Foster, Frances

Inspection report for early years provision

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504945 Unique Reference Number 17 September 2007 Inspection date Susan Magaret Lyon 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 was registered in 1993 to care for six children. She lives with her husband and three children in a quasi-semi-detached house in Oldham. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the lounge, dining room, kitchen, upstairs bathroom and back garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The household has cats, a parrot, snakes and turtles. The childminder provides an out of school service from local primary schools. There are currently eight children on roll, some attend part time. The childminder has a childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy through satisfactory hygiene routines, such as washing hands after toileting and before food. They begin to understand good hygiene practices as tissues are easily available for them to use. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. Children are adequately protected from infection through an exclusion policy being in place and clean hand towels provided which are laundered daily. Children partake in physical activities by playing

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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 the garden with a range of suitable equipment. For example, they play golf, croquet and football. Children also benefit from fresh air and exercise as they walk to and from school each day. Children rest and sleep according to their needs promoting their health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are adequately nourished through healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit and crackers. Their health and dietary needs are met from appropriate discussions with parents and the recording of allergies and intolerances. Children respond well to routine, such as sitting at the table and socialising at snack time. They learn about healthy eating through some discussion about foods that are good for them. Drinks are provided throughout the day keeping their bodies healthy and hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Space and resources are adequately organised to allow children to move around freely and safely. Play areas are welcoming and child-centred with small furniture and accessible toys and play equipment. Suitable routines keep toys and equipment safe and clean. Children are cared for in a mainly safe and secure environment through the childminder taking precautions to minimise hazards. For example, safety gates and socket covers are in place. However, the accessibility of bathroom items puts children's safety at risk. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder puts sufficient measures in place, such as using straps and reins.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe from appropriate discussions about playing carefully and road safety. Their safety needs are met whilst on the premises due to the childminder's awareness of fire precautions. For example, children regularly practice the emergency evacuation procedure. Children are kept safe through close supervision. Furthermore, they are protected because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her role in child protection and appropriate procedures to follow if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through being given lots of praise and encouragement. They engage in a broad range of interesting activities to foster their all-round development. For example, marble rolling, model making and foam soap play. Children acquire new knowledge and skills because the childminder gives priority to providing educational resources to make children think. For example, they enjoy collecting items of the same colour to keep in colour boxes. While out and about children are encouraged to identify different objects as the childminder asks 'find me something red.' Children are interested in the environment and enjoy looking for snails and insects while out walking. Children are encouraged to make positive relationships through discussions about sharing and taking turns. They cooperate well during role play in the home corner as they 'make dinner together.'

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Well organised resources help children to become independent learners. Children are happy and settled because the childminder provides close supervision and supports their play well. Children are able to explore textures of natural materials and a range of manufactured toys. For example, they develop their senses through examining fir cones and pebbles and smelling flowers and grass. Through a range of art and craft materials children develop their imagination and creativity, thus promoting their sense of achievement and enjoyment. For example, they enjoy baking star biscuits and gingerbread men to take home.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. They are valued and made to feel important as they have their own coat hooks and their photographs are attractively displayed. Children become aware of the wider world through some play resources, such as books, dolls and Chinese bowls. Although, the lack of resources showing disability hinders their awareness of all aspects of equal opportunities. Children become aware of the needs of others through appropriate discussions about sharing and taking turns. Also, the childminder acts as a positive role model as she talks to children with kindness and consideration. She ensures all the children are fully involved in the life of the setting by reviewing play plans to ensure the activities are suitable for all levels of ability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They understand right from wrong through clear boundaries and explanations. Children are cared for by a childminder who works with parents to meet children's individual needs. For example, parents' signed consent forms are obtained for various aspects of care. Children's care is enhanced through the daily exchange of information regarding their progress and welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are safe and protected through the childminder's awareness of the vetting of household members. She maintains adequate ratios, thus improving the safety of the children. The childminder organises her time, space and resources well to meet children's needs. Children benefit from visits to facilities in the local community, such as parks, shops and library. Children's care and well-being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training. For example, she has attended a sign language course, an asthma update and a course about using treasure baskets. Most required documentation is in place, up to date and shared with parents. However, parents lack some information as the registration certificate is not displayed. Children's details are kept confidential. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop a recording system to show the checking of toys and equipment for cleanliness and repair, and record the emergency evacuations which are practiced with the children. The childminder now has a satisfactory routine for checking the toys for cleanliness and safety, and records regular evacuations which she practices with the children. These improvements further enhance the care and safety of children attending the setting.

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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. 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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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

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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): • make bathroom items safe or inaccessible to children • increase play resources reflecting all aspects of equal opportunities • display the registration certificate during childminding hours.

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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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