Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY282763 Unique Reference Number 03 January 2008 Inspection date Gillian Patricia Bishop 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 three children aged 12, 10 and six years in the Elton area of Bury. The lounge, playroom, kitchen and conservatory on the ground floor are used for childminding activities. Bathroom facilities are available on the ground floor and the first floor. There is a safe and secure 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 six children, of whom five are under the age of eight years. The childminder may care for additional children when working with an assistant. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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's health and welfare is mostly promoted within the childminder's home. For example, children are reminded to cover their mouth when coughing in order to prevent the spread of germs. Children demonstrate a secure understanding of how to take care of their own personal needs because they use the bathroom independently, remembering to wash their hands before they return to their activities. They are developing a good approach to healthy living because they talk spontaneously about which foods are better for them and which ones they should avoid, such as biscuits.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy meals and snacks, such as nutritious home cooked foods and fruit, introduce children to a healthy eating regime. Children benefit from well planned weekly menus which provide them with daily portions of fruit and vegetables in line with their parents' wishes. Children enjoy their food which they receive during regular intervals and in good supply. Children enjoy regular drinks as their cups are frequently topped up with fresh drinking water. They sit at the dining table for snacks and meals which ensures they develop good social skills and independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

A well-structured daily routine ensures children rest, eat and sleep according to their needs. Children benefit from frequent opportunities to play outdoors in the fresh air when taking nature walks and during visits to local parks. They have access to a full range of outdoor play equipment, such as a climbing frame, swing, bikes and slide. The use of play tents and tunnels in the home ensures younger children develop new physical skills as they crawl in and out. The children also visit local play centres and toddler groups where they can run freely and take physical exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a warm, welcoming and clean home. Space, inside and outside the home, is well organised to provide a child-friendly and interesting play environment for the children. Children benefit from a wide selection of good quality toys and equipment which represent their needs and interests. They are able to independently access many of their toys because they are stored in low level boxes which they can reach. Children move freely around the ground floor rooms, confidently taking their chosen equipment from one room to another as they extend their games and activities. For example, children collect blankets, cushions and dolls before building a den under the dining room table.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are well-protected by the routine safety checks which the childminder performs before children arrive at the home. This ensures doors and gates remain secure, plug sockets are covered and hazardous substances are kept out of reach. The childminder has devised a clear emergency evacuation procedure which children and parents are advised about. Furthermore, the childminder is able to protect children because she has a sound knowledge of local safeguarding procedures. Children learn how to keep themselves safe because the childminder talks to them about restricted access to the kitchen when hot food is being prepared and children discuss road safety when walking to and from school.

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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 and content which ensures they enjoy their time with the childminder. They benefit from her support and attention as she spends lots of time talking and playing alongside them. The childminder is skilful in asking children questions about what they are doing and making which encourages them to speak, listen and express their own creative ideas. For example, children confidently describe how they are making their spider and hat models out of play dough. Children enjoy many exciting play opportunities which they show good levels of interest in. For example, they eagerly talk about their favourite animals when playing with the farm. This is developed further by the childminder who encourages them to identify animals which they would see in the jungle or the zoo.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities to be creative and develop their imaginations when making models and pictures with paint, glue and coloured pens. For example, children have made daisy chains for decoration and Christmas snowmen. Children are developing a sense of maturity as they learn to play cooperatively by negotiating who will be 'mummy' and who will be 'daddy' when creating their home role play scene in 'Petal Cottage'. Children benefit from a balance of adult supported play and free play which ensures their educational needs are effectively challenged, for example, during story time and when counting and recognising colours and shapes. They enjoy their free play as they can chose their games and resources quite freely and make choices about what they want to do.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a strong sense of belonging within the home because they have positive relationships with the childminder and her own children. The childminder knows the children well; she is very aware of their particular characteristics and preferences which ensures children are treated as individuals. Children are encouraged to show respect and concern for each other. For example, older children help to guide the younger children when deciding where to build their den. Children visit various places within their local community; they enjoy nature walks and visits to the park so they become familiar with their surroundings and the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to play harmoniously with others as they are reminded of the necessity to play nicely together and be kind. The childminder's calm and consistent approach ensures potential conflict issues are appropriately dealt with because children are encouraged to share and take turns. Young children receive consistent messages about what is expected of them which helps them to understand right and wrong. For example, children listen to a story about sharing before their play dough activity begins, ensuring the requirement to play cooperatively is appropriately reinforced. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement from the childminder which ensures they feel good about their own efforts and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has established a secure partnership with parents which ensures children's needs are discussed and understood. Daily verbal and written communication systems ensure parents remain fully informed about their child's activities and welfare. Parental wishes are sought and respected to involve and include them in all childcare related decisions, for example, when planning suitable menus or trips. The childminder is clear about complaints regulations and she ensures parents are informed about contact details for the regulator, however, the current system for recording complaints lacks detail.

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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 inadequate. The childminder is fully aware of the requirements of the National Standards which enables her to promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. However, she is in breach of the regulation which requires her to hold a valid first aid certificate, as her current one has expired.

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Organisation

Most aspects of documentation are in place as required. Relevant certificates are displayed for parents to view alongside information about the regulator. Children's records are kept and shared with regard to confidentiality and they contain relevant detail and parental consents. The childminder has some written policies which are used to introduce parents to the childcare practices within the setting; these are made available to parents at the time placement is agreed.

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Organisation

Children are well cared for by the childminder. They are extremely well settled and confident in the childminder's home as a consequence of a familiar routine for play, mealtimes and rest which children are very familiar with. Children are well occupied with an appropriate balance of indoor and outdoor activities. The day is effectively organised with a wide variety of activities to suit the children's age and interest, therefore, children are happy and the day runs smoothly.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last inspection two recommendations were made. The first related to vetting procedures and the second related to minimising risks in the home. The childminder has since ensured that her assistant has completed relevant clearance checks and she has taken appropriate steps to remove potentially dangerous objects and substances within the home.

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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 These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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