Downs, Jane Elizabeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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318299 Unique Reference Number 19 February 2008 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 1993. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 11 years. The family live in Sale, Cheshire. All of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes, also the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed back garden. The family have a pet dog and two pet mice.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently seven children on the register. The children attend for a variety of full and part time sessions, including before and after school. There may be a maximum of five minded children on the premises at any one time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and well-being is promoted to good standards. The childminder pays good attention to keeping the premises and food preparation areas clean and to promoting the personal hygiene of children. To reduce the risk of cross contamination, children are given individual cups for drinks and towels for washing their hands. Older children know and

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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 understand the importance of good hygiene and wash their hands independently before snacks. The childminder makes sure that tissues are readily available to children. The childminder has written policies and procedures in place regarding the safe management of sick children, this includes excluding those with infectious illnesses. Required records are kept with regard to accidents and medication and the childminder has also put in place a procedure to obtain parental consent for the seeking of emergency medical treatment, however, the wording is not clear in all of the children's records.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered lunch and snacks, these are healthy and balanced and include sandwiches, wraps, salads, yoghurts and fresh fruit. Written menus are shared and discussed with parents to ensure their children's dietary requirements are met effectively. Children are offered drinks with their meals and snacks and are encouraged to ask for additional drinks at any time. The childminder makes sure children are kept hydrated as they play, particularly during high energy play. The childminder agrees individual routines with parents for the younger children, including the provision of food, which parents supply.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children have good opportunities to engage in physical exercise, which includes walking to the park and shops or play in the garden. Younger children have opportunities to visit toddler groups. older children burn lots of energy while dancing on an interactive dance mat.

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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 warm and welcoming. Good natural light and a comfortable temperature help to create a child friendly environment. Lots of children's work and colourful posters also enhance the environment for children and parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's learning and play is encouraged through the provision of good quality, safe and developmentally appropriate toys and equipment. Children access the resources freely, which promotes choice and independence. Children of all ages are also supported through the provision of both adult and child sized furniture.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant with regard to safety and ensures children are kept safe by implementing a series of safety checks, for example, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are checked regularly to ensure they are in good working order. Safety equipment is used where necessary and toys are checked for safety purposes. The childminder has put in place a written evacuation procedure and involves children in emergency evacuation drills, ensuring they would know what to do in the event of a real emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. She has produced a written policy based on the Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The policy is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. Children freely explore the environment and access toys and equipment of their choice, developing independence. Children are eager to engage in play as soon as they arrive and they benefit from daily routines which give them a sense of belonging and to help them to feel secure. Children regularly participate in activities

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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 within the wider community where they are able to mix with their peers and extend their learning and play in different environments, such as toddler groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children particularly enjoy creative activities and are rewarded by having their pictures displayed. The childminder provides opportunities for children to learn and gain confidence through sharing and participating in group activities, such as creative and imaginative play. Older children express themselves through being creative, for example, by making things, dancing and singing. Children demonstrate their interest in music by writing musical notes and then playing them on the xylophone.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder supports language and mathematical development for younger children through the wide range of activities and equipment available and daily routines. Children clearly enjoy their time with the childminder and have lots of fun, this is communicated verbally by the children and in the time spent engaged in the various activities. Older children have also given the childminder written statements indicating that they are happy and enjoy their time spent with her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a flexible approach and provides toys and activities based on the children's interest and their stage of development. Although play plans are not written, children are invited to share their views about what they would like to do, for example, during the school holidays. The childminder provides activities based on themes, such as Christmas time, Easter or Chinese New Year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The individual needs of children are met well because the childminder exchanges information with parents on a regular basis. She keeps their personal details up to date and maintains individual routines for the younger children. All children are recognised as individuals and treated with respect. Children are helped to settle in through the system of gradual visits. Children learn about the wider world through themed activities, discussion and activities in the wider community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a very positive attitude towards children and has high expectations of how they should behave. She has put a written policy in place and has written agreements with parents regarding sanctions to be used with their children. Consistency and discussion promote positive attitudes from the children and as a result children behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the close working relationship that the childminder has established with their parents. They regularly exchange information, both in writing and verbally. Parents have access to all of the childminder's policy and procedures, which clearly set out her expectations.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a suitably qualified and experienced adult. They are closely supervised by the childminder at all times ensuring they are never left alone in the presence of adults who may not have been vetted. All adults on the premises hold required documentation regarding suitability checks.

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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 The space is organised well ensuring children have freedom of movement and can access toys and resources independently. Records and documentation is in place and meets the required standard which contributes to the continuity of care for the children. The records are readily available for inspection.

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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

Since the last inspection the childminder has extended the range of resources which promote positive images and she has included the contact details for child protection to the written statement that is shared with parents. The steps taken improve the overall learning and play opportunities for children and there welfare is safeguarded.

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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 children's records with regard to the seeking of parental consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

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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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