Sharkey, Victoria

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY223240 Inspection date 14 July 2005 Inspector Patricia Graham

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and 2 children aged 9 years and 5 years in Clayton, Manchester. The whole ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 1 child under 5 full time, 2 children under 5 part time and 1 child over 5 after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group.

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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 are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. For example, they know to wash their hands and brush their teeth to be clean and healthy. This is promoted because the childminder has high regard for planning activities which help children understand the importance of being clean and healthy. The childminder also promotes good hygiene practices in the setting by ensuring toys and the environment are clean. As a result, children are cared for in a well maintained setting which reduces the risk of cross infection. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. The childminder takes into account the dietary requirements of children and works in partnership with parents to ensure children have healthy nutritious foods. Meals are well balanced and offered in line with home routines. Children enjoy physical activity which promotes good health. Daily outings and

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Helping children to be healthy

planned activities such as tennis and outdoor games improve children's physical skills. They become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need rest. Children have the opportunity to relax on the settee if desired. However, sleeping arrangements for babies are not consistent with good practice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared in a home where positive steps have been taken to promote children's safety. Children play with toys and activities which are safe and developmentally appropriate. They learn to care for each other and know to tidy toys away in case somebody falls over them. This means they are able to move around the setting safely and independently. Children are also kept safe on outings because the childminder is vigilant, for example risk assessments are taken before children use play areas. The childminder has all relevant documentation in place which ensures children are protected, for example there are effective recording systems in place for monitoring children's attendance. She has a good level of understanding of child protection issues and is aware of procedures to follow in line with the Area Child Protection Committee and fully understands her duty to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have warm relationships with the childminder and relax well in the setting. Their independence is enhanced as they freely select toys and activities which are of

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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 interest and stimulating. They also benefit from planned activities which fosters emotional, intellectual, and social development. Children respond creatively as they engage in sensory play and clearly enjoy exploring the texture of natural objects such as shells and respond to the colours and noises of manufactured toys. This is further supported by the experienced childminder who introduces new ideas, which is conductive to effective learning and motivates children. Children's care and development is promoted well through observations of children and fully including them in the planning of activities and outings. This means they are able to make choices and freely pursue their interests, for example choosing trips to the museum or outdoor pursuits. All children's needs are met very well because the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder adapts activities and play opportunities. The childminder for example, uses the Birth to three Matters Framework as a tool when planning activities for young children. As a result, all children play purposefully and enjoy the good range of activities and resources which enhances their progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are treated with equal regard and their differing needs are met well. Children are warmly welcomed into the setting and have good opportunities to learn about themselves and the wider world. They have access to resources that reflect positive images of society such as books, jigsaws, dressing-up clothes and dolls. This is further enhanced by visiting places of interest. This promotes their understanding of the world and provides children with positive images of race, culture, disability and gender. Consequently, children are developing self-esteem and respect for others. Children's individual needs are met in accordance with parent's wishes and positive steps have been taken to include children with special needs. This is achieved by working with parents and outside agencies to ensure children are fully included in all aspects of learning and play opportunities. Children's good behaviour is encouraged by meaningful praise and high levels of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

support from the childminder. This is further enhanced by effective strategies used such as team rewards. Children know they are valued as the childminder gives them full attention and immediately responds to their requests. Partnership with parents contributes significantly to the children's care and well being. They are fully informed of all aspects of the service and their child's routines within the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have safe and independent access to all areas within the setting. They are able to freely select toys and resources which are effectively organised in the bright and stimulating environment. The childminder cares for children within the required ratios which ensures children are safe and make progress in all areas of their development. All relevant

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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 documentation in line with the requirements of the national standards is in place. These are clear and comprehensive and shared with parents which keeps them informed of all aspects of the service and contributes to children's care and well being. Overall, children are cared for and their individual needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has improved the range of natural resources available to babies. She is currently developing a sensory basket in partnership with parents. As a result, babies are beginning to develop all their senses as they explore with interest the texture of natural materials.

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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): • review the sleeping arrangements for babies.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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