Richardson, Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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312187 Unique Reference Number 12 December 2007 Inspection date Barbara Law 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 1997. She runs her business from her home in the Droylsden area of Tameside. She shares her home with her husband, their two daughters, a dog and a cat. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding activities. Toilet and hand wash facilities are on this floor. There is a secure back garden available for outdoor play. As part of her service she uses local amenities such as the parents and tots group, recreational park and other places of interest.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The registration is for six children. Currently there are five children on roll. This registration does not include overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment. They are beginning to understand the importance of good hygiene through regularly reinforced routines, such as washing their hands before they eat. Children are protected from some risk of infection and helped to maintain

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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 good health because the childminder is meticulous in her cleaning procedures. For example, she follows her own cleaning routine and ensures she thoroughly cleans equipment, such as toys, high chairs and changing areas, with antibacterial solutions. However, she does not wear protective clothing when nappy changing. Children's physical needs and well-being are met by the childminder who recognises when they are tired or thirsty and provides opportunities for them to rest, eat and drink as they need, to meet their individual needs. Children's health and well-being is safeguarded in an emergency situation through prior written consent from parents being sought.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and are provided with frequent drinks to keep them hydrated. They are offered a wide choice of fresh fruits such as mandarins, pineapple, oranges and apples at snack time, and homemade meals which include fresh meats and vegetables.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in beneficial physical activity outdoors every day. They play in the garden on the sit and ride toys, with the bats and balls, hula hoops or skipping ropes and regularly visit the park so they can run, jump, use the slide and the swings and further refine their physical skills.

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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 safe, secure and welcoming home. There is plenty of room for all children which allows older and younger children to successfully pursue different interests and activities. They use suitable and safe equipment which is all clean and well maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to make independent choices about their play through toys, games and equipment, such as art and craft, colouring and drawing and construction toys, being presented at their level.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play safely in the home because suitable precautions have been taken. For example, electric plug socket covers are in place and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are kept in good working order. Children benefit from daily outdoor play in the garden which is kept safe and secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe when out walking because the childminder reinforces responsible road safety behaviour. Children confidently recite their kerb craft saying 'we have to stop, look and listen for the cars'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder has completed training in child protection and has a good understanding of appropriate procedures to use. She would put these into practice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled with the childminder. They are given lots of individual attention and are stimulated by eye contact, cuddles and questions which encourages their development and language skills. Children's development is fostered by the childminder's good knowledge of children's individual needs and stages of development.

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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 Children are able to select their toys from a range of age appropriate equipment provided to develop their play skills. These include a selection of natural materials, for example, wooden building blocks. They interact happily with the childminder and cooperate well in their play. They have opportunities to experience a range of activities, such as construction, musical toys, cars, singing and story telling, creative and imaginative play. Children's self esteem is raised as they proudly show the snowflakes they have crafted and which have been attractively displayed on the tree.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are valued. The childminder listens to what they are saying and responds positively to them at all times. Children demonstrate their confidence as they freely approach the childminder, making requests for a drink. Children feel good about themselves when the childminder praises them for being so good and a pleasure to look after. She talks kindly to children and responds quickly to their requests for assistance and support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well behaved. Children feel valued as individuals and develop a sense of belonging through the childminder offering praise and encouragement of their social skills and good manners. Children are warmly welcomed into the home and treated with respect and regard.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are becoming independent. They help to tidy away toys before selecting alternatives. Children make choices and select resources in their own play activities. They play with all the resources, participating in role play with each other and the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Verbal information about individual children's progress and the day's activities are shared with parents. A diary of words and photographs of the child's day ensures children's continuity of care and creates links between home and the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has knowledge of equal opportunities and diversity. Children are beginning to learn about the world as they access resources which reflect positive images of society. This helps to promote their understanding of the wider world whilst increasing their self-esteem and respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a positive partnership between the childminder and their parents. Parents are provided with information relating to policies, procedures and the setting. This ensures parents are well informed of the service they can expect for their child. Contracts, which are regularly reviewed, are in place.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Testimonials from parents confirm their satisfaction with the 'safe care' their children receive and state their children are happy and well cared for.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a clear sense of purpose which impacts positively on the outcomes for children. Her service is enhanced by her commitment to ongoing training which keeps her up to date with current childcare practices. All required documentation and records are well maintained and in good order. Children's progress is shared with parents. Children are protected from harm by the childminder's vigilance and supervision. She demonstrates a high regard for the care and well-being of all children.

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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 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

The childminder has made the garden safe by removing all building materials. She keeps the daily record of children's attendance up to date. This ensures children are cared for in a safer environment.

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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): • take positive steps to prevent the spread of infection, for example, by wearing protective clothing when changing nappies.

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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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