Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347901 Unique Reference Number 07 August 2007 Inspection date Sara Haigh 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 has been registered since 2007. She lives with her husband and two young children aged three and five years in the Worsley area of Salford.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children under the age of eight years. There are currently six children on roll attending various full time and part time sessions. The downstairs areas of her home are used for childminding purposes, along with a secure garden at the rear of the premises.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to and from local schools and childcare groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are kept healthy and protected from the spread of infection and cross-contamination as the childminder maintains high levels of hygiene. Children develop skills and independence

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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 in their personal hygiene as they follow good routines such as washing their hands before eating and using individual hand towels. Children are well cared for in the case of illness as the childminder follows an effective sick child and administration of medication policy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a choice of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals to promote their growth and development. The childminder has a basic food hygiene certificate and she encourages the children to taste a variety of healthy foods, fruit and vegetables. The majority of the meals provided are home cooked and contain hidden vegetables. She is developing their understanding of keeping themselves healthy by talking to the children about healthy foods and the importance of wearing sun cream. Children have free access to fresh drinking water to keep them hydrated and refreshed throughout the day. Children's individual needs and routines with regard to diet, health and sleeping are catered for.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular opportunities to be active. They enjoy walking through the woods as they go to and from school and visiting the local park. During warmer weather children also develop their large muscle skills and coordination as they play with the swing, slide and see-saw in the childminder's rear garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play happily within the warm and welcoming environment of the childminder's home. They have ample room to explore the range of resources accessible to them. These are well maintained, are regularly rotated to offer appropriate challenges for the children being cared for and they cover all areas of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good regard for children's safety at all times and has taken positive steps to reduce potential risks. Toys and activities are carefully monitored to ensure younger children do not have access to equipment which may cause them harm. The childminder has completed a driver safety programme which ensures children's safety whilst they are being transported.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from the risk of fire because there is a fire blanket in place and smoke alarms are fitted on every level of the house. Children are learning to accept responsibility for their own safety as they become aware of road safety and to stay within sight of the childminder. However, they do not have opportunities to practice the emergency evacuation procedure within the home. Children are well taken care of in the case of an accident as the childminder has a current first aid certificate and a well stocked first aid kit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder recognises her responsibility to protect children from harm and has a sound knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She is aware of the appropriate procedures to follow if she has concerns regarding the welfare of children and she ensures that parents are also aware of her responsibility in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are content and settled in the childminder's home. She is getting to know them well and confidently provides for their individual care and developmental needs. Organised resources help children to become independent learners. They are happy and settled as the childminder supports their play well, provides close supervision and praises their efforts. The children's day is planned to provide for all their individual care needs, such as sleeps, meals and toilet routines.

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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 Children are regularly taken out to local child centred groups which helps to encourage their social skills within a group setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is well aware of the children's different ages and stages of development. She knows that the baby is starting to stand and is also finding a voice and has provided a push-along walker ready for the baby's next stage. Sensory and sound action toys are available for exploratory play. The childminder is helping to develop children's communication skills through conversation, talking and listening. She talks to the children about what they are doing, so they are starting to link words with actions. She responds to babies verbal and non-verbal communications and imitates their babbling.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are beginning to develop their ideas as they engage in imaginative play with dressing up clothes and resources. They are learning about numbers and letters as they play games together such as snakes and ladders and 'I spy'. Children experience sensory activities as they explore the sand tray and treasure basket. They develop their fine motor skills as they play with play dough, craft boxes and dabber pens. They become engrossed in stirring the ingredients for chocolate crispie cakes and spooning the mixture into paper cases. They also enjoy making fruit smoothies and biscuits. Children are learning to take responsibility for their environment as the childminder encourages children to be involved in tidying up toys and resources.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have regular opportunities to participate in outdoor activities. They go pond dipping with fishing nets in a local park, observe seasonal changes and flowers in the woods, and water plants in the childminder's garden.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging in the setting through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. Children enjoy each other's company and relate well to each other and the childminder. Children are finding out about the boundaries that are in place and are learning about good behaviour through a positive approach to behaviour management. Children receive praise and encouragement and they are learning to share and take turns through the childminder talking to them and giving them explanations. Older children become involved in formulating house rules and design posters to illustrate them. Children behave well, minor altercations are dealt with in a calm and consistent manner and each child is treated with individual care and respect.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children become aware of the wider world as they visit various activity sessions such as, gymnastics and art groups. The childminder interacts with the children in a way that promotes equality of opportunity, talking about differences that the children observe. However, they have limited opportunity to learn about diversity through toys and books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for by a childminder who works in partnership with parents to meet children's individual needs and develop consistency of care. Children are valued as individuals and their individual needs are met as the childminder has discussions with parents about each child she minds. Information regarding children's progress and welfare is exchanged daily with parents verbally and babies have a daily diary.

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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 satisfactory. Children are happy and self-assured in the friendly, well organised home. The childminder organises her time, space and resources well to meet the children's needs. Written weekly plans ensure that children confidently explore their surroundings and benefit from well planned routines and activities both in and out of the home.

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Organisation

Children are safe and protected as the childminder fully understands the need for vetting household members. The daily register confirms that children are cared for in accordance with the conditions of registration. She obtains all the relevant information and signed consents to ensure continuity of care. However, written business contracts are not in place for children attending on short term placements. The childminder is fully committed to providing a high standard of care for children and has attended various courses including 'Babbling babies' and 'Promoting positive behaviour' to develop the service she provides. Children's care and well-being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training, she is commencing a National Vocational Qualification in home based care in September 2007.

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Organisation

Comprehensive and detailed written policies relating to the National Standards are in place and shared with parents, thereby promoting children's health, safety, enjoyment and ability to make a positive contribution.

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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

This is the first inspection since registration.

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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. 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 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): • practise the emergency evacuation procedure with the 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 • improve resources to reflect diversity • ensure written contracts are in place for all children.

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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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