Nuttall, Jane Margaret

Inspection report for early years provision

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316622 Unique Reference Number 25 January 2008 Inspection date Susan Janet Lee 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 1993. She lives with her husband and adult son in a semi detached property in Radcliffe, a suburb of Bury.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The purpose built playroom and bathroom facilities on the ground floor are used for childminding purposes. There is a rear garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for 10 children, who attend on a variety of placements. She is able to take and collect children from the local primary school and she is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder is currently completing the Bury Quality 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 good. The premises are very clean and well maintained. The children are protected from infection because the childminder actively promotes good hygiene practices to minimise the risk of cross infection. The children learn about good standards of hygiene and personal care routines as they wash their hands and brush their teeth at appropriate times of the day. The clear sick children's policy ensures effective measures are in place when children are ill to prevent the spread of infection. The first aid box is well stocked to ensure any accidents may be dealt with quickly and effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is a qualified chef. She has a good understanding of the importance of providing a well balanced and nutritious menu to aid children's growth and development. Breakfast includes a choice of cereal, toast, bacon and sausages, snacks include fresh fruit and yoghurts and meals are home cooked and include lots of vegetables. The children also have opportunities to try foods from other countries; allowing them to explore new tastes and textures. They also grow herbs to compliment their meals. Snack time is a relaxed, social occasion. The children sit at the table with the childminder and they are able to chat and eat at their own pace.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder gathers information from parents about their children's individual sleep and meal routines and she follows these routines providing a secure and familiar environment for the younger children. The children have lots of opportunities to enjoy and develop their physical skills. They walk to and from school in the fresh air each day; play in the garden on a daily basis and visit the park. All of which contributes to the children's good health and physical development. The children benefit from a large outdoor play area which provides a lawn, a paved area and also an undercover area. The good selection of outdoor play equipment helps the children to learn about their bodies and develop control and coordination. The children dress warmly as it is a cold and windy day. They have fun running and jumping, playing with trucks and a small slide and chalking on the paving stones. Photographic documentation shows

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Helping children to be healthy

the children participating in lots of fun outdoor activities. For example, they play in a large ball pool and in tents; they enjoy a sports day, paddle in a pool and play with footballs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a warm welcoming and homely environment. They benefit from a dedicated playroom and bathroom facilities which are purpose built. Lots of consideration has been given to meets children's needs. The playroom is well resourced with furniture and resources and it is very child centred and conducive to children's exploration and learning. Children's artwork, posters, photographs and information for parents is displayed; making the environment bright and stimulating for the children and their parents. There is a good selection of furniture available allowing the children to play rest and eat in comfort. The childminder provides a lovely range of resources to meet the children's needs. Toys are attractively stored at child height. The children are able to freely choose what to play with; enabling them to initiate their own ideas, extend their play and develop choice and independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of safety and she has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the environment in which children are cared for is safe and secure. The children learn about fire safety as the childminder practises the emergency evacuation procedure with

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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 them on a regular basis. The childminder keeps the children safe on outings. She completes a risk assessment prior to the trip taking place, completes a check list and obtains written parental consent. The childminder takes a first aid box, mobile telephone with children's contact details, drinks and spare clothes to cover any eventuality. The childminder is vigilant in supervising the children and deploys herself well enabling the children to play safely and independently. She encourages children's understanding in keeping themselves safe well. For example, she discusses the house rules with the older children. The children recently participated in a road safety activity. They watched a film, answered questions and completed an activity sheet and then put what they had leant into practice when walking to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All required procedures are in place. The childminder has attended training and she has a secure understanding of child protection matters and procedures. As a result, children's welfare is effectively safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She plans a broad range of interesting and fun activities to help the children develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. The childminder plans activities but is flexible to meet the children's needs and interests. She observes the children during planned activities and uses this information to plan next steps for children's play and development. The children are engrossed in their play and are happily engaged and occupied.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Photographic documentation shows the children involved in a wide range of activities. For example, they play in the garden, use the computer, help to wash up, play table top games, bake, make collage pictures, make a shop and weigh and measure. The children also benefit from activities outside the home as the childminder utilises local amenities to widen children's experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder dedicates her time playing with the children and gives them her undivided attention. She gives the children lots of positive physical attention by means of hugs and cuddles. The children respond by opening out their arms for a cuddle and sitting on the childminder's knee as they play. The children develop good language skills and they listen and respond. The childminder listens intently when the children speak and interacts with them at every opportunity to answer their questions; enter into a conversation and to extend their language and encourage imaginative play. The childminder shares close relationships with the children, who are content, relaxed and secure in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy playing with a tent and tunnels. They help the childminder to connect the tunnels to the tent. The children bend and crawl through the tunnels making their own routes. The childminder then introduces a puppet and the children have fun finding the puppet in the tunnel. They explore sound as they play with musical instruments. They shake bells and tambourines; bang on drums, blow whistles and play a tune on the xylophone. The children enjoy joining in and singing nursery rhymes and action songs. They develop an awareness of number as they sing number songs and the childminder uses puppets and teddies to illustrate the actions to the songs.

