Burke, Robina Anne

Inspection report for early years provision

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500274 Unique Reference Number 03 December 2007 Inspection date Anne Drinkwater 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 satisfactory. 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 1998. She lives with her husband in the Withington area of Manchester. The whole ground floor of the property is used for childminding plus two bedrooms and bathroom facilities on the first floor. An enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play. The family has a dog and two parrots.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and can provide overnight care for one child under eight years. There are currently four children on roll, who attend on a full and part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate hygiene procedures, to ensure that they are cared for in a warm and clean home. Daily routines, such as washing their hands before meals and after using the toilet, is beginning to promote children's understanding of good hygiene practices and minimises the risk of cross infection.

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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 Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their physical growth and development. They walk to and from school daily which ensures they get plenty of fresh air and exercise and they regularly visit the park, which provides the opportunity for children to run around and use the large equipment, such as climbing frames, swings and slides. These experiences help children to develop physical strength and coordination.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses and agrees children's dietary requirements with parents. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of children's dietary requirements. Parents have the choice of providing snacks and meals or she provides children with a range of meals and snacks, which are nutritious and contribute to their physical growth and development. Children remain hydrated, as they are able to access drinks freely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children use a range of resources, which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. Toys are clean, well maintained and comply with safety standards, minimising risks to children. Resources are organised, however, they are not easily accessible to the younger children, which limits their choice and independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Most risks of accidental injury to children are minimised, because the childminder removes furniture that could be a hazard to children. As a result, children are in the main able to play freely and safely. However, the bathroom toiletries, a glass cabinet and the gas fire are accessible to the children and the rear garden fencing is not totally secure. There is an emergency escape plan in place, however, this has not been discussed with parents or practised with children and therefore they are not aware of what to do in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has the required documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted, and she is further enhancing her knowledge and understanding by attending training in the near future.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The relaxed atmosphere and the warm relationships, which are established, enable children to settle quickly. Children are well nurtured and have clearly formed positive attachments to the childminder. They look to her for comfort and reassurance, which they are given through cuddles and smiles. This promotes their trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self, which contributes to the children’s well-being and sense of security.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a range of activities for children. She spends time interacting with children who are engaged and interested in what is provided for them. Children have the opportunity to go shopping for the ingredients for their cooking and visiting other childminders to extend their social interaction with other children. The childminder provides space for older children and they are able to choose their own activities, which promotes their choice and independence.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder has a limited understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory play. There are some limited resources available reflecting some of the positive images of our diverse society. Consequently, children are not becoming aware of difference and the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder speaks positively to children, using encouragement effectively, to support their efforts and foster their independence. Good behaviour is acknowledged and praised appropriately. As a result, the children are becoming confident and are beginning to develop a positive self-esteem. Through discussion the childminder describes how she supports children to understand and maintain simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. Consequently, the children behave well and are developing respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents, verbally sharing information on a daily basis to ensure children's individual needs are recognised and their welfare is promoted. Children's home routines are followed with regard to meal and sleep patterns, providing a secure and familiar environment; this promotes a sense of belonging and helps to develops trust.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the care of the childminder. They are welcomed into a warm and homely environment. Children benefit from the caring attention of the childminder. Routines which are familiar and consistent with children's life at home ensure that they feel secure. Space is suitably organised and used appropriately for the children. The childminder has a sufficient range of activities to interest the children.

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Organisation

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the regulations, as outlined in the National Standards for Childminding. Most records and documentation are appropriately maintained, which contribute to the health, safety and welfare of the children. The childminder cares for children within the required adult to child ratios, which ensures that they are safe and she is able to support their play and learning. 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: complete a first aid course, check the contents of the first aid box frequently and keep it appropriately stocked; devise an emergency escape plan and practise it with the children; and to improve her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has attended first aid training and holds the appropriate certificate, she has an informal evacuation plan but has not practised a drill with the children. In order to improve her understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures, the childminder is to attend training in the near future.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns relating to National Standard 2 (Organisation). A childcare inspector visited the provision in March 2007. Actions were raised and satisfactorily met by the registered provider. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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 satisfactory. 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 the gas fire, low-level glass and toiletries are safe or made inaccessible to the children and ensure the garden perimeter fencing is secure • ensure children know the procedure in the event of a fire • ensure children have access to opportunities and resources to develop an awareness of the world around them and update knowledge and understanding in relation to equal opportunities • ensure children are able to freely access their own choice of resources.

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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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