Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY341566 Unique Reference Number 03 September 2007 Inspection date Kay Margaret Armstrong Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since September 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 12 years. The family live in the Droylsden area of Tameside, which is close to shops, parks and the library. The family have a pet chinchilla. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding activities. The bathroom facilities are on the first floor and the rear garden is available for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children. Currently there are two children on roll, who both attend on a part-time basis. The childminder gains support from the local authority.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children participate in a range of activities that contribute to their physical growth and development. They have plenty of fresh air and exercise as they walk to and from school daily. Children are able to play outdoors in the garden. They are taken to parks regularly where they

p.2

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 are able to access large equipment, such as climbing frames and slides. These experiences help children to develop physical strength, refine their motor skills and gain control of their bodies.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate hygiene procedures, to ensure that they are cared for in a warm and clean home. Daily routines, such as washing their hands before meals and after using the bathroom, are beginning to promote children's understanding of good hygiene practices and minimise the risk of cross-infection.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses and agrees children's dietary requirements with parents. The sample menu clearly demonstrates the childminder's clear understanding of children's dietary requirements. She provides children with an appropriate range of meals and snacks, which are nutritious and contribute to their physical growth and development. Children remain hydrated, as they are able to access drinks freely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children benefit from a homely environment where displays and posters help to provide a welcoming atmosphere. Children are beginning to learn about some aspects of managing their own safety. For example, when out walking, the childminder teaches them road awareness and they practise crossing the road safely. There is an emergency escape plan in place. This has been practised with the children, who are becoming aware of what to do in the event of a fire. Risks of accidental injury to children are mainly minimised, because the childminder has safety features in place to ensure the home environment is safe and secure. For example, socket covers are used and dangerous substances are inaccessible to children. However, a loose wire on the stairs poses a risk to the children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use good quality equipment that is appropriate to their age and stage of development. Toys are clean, well maintained and comply with safety standards, minimising risks to children. Resources are organised and easily accessible to the children, which enhances their learning and promotes choice and independence.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has the required documentation and knowledge in place to ensure children's welfare is adequately safeguarded and promoted. She has a satisfactory understanding of child protection procedures and of her responsibility with regards to keeping children safe. These are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children progress well as they receive lots of attention from the childminder as she dedicates her time to talking and playing with them. She is aware of their individual needs and she extends their knowledge and understanding as she asks questions which help them to think and express themselves. For example, as children complete jigsaw puzzles, the childminder asks the children to think about what jobs the people in the puzzle do. She gives children support when needed as she joins in with their games and activities. Children are beginning to understand that print carries meaning as they link letters to sounds. For example, whilst completing an alphabet jigsaw, the childminder asks the children to look for 'b' for butterfly and a 'curly 'c' for carrot'. The children really enjoy expressing themselves creatively as they explore musical instruments, draw pictures and make models with dough. They concentrate for long periods of time as they

p.3

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 refine their fine motor skills by using scissors to cut out shapes and they are pleased with their efforts and achievements.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very happy in the setting and have lots of support from the childminder, which increases their sense of well-being and security. They build secure relationships with the childminder and have fun as they play together. They make confident choices about their play and learning as they choose the resources which are effectively organised and easily accessible. However, the childminder is not yet familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which has an influence on young children's learning.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder speaks very positively to children, using encouragement effectively and positive reinforcement to support their efforts and foster their independence. Good behaviour is acknowledged and praised appropriately. As a result, the children are confident and are developing positive self-esteem. The childminder helps children to understand and maintain simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. Consequently, the children behave well and are beginning to develop respect for others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory play. There are some resources available which reflect positive images of our diverse society. However, these are not yet fully developed, which limits children's understanding of difference and the world around them.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents, sharing information on a daily basis to ensure children's individual needs are recognised and their welfare is promoted. Children's home routines are followed, providing a secure and familiar environment for the children, which promotes a sense of belonging and develops trust.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has developed a range of written policies and procedures, which she shares with parents, keeping them well informed. She has a sound understanding of the regulations and meets the requirements, as outlined in the National Standards for Childminding. The childminder understands her responsibility to comply with conditions of registration and good systems are in place to ensure children are never left alone with persons not vetted. Records and documentation are appropriately maintained, which contributes to the health, safety and welfare of the children. The childminder cares for children within the required adult to child ratios, which ensures that they are safe and she is able to support their play and learning. This promotes children's care and well-being.

p.4

Organisation

Children are settled and happy in the care of the childminder as they are welcomed into a warm and homely environment. They benefit from the caring attention of the childminder and routines which are familiar and consistent with their life at home. Space is suitably organised and used appropriately for the children's activities. The childminder plans a sufficient range of activities to interest the children and they make good progress in their development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 the lose wire on the stairs does not pose a hazard to the children • develop an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework • continue to develop resources which reflect our diverse society.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5