Morton, Ysane Sheelagh

Inspection report for early years provision

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307344 Unique Reference Number 21 November 2007 Inspection date Glynis Margaret Kite 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 1995. She lives with her husband and three children one aged 15 and two aged 17 years (twins) in the Ellenbrook area of Worsley, Salford. The lounge, dining room, kitchen, laundry room and toilet on the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding purposes. There is a rear garden available for outdoor play. There may be a maximum of six minded children under eight years on the premises at any one time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are six children on the register. Children attend a variety of full and part time places.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has completed the Quality First assurance scheme.

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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 outstanding. Children are cared for in premises which are maintained to very high standards of cleanliness and are very well maintained. Children know and understand the importance of good personal hygiene and recognise that this helps to keep them healthy and protects them from germs. Children gain this level of knowledge and understanding through the exceptional guidance and support provided by the childminder. Children are becoming increasingly independent as they watch each other and follow the example of the childminder with regard to washing their hands. The childminder takes positive steps to minimise the risk of cross contamination by providing children with liquid soap for washing their hands and paper towels for drying them. Disposable clothing is available for the childminder to wear when changing children. The childminder follows her own procedure when managing sick children, including exclusion if necessary to

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Helping children to be healthy

prevent the risk of infections spreading.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive on meals and snacks which are healthy and nutritious. Children enjoy the benefits of freshly cooked meals everyday. Children choose fresh fruit for snacks and have access to their own bottles of water throughout the day. Children know the benefits of eating healthy foods and that food helps us to grow big and strong. Children benefit from sitting together for meals and snacks and enjoy this time as a social part of the day. The individual needs of children are catered for very well because the childminder exchanges information with parents and keeps records of their individual dietary requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children benefit from regular outdoor play. Children have real opportunities to explore and investigate, such as looking at the natural habitat of bugs, when they go on outings. Children also benefit from play which promotes their physical development, such as climbing and running. Younger children are able to explore the environment and develop new skills, such as walking independently. The childminder also supports the individual routines of children, such as time for sleeping or rest within the routine of the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a homely environment, which is maintained to high standards of decoration and repair. Children's art work is displayed alongside brightly coloured and informative posters of other cultures, which contributes to creating a child friendly environment. The space is used well to enable children to become independent in selecting toys and activities of their choice. Children benefit from having access to suitable and safe furniture, toys and equipment. The wide range of resources promotes positive images and diversity in the community.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder performs a risk assessment of the premises and equipment each day. She encourages children to be aware of potential hazards when playing, such as falling on toys on the floor, hence children are helping to keep themselves safe by helping to tidy up. Good use of safety equipment also contributes to the overall safety of children. Procedures are in place regarding emergency evacuations and records kept which demonstrate the effectiveness of fire drills, the records also include the checking of smoke alarms to ensure they are in good working order. However, the childminder is unable to demonstrate the safety of gas appliances at present. Children are protected from

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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 harm while on outings because the childminder talks to them about safety and uses appropriate equipment, such as car seats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The welfare of children is safeguarded because the childminder knows and understands child protection issues and procedures. She has attended relevant training courses and put written policies and procedures in to place. However, the current policy does take account of recent changes regarding child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy, settled and confident within the care of the childminder. The individual developmental needs of children are met well through well planned activities based on the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage Curriculum guidance. Written observations show clear information of the progress children have made and also help to inform future planning. The childminder carefully adapts activities to suit the needs of children present.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from first hand experiences, such as examining the skin shed from a snake. Children engage in a variety of activities which raise awareness of other cultures and beliefs, for example, they have recently made lanterns to celebrate Diwali. Language and mathematical development is promoted extremely well through play, for example, while involved in a threading exercise, children are also counting, matching and sorting the equipment. They compare colours and size and demonstrate increasing skill with regard to the threading of bears on to laces.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder dedicates much time to talking and listening to children, as a result they are building positive relationships and enjoy playing alongside each other and sometimes together. Children are curious and ask questions. The childminder is very responsive and they engage in conversations which sometimes lead to children recalling past events. Children benefit from having access to an extensive range of interesting and stimulating resources and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's needs are met extremely well because the childminder works closely with parents and she takes on board their wishes with regard to individual routines. Therefore children benefit from consistency in the level of care and attention provided. Children are treated with equal concern and respect which helps them to be aware of the needs of others. Children also engage in a wide range of activities which promote awareness and understanding of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Clear boundaries are in place and written agreements with parents regarding how children's behaviour will be managed. The childminder promotes a positive approach and includes older children in making the rules. The childminder allows the children to express their emotions and feelings in a safe and secure environment and encourages talking through solutions to problems. The childminder implements effective strategies, such as distraction and praise to encourage good behaviour. As a result children behave very well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships formed between the childminder and parents, which helps them to feel secure. Parents share a wealth of information with the childminder regarding the needs of their children. In turn the childminder shares her written policies and procedures, which clearly set out her expectations. Parents are given the opportunity to express

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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 their views of the provision and have indicated they are very happy with the service offered to their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for by an experienced adult, who continues to update her skills and knowledge through training. The childminder is dedicated to providing good quality care, learning and play experiences for children and this is reflected extremely well in the provision. Children are closely supervised at all times by the childminder and she follows correct procedures with regard to the vetting of other adults living on the premises.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the well planned organisation of space, resources and routines. They have excellent opportunities to explore, play and rest according to their individual needs and interest.

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Organisation

All required records and documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place, reviewed regularly and updated as required. Confidentiality is maintained.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has attended several training courses which add to the good quality service being offered.

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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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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 and update child protection policy to reflect recent changes • demonstrate how gas appliances are kept safe

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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 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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