opportunities in place to exchange information about the children, such as a file with examples of children's progress which is kept and shared with parents. This is complemented with verbal updates each day, which ensure parents know what their child has been doing. Parents are suitably informed of the childcare provided as they have access to the comprehensive written policies and procedures. Positive feedback has been received by the childminder who has sought parent’s views regarding the care of their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and relaxed as they play comfortably in a well organised, child orientated environment. They profit from effective adult support which successfully fosters their confidence and learning. The day is well planned for children's enjoyment with consistent routines to ensure their well-being. All toys, equipment and resources are easily accessible to children, which promotes their independence skills. The childminder manages her time purposefully providing a good range and balance of activities, both in the home and within the community. Daily routines and activities promote the welfare, care and learning of all children.

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Organisation

Clearly detailed records and documentation are maintained in efficient order, which contribute to the health and welfare of children. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of the childminding regulations and meets all requirements. She holds a valid first aid certificate, which ensures children receive appropriate care in the event of an accident. A strong commitment to development through attending additional training is demonstrated and she presents a very professional approach to her childminding practice.

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Organisation

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 was asked to, ensure the security of the rear garden. She was also asked to obtain written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and consent to transport children in her car. These recommendations have been fully addressed. A bolt has been fixed to the outside of the side gate ensuring the garden is secure. The childminder now has all appropriate written consent in place. As a result of these improvements children are cared for in accordance to their parents' wishes and their safety has been enhanced.

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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

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 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 all concerns relating to child protection issues are fully recorded.

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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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