Halliwell, Wendy

Inspection report for early years provision

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404535 Unique Reference Number 22 January 2008 Inspection date Angela Cuffe 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and four in Heaton Chapel, Stockport. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a fulltime basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has two dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and well maintained home. They learn the importance of hygiene and personal care in their daily routine and are encouraged to wash their hands at

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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 appropriate times of the day to prevent the spread of germs. The babies equipment and changing area are kept clean as well as the worktops in the kitchen and eating area. Children's medical and dietary needs are recorded and the childminder understands the issues surrounding the safe storage and administration of medication. Children's individual needs are met in the event of an emergency because the childminder takes all the necessary steps. All health and hygiene issues surrounding the childminder's dogs are in order; standard veterinary treatment and care is up to date and the dogs have their own area in the garden which is cleaned and sterilized on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. Regular walks to and from school promotes healthy exercise for children and encourages them to understand how exercise helps them to stay healthy. Visits to the local park and activities in the garden provide opportunities for physical play and enable children to make progress in their physical development. They gain confidence and learn how to use their bodies in different ways as they play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet from the choice of healthy and nutritious home cooked meals and snacks available to them. The childminder is aware of the need to consider parents wishes when providing food for the children in her care. Children's individual needs are discussed on induction and recorded in the child detail form. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks. They either help themselves or ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

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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 warm and welcoming environment. They benefit from the ability to move around and freely choose from the toys and activities available. There is a good range of toys and equipment which are well organised and stored within easy reach. This includes natural materials and art and craft equipment, which provides children with appropriate stimulation and encouragement. The children have sufficient space to play comfortably indoors and access to a safe and secure garden for outside play. The risk of accidental injury is minimised by the regular checking of play materials and risk assessments of the premises. However, there are some hazardous plants in the garden, which pose a risk to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy outdoor play. The childminder uses strict routines to ensure safety whilst on outings. Discussions about road safety and stranger danger gives the children a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe. Fire safety is enhanced by the regular practise of fire drills and robust procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection, in line with the 'Local safeguarding children board' guidelines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home. The sharing of experiences as they talk and laugh together helps develop warm and caring relationships with the childminder and each other. They are given appropriate attention as the childminder is aware of their needs. She gives them support when needed as she sits on the floor joining in with their games and then watches as they happily play together. Children are motivated and interested in the range

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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 of stimulating toys and play activities. The children have unlimited access to the garden for outdoor play and are taken out on a regular basis where they socialise with other children and benefit from fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop independence as they freely make choices about how they wish to spend their time. They enjoy each other's company and form strong friendships. Children enjoy choosing and playing with their favourite toys. They confidently talk about what they are doing and interact well with the childminder as she talks cheerfully to them. The children help to prepare the room for their usual afternoon nap, setting out the large cushions on the floor and then lie restful whilst the childminder reads them a story. After the story is finished the children sing 'wind the bobbin up' until they fall asleep.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children value each other as individuals. They learn about different cultures through the activities provided and the equipment available to them. They are made aware of the wider world through regular outings, food tasting, discussions and information in books. Children express their needs naturally to enable the childminder to gain a better understanding and build routines. As a consequence the children are happy and settled in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good behaviour, children's efforts and achievements are acknowledged, recognised and praised appropriately. Consequently children are confident and have high self-esteem. The childminder speaks positively to the children. She supports and helps them to understand simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. As a result, the children behave well. They interact with each other in a positive manner. They understand their boundaries and respond well to discussions and occasional reminders from the childminder. Information about the children's progress is shared with parents on a child's day sheet, which details nappy changes, what the children have eaten and how long they have slept for. The childminder also discuses humorous details in a light hearted way on a daily basis. Therefore, positive relationships with parents are achieved.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised and caring home. The childminder has good relationships with the children and organises her day to enable her to give them lots of support, encouragement and attention. The daily routine is followed to help new children settle and to ensure continuity of care. Children confidently explore their surroundings and choose what to play with from the easily accessible toys and activities.

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Organisation

All childminding records and documentation are in place. They are clear, well maintained and stored appropriately. The childminder has also devised written policies, which are in line with the National Standards and current legislation. She has attended all the required training courses as well as continually attending other relevant training in order to maintain her knowledge and understanding of child care practice and current changes. This enhances the care and well-being of the children. As a result, children's safety, security and the childminder's partnership with parents is enhanced.

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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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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that if parents administer medication prior to minding, the time and dose is recorded and includes subsequent doses given by the childminder. She also agreed to further develop the written agreement with parents; that sets out the expectations of both parties and includes examples of the activities provided.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has a medication record form which includes the dosage, time given and any medicine given prior to the child's arrival. She has also obtained written contracts detailing all expectations of both parties which are updated on a regular basis. Parents are given a daily sheet to make them aware of children's activities.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These actions taken by the childminder improves the overall care and well-being of the children she cares for.

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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): • ensure hazardous plants are made safe or inaccessible to the children

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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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