Walker, Pamela

Inspection report for early years provision

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307054 Unique Reference Number 29 February 2008 Inspection date Carol Ann Dixon 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 has been registered since 1989. She lives with her husband and three adult children in the North Reddish district of Stockport in Cheshire. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is an enclosed rear garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under eight and one child over eight years on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and a member of an approved childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene by routinely washing their hands before eating and after toileting. The childminder cleans the nappy changing mat after each nappy change, and thoughtfully provides individual

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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 towels and bedding, which protects children's health by preventing cross contamination. Young children rest comfortably and peacefully, according to their needs, as the childminder discusses their routine with parents. Good hygiene practices and appropriate levels of exercise and rest keep children fit and healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has increased her knowledge of first aid through completing a first aid course and has a fully stocked first aid kit available in case of an accident. She acts in the children's best interests if they are ill. Children do not attend if they have a contagious illness, which prevents the spread of infection. The childminder informs parents of her policy of not administering medication. Appropriate systems are in place for the recording of accidents. However, the childminder has not obtained written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment which compromises children's well-being in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Through conversation and activities, such as baking and shopping, children learn about foods and gain an understanding of the value of good nutrition. Young children are given regular drinks and are also reminded at regular intervals to have a drink to keep them healthy. Older children are able to access drinks independently from a water dispenser. Children are well nourished with the childminder having a good appreciation of the children's individual dietary needs and their preferences. The childminder obtains and uses this information to provide healthy options, such as chopped carrots, pears and grapes. Young children develop their independence as they feed themselves at snack and meal times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to take part in a range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical fitness on a daily basis. They regularly visit a local children's park where they can climb and run, and particularly enjoy playing on the climbing frame and the slide. They walk to and from school each day, as well as walks to the local shops or library and have regular opportunities to play in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in an environment where positive steps are taken by the childminder to promote safety and to keep children safe. She completes a daily, visual risk assessment of all areas used by the children and is aware of the changing abilities of children as they get older. They are visually very well supervised as they move freely around the ground floor taking part in a range of activities. They independently choose from a good range of resources and toys, which are well maintained, safe and suitable to meet their needs. The home is well presented and organised so that children have good access to suitable furniture and toys of their choice. Children use the ample space well and can take part in different activities as there is a dedicated playroom and lounge available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Smoke detectors are fitted and regularly tested to ensure that they are in working order. Evacuation procedures are practised regularly. This ensures children know how to leave the house safely in an emergency. When out walking, the childminder carefully supervises children and uses reins to ensure the safety of younger children. Children are beginning to learn about road safety, as the childminder talks about looking left and right before crossing roads and points out safe places to cross roads, such as pedestrian crossings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder displays a good knowledge of child protection issues. She has useful procedures and all the required documentation in place to protect children. Consequently, children's safety,

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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 care and welfare are well promoted. She has also attended regular training to maintain an updated knowledge of safeguarding procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relate well to the childminder who has a friendly and approachable manner. She shows a clear interest in what they say and do, asking them questions to make them think and to promote their learning. Children benefit from the childminder's good communication skills as she talks to them, points at pictures in books, reads stories, sings songs and extends their vocabulary. For example, the childminder encourages children to name the animals they look at on a poster and to match the colours as they create a picture using felt pieces. The childminder values the children's efforts and praises them in a positive way, which further builds children's confidence and boosts their self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children confidently help themselves to a good range of easily accessed equipment stored in boxes and on shelves in the playroom. They particularly enjoy completing puzzles and, with a little help from the childminder, they carefully manipulate the pieces into place. Younger children have opportunities to use their senses as they explore the texture of shaving foam and enjoy playing with musical instruments. On a daily basis, children take part in many stimulating activities, such as crayoning, baking and modelling with dough. The childminder uses her knowledge of the children's abilities to plan and provide a broad range of interesting activities, which meet children's needs and provide appropriate challenge. Consequently, children make good progress in all areas of their development. Daily routines include activities, both inside and outside of the home, such as visits to the library for story time and toddler groups

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

where they socialise with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met effectively because the childminder works in close partnership with parents. Children benefit from a two way sharing of information between the childminder and parents. For example, parents are verbally informed of their child's daily achievements and written daily records are completed and shared with parents of younger children. The childminder has also developed a portfolio to share with parents and this informs them about her policies and procedures and training certificates. Consequently, parents are well informed and because information is regularly and effectively exchanged, children receive good care and support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have good opportunities to learn about the world around them. They develop a positive attitude to others through their play and benefit from access to a good range of resources and activities that promote a positive view of the wider world. Opportunities to experience multi-cultural resources are further increased through the use of a toy library. Children learn about the local community through routine outings, such as trips to the local shops, walks to and from school and to the park and visits to the library to choose books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and treated as individuals. Activities are organised to ensure all children are fully included and to meet their individual needs. Behaviour is dealt with in a positive manner with boundaries which are consistent and appropriate for the child's level of understanding. Children are encouraged to take turns and to share and they are beginning to understand responsible behaviour. For example, the childminder successfully encourages the children to tidy away the equipment when they have finished playing with it. The childminder uses praise

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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 to encourage children and to develop their self-esteem, and this results in children who are secure in their surroundings and who feel confident in deciding what to do.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care, learning and play are positively supported by a childminder who has good organisational skills. The individual needs of the children are met through the childminder organising her time and resources effectively. Children benefit from a child friendly environment where they are welcomed, are safe and feel at ease.

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Organisation

Children's individual routines regarding rest and play are effectively followed, which means that babies and young children are happy, relaxed and confident in this 'home from home' environment. They initiate their own activities within the routine features of the day and make good progress in all areas of their development. They independently choose their own toys from the playroom and make decisions about where to play.

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Organisation

Contracts and children's information details are regularly reviewed and updated. Most required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and generally organised well. The exception to this is parents' consent for emergency medical treatment. The childminder understands the importance of confidentiality and takes appropriate steps to protect children.

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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 was recommended to include further detail in accident records. This has been fully addressed, thereby ensuring that parents are informed of any treatment administered by the childminder.

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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): • seek permission from parents for emergency medical treatment.

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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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