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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 outstanding. A lovely selection of posters are displayed as a means of promoting equality of opportunity. The childminder has an excellent understanding of equality of opportunity and she provides a fully inclusive environment for all the children in her care. She treats the children as individuals and ensures they all make a positive contribution and reach their full potential. The children develop an awareness of their local community through their many trips out. They also have a wealth of opportunity to learn about themselves, other people and the world around them. For example, they have access to a wonderful range of toys and books that reflect diversity and they learn about their own and other countries. The childminder has developed a multicultural box that includes lots of different media and materials. The childminder demonstrates a very caring attitude towards children with learning difficulties and disabilities and she ensures that

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the children have many opportunities to learn about people's differences through a range of play activities and stories.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is highly skilled in managing children's behaviour consistently, which ensures continuity for the children. She uses effective strategies that take into account the children's age, understanding and level of maturity and that also allow the children to deal with a range of emotions. She acts as a very good role model to the children; consequently, they are polite and behave very well. A toddler reminds a younger child to share the toys. The children receive encouragement and praise at every opportunity. As a result, they grow in confidence and self-esteem. The children develop a very good sense of belonging and move around with much ease and confidence. They thoroughly enjoy being with the childminder and they thrive on her interaction and attention. The children show care and concern for other living things as they grow and water plants. The childminder truly values the children's ideas and opinions and the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children are able to express themselves in a safe environment. She seeks the views of the children as they complete questionnaires. The children clearly enjoy their time with the childminder. Their comments include they love all the creative activities; do lots of baking, enjoy being with their friends and that the childminder makes nice meals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed a comprehensive portfolio that includes very detailed polices and procedures. This is shown and discussed with parents at the initial meeting. Parents are given copies of polices and they sign to confirm they have understood; helping to forge trusting three way relationships and a shared understanding from an early stage. Highly effective systems are in place to allow parents to contribute to the evaluation of the service provided. The childminder uses questionnaires to seek parent's views and help her monitor the service she provides. Comments from these questionnaires are very positive and show that parents are entirely happy with the service provided, levels of care and activities afforded.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. All persons over 16 in the household have been vetted; helping to protect children. The childminder is a committed and enthusiastic childcare practitioner. She has high regard for children's well-being as she attends training to further develop her childcare practices. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate ensuring she has up to date knowledge of what to do in the event of an accident or minor injury.

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Organisation

The childminder has developed her own method of recording children's attendance. This is up to date and shows at a glance that ratios are maintained to promote children's care, learning

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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 and play. The childminder organises space, time and resources well to effectively meet children's needs.

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Organisation

The childminder has worked hard to develop written policies and procedures. These are attractively and professionally presented and they work well in practice to positively promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Most required documentation is in place. It is well organised for easy reference and securely stored to maintain confidentiality. However, the accident record does not include sufficient information regarding how the injury happened and the nature of the injury and there is no system in place to record existing injuries.

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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 recommendations were agreed in relation to resources that reflect diversity and documentation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has extended resources that reflect our diverse society to help children develop their awareness of the wider world. Documentation has improved as the childminder now obtains written parental consent before administering medication to 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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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): • develop the accident record to include more information regarding how the injury happened and the nature of the injury and develop a system to record existing injuries.

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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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