Le Vesconte, Joan

Inspection report for early years provision

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318545 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2008 Inspection date Sheila Iwaskow 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 17 and 11 years, in Sale, an area of south Manchester.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. This comprises of the through lounge dining room, kitchen and toilet. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for eight children who attend on a variety of placements. Care is also provided for older children after school and during school holidays. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and of the Trafford Network 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. Children's self-help skills are developing well. For example, children are encouraged independently remove their shoes, put lids on boxes and manage their own personal care using the step stool provided in the bathroom. The environment in which the children play is warm and clean. Hand washing procedures are incorporated into the daily routine and regular discussions allow children understand the importance of washing their hands to get rid of germs. The use of paper towels for drying hands helps to prevent the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

A clear written sick child policy is in place and meets the needs of all the children who attend. A list of communicable diseases is available as a source of information for both the childminder and parents. Accident records are correctly maintained and written consent is in place from parents to seek emergency medical treatment. The childminder recognises the importance of respecting babies routines and hygienic nappy changing procedures are followed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy frequent walks in the locality, helping them to understand the importance of exercise. A good range of equipment, such as a climbing frame, slide, stilts and balls are available in the childminder's back garden to help develop their physical skills. Visits to the park are also popular with the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works very closely with parents to make sure that the health and dietary needs of children are fully met at all times. Training in food hygiene ensures that meals and snacks are prepared in accordance with environmental health guidelines. Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet. Sensible procedures, such as eating at the table are followed and good manners are promoted at all times. Drinks are within children's sight or reach at all times, ensuring that they remain hydrated throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a warm, homely environment. There is ample room for the children to move around freely and window coverings are in place to protect children from the glare of the sun. A few examples of children's art work are displayed in the kitchen, which helps to promote children's sense of belonging within the setting. A balanced range of safe, clean toys are available to promote children's learning. Toys are stored in various places within the home and outdoors. A varied selection, which appeal to the children's interest, are made available each day and are accessible to the children. This allows children to make some independent choices about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised at all times to keep them free from harm. The childminder ensures that children are always within her sight. As a result, they feel secure and reassured. Written risk assessments are in place and help the childminder to identify and minimise potential risks. However, there is a large patch of ivy in the back garden, which impacts on children's overall safety. Written fire procedures are in place, practised with the children and logged. This ensures that they are confident of what to do and where to go should the need arise. Children are restrained appropriately when out walking and the childminder talks to them about the importance of observing the green cross code to ensure their safety. Arrangements are in place,

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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 with the written agreement of parents, to leave children with another registered childminder in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has the required documentation and knowledge in place to ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has a clear understanding of procedures to follow if she has concerns and is aware of her responsibility with regard to keeping children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The relaxed atmosphere enables children to settle quickly. Children are happy and have a positive, warm relationship with the childminder. The childminder supports children and becomes actively involved in their play, which increases their sense of security. A clear understanding of children's preferences and abilities ensures that the activities provided build on and extend children's learning. However, planning and assessment system are not yet fully in place to ensure that children's progress is effectively monitored.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Language and communication skills are developing well as the childminder consistently talks to them to develop their vocabulary and understanding. A good range of books are available and help to contribute towards a love of reading. Early mathematical skills are routinely incorporated into children's play. For example, with the support of the childminder they count in sequence, identify numbers, colours and shapes. Children enjoy playing imaginatively as they feed the dolls, play with a garage, cars and fire engines. Sensory opportunities are available as children make prints with leaves and feel the varying textures of play dough and water. Pressings buttons on an electronic toy allows children to listen to noises and observe flashing lights.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Mark making opportunities are provided and children enjoy singing songs. A computer is available to develop children's awareness of technology and they have supervised access to the internet. Good use is made of local amenities. Children enjoy regular visits to play groups, childminding groups and play centres During the holidays children benefit from outings to museums and the zoo. Such experiences help children become sociable and knowledgeable.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Individual needs are well met. The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory play. There are resources which reflect our diverse society available, helping children to learn about the world around them. Children also gain an appreciation of other cultures through the celebration of festivals and tasting of food. The childminder recognises the importance of welcoming children into a sharing and inclusive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. Age-appropriate strategies are used to effectively manage behaviour. The childminder recognises the importance of working closely with parents to deal with behavioural issues. Children's efforts are praised, which helps children feel good about themselves. The childminder speaks positively to the children, is kind and polite.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the strong relationships that the childminder has established with their parents. Parents receive information with regard to the service provided in the form of written polices and procedures. Informal discussions keep parents informed about how their children have spent their day. Parents also freely communicate with the childminder by email. Letters

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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 from parents clearly show that they have the highest regard for the service provided and the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is committed to providing a good service to children and parents. This is evidenced in her attendance on courses to maintain and extend her knowledge of childcare. Some of the courses completed include safeguarding children and the 'Birth to three matters' framework. A training programme for this current year is also in place. Her registration certificate is clearly displayed to keep parents fully informed of her conditions of registration.

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Organisation

The childminder recognises her responsibility to protect children from harm and ensures that the children are supervised by her at all times and never left alone with persons who have not been vetted. A record of children's hours of attendance is maintained and the childminder ensures that her children own children are vetted when they turn 16 years of age.

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Organisation

Children enjoy a day, which includes a balance of rest, learning and play. There is a clear timetable in place which facilities collecting children from a local primary school. Space within the home is organised to provided children with a balanced range of activities.

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Organisation

All aspects of documentation are in place, organised to respect confidentiality and are of a good standard.

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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 asked to obtain a first aid certificate, written permission from parents to administer medication, make drains inaccessible to the children and to ensure that smoke alarms are available on each floor of the house. All of these issues have been addressed and enhance the quality of the care provided for 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 may 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): • conduct a risk assessment for ivy in the back garden • build on existing good practise by continuing to develop planning and observation records.

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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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