Elliott, Karen Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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306668 Unique Reference Number 28 February 2008 Inspection date Teresa Ann Clark 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 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 1995. She lives with her adult daughter and son aged 13 years. The family live in the Cheadle Hulme area of Stockport in Cheshire. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two children both of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group and takes children to the library and the park. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Borough of Stockport Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. A range of positive steps are taken to promote the good health of children. For example, the childminder maintains very good levels of cleanliness across her property. A clear policy regarding the exclusion of children, who are ill or infectious, enables the childminder to act in the best

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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 interests of all children. All documentation relating to healthcare matters is in place to maintain children's welfare. Children take themselves to the bathroom and know to wash their hands after using the toilet. Children confidently explain the bathroom routine and have their own individual towels which help minimise the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished to promote their growth and development. They look forward to snack time where they eat a range of healthy foods. The childminder discusses children's dietary requirements with parents and respects their wishes. Parents provide children's lunches which means they know what children are eating and they remain healthy. Children confidently tell the childminder 'I'm hungry' as snack time approaches. The childminder does not give children sweets and ensures they are provided with healthy snacks which contribute towards a healthy lifestyle. She talks to children about foods which are good and bad for them. As a result, children are developing an early understanding of healthy eating. Children keep well refreshed as they have good access to fresh drinking water throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children actively participate in a good range of activities, which contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy visits to indoor activity based centres. This helps to develop their physical skills and build their muscular strength. Playing in the childminder's garden and visits to local community groups provides good opportunities for children to use a range of equipment to promote their physical development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's well-being is assured as they have time to rest as well as be active. Comfortable furnishings in the childminder's home provide for their rest and relaxation. Children enjoy climbing onto the sofa and making themselves cosy. Good recognition of how children's behaviour changes when they are feeling tired helps to ensure they sleep and rest according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in comfort and are cared for in a bright and welcoming environment. The childminder maintains her home in a very good state of repair and decoration to create inviting surroundings for children. This enables them to feel totally at ease and they move around the play areas freely and with confidence. Children play with a varied range of good quality toys and equipment to meet their developing needs. They benefit from a good amount of indoor space which they make good use of to play their games. Resources are organised in a way which helps to promote children's free choice, therefore, children become independent and gain pleasure from selecting their favourite things. Children confidently show the inspector the toys that are available for them to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective practices prevent accidental injury to children. Children are well supervised by the childminder and risk assessments are undertaken to keep children safe. A range of measures, such as a safety gate to prevent children gaining access to the stairs and covers in low-level electrical sockets, reduce potential hazards. There are some hazardous substances which are not stored securely to prevent children's access. A clear written evacuation plan is in place to enable the childminder to respond swiftly in an emergency situation, but the procedure has not been practised with the children to ensure they are familiar with what to do in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is fully safeguarded. The childminder has a good awareness of her responsibilities and the procedures to follow with regard to child protection. The necessary

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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 documentation and contact details are readily accessible to enable her to respond quickly in the event of identifying a concern. Parents are informed about the childminders responsibility with regard to safeguarding procedures so they have a clear understanding of her role.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and well cared for. Their needs are successfully met as the childminder gets to know children well and is in tune with their differing personalities. The positive atmosphere and the childminder's warm and caring manner, encourages children to be good humoured and self-assured. Children snuggle up with the childminder to share a story.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a secure understanding of child development; especially the individual developmental needs of the children in her care. The childminder dedicates time playing and talking to the children. She sits at children's level as they as they play and interacts with them at every opportunity to extend their language; challenge their thinking and to encourage imaginative play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They enjoy a warm and supportive relationship, helping to promote their emotional well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children demonstrate good levels of concentration when completing puzzles and show interest in books as they listen to familiar stories. They eagerly point to the illustrations and show enthusiasm for learning as they name the different animals. Children express themselves freely and play purposefully. They enjoy using play dough to express their creative ideas, such as making and tossing pancakes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children also benefit from activities outside the home as the childminder utilises local amenities such as the park; feeding the ducks, shopping, parent toddler group and visits to other childminders. All these activities help to widen children's experiences and give them opportunities to socialise with their peers and other adults.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed and feel valued. The childminder treats children as part of her family so they feel safe and secure. Children make themselves at home and develop a sense of belonging. Boys and girls feel at ease to express themselves as they play with a range of play equipment. A range of resources reflecting diversity help children to gain a positive view of others. The childminder has a positive attitude towards inclusion and recognises the importance of working closely with parents to meet children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are made aware of the management of children's behaviour through discussion and the childminder's policy statement. They behave well and cooperate with the clear boundaries set by the childminder. Frequent use of praise by the childminder supports their efforts and boosts their self-esteem. The childminder uses a range of strategies to manage children's behaviour. Any minor issues are dealt with sensitively by the childminder. Children are learning to share and take turns with good support from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An open and friendly approach with parents contributes to establishing good relationships. Parents are very happy with the care on offer to their children. The childminder works in a flexible manner to meet parents' wishes and information is shared daily to promote consistency

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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 of care for children. Many letters of thanks from families outline their appreciation of the childminder's services. Parents gain a good understanding about the service on offer as the childminder shares a file about her childcare practices.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive a good amount of individual attention from the childminder. The day is well planned for their enjoyment with consistent routines to ensure their well-being. The childminder organises her home well to accommodate different activities. All adults living on the premises have undertaken checks to ensure they are suitable to be in the proximity of children. This contributes to safeguarding children.

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Organisation

Records and documentation are well organised to ensure the smooth running of the childminder's business. A range of policies and procedures support and enhance her work to provide an efficient service to contribute to children's health, safety and well-being. The childminder has a commitment to the continuous improvement of her childminding practice. Attendance on short training courses on a range of subjects keeps her abreast of current issues in childcare to promote positive outcomes for children. First aid training is kept up-to-date to enable the childminder to administer treatment, if necessary, to maintain children's welfare.

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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

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to make knives and electrical sockets in accessible to children, to obtain written consent for children to be transported in a vehicle and to receive emergency medical treatment or advice. The knives are stored out of children's reach and all electrical sockets are covered to prevent children gaining access. Written consent has been obtained from parents for children to be transported in a vehicle and to receive emergency medical treatment or advice. These improvements contribute to the safety and welfare of children.

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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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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 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): • practise the emergency evacuation procedure with the children • make hazardous substances inaccessible to 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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