Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY250589 Unique Reference Number 19 October 2007 Inspection date Judith, Mary Horsfall 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children, aged six and 10 years, in Norden on the outskirts of Rochdale, Lancashire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, plus the upstairs bathroom and one bedroom. 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part time basis and four school age children before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The childminder has a Developing Childminding Practice qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She holds the NCMA Children Come First Quality Standard.

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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 stay healthy because the childminder actively implements her strong health and hygiene policies. Children are effectively learning about the importance of healthy lifestyles because the childminder encourages them to understand why they must wash their hands after using the toilet or before eating. Children enjoy activities which promote positive health, such as a project about nutritious food and making skeletons from craft materials to show how bodies grow. Children benefit from daily exercise and during the school holidays older children enjoy playing rounders on a nearby field.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are kept safe because the childminder has formulated comprehensive sickness and medication policies which are implemented when necessary. However, the first aid kit is not fully stocked which puts the children at risk in cases of accident or illness. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs as the childminder discuses sleep patterns and requirements with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Health and dietary needs are successfully met because the childminder works well with parents. Individual dietary needs are recorded and the children are offered nutritious home cooked meals. Fresh fruit is always available and children are offered sticker rewards for eating healthy foods. Older children are effectively learning about healthy food as they download and prepare healthy recipes from the internet. Children have free access to drinking water at all times, ensuring they do not go thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children access a warm and welcoming environment where space is creatively used. The house is very child friendly with a broad range of attractive, safe play resources on offer. Attractive child sized furniture and easily accessible toys encourage children to make selections and feel comfortable. The premises are secure and generally well maintained with children's artwork attractively displayed to promote their self-esteem. Children are very well supervised and settled in the environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected in the case of emergencies as the childminder has prepared and practises a well devised emergency evacuation plan. The childminder has prepared many good safety policies and procedures and is generally vigilant in caring for the children. However, children's safety is compromised by their access to bathroom toiletries and the unsuitable lock on the bathroom door.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe as the childminder has a good knowledge of signs and symptoms of child abuse and is very familiar with the procedures to follow if concerns are raised. The relevant guidance and contact numbers are on file and the childminder has undertaken relevant training in child protection.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the setting because the childminder robustly supports them in their day to day activities and play. She is highly effective in making sure activities are enjoyable, stimulating and matched to the children’s needs and interests. For example, a recent project about wheels involved a train trip to Manchester for a ride on the Ferris wheel, using a wide variety of arts materials to design wheels and working with other children to extend the activities. The childminder closely observes children’s involvement in specific activities and spontaneous play and makes excellent use of the information gained to plan activities that are stimulating and challenging for children. Children are regularly supported and praised for their efforts and achievements by a dynamic childminder who values each child as an individual.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show a real sense of belonging as they are actively involved in the life of the setting. For example, older children have prepared a large, inspiring book describing what it is like to be a child at this setting. It includes a wealth of their own photographs and art work, showing exciting activities throughout the year. Children make excellent use of the imaginative range of toys and play equipment available to them. A rich, varied programme of activities is on offer for children of all ages, including a wealth of fun, exciting off site excursions, such as visits to farms, regional parks, Chinese restaurants and puppet shows.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are highly secure and confident in their environment. The childminder implements a detailed settling in policy and ensures children can keep their favourite toys or comforters from home. Children feel a real sense of belonging as they freely approach the childminder for a hug. Children move easily with confidence, both indoors and outdoors, negotiating space well and manoeuvring around obstacles to avoid collisions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children gain an excellent awareness of their local environment and the diversity of the wider world through an exceptionally good selection of resources and activities that promote positive images. These include a vibrant display about Eid including artefacts, clothing, shoes and jewellery, visits from parents to talk about their particular region, trying foods from different cultures and visits to Chinese supermarkets. The childminder has prepared an excellent equal opportunities policy which she implements with confidence, challenging any inappropriate language and behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are highly valued as individuals and the childminder is able to obtain appropriate support for children with learning disabilities or difficulties after consultation with parents. Children are developing a strong understanding of responsible behaviour because the childminder discusses behaviour with the older children who all agree on what is and is not acceptable at the childminder's house. An agreement has been formulated into a behaviour contract which all the older children sign and this is displayed on the wall to remind everyone of the 'rules'. This document is supported by a superior anti-bullying policy and skilled use of a reward system to promote good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for in an exceptional manner by the childminder who works very closely with parents to meet individual children’s needs. For example, she is willing to work extended hours to accommodate parents who work shifts. Excellent information is collected on children and their families to ensure particular needs and preferences are expertly met. Highly comprehensive

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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 daily information is shared with parents in the form of clear, written diaries and photographs to ensure parents are informed of their children's progress and welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Suitable vetting procedures ensure children are well protected and cared for and are not left alone with any other adults. Children benefit from the childminder having a detailed knowledge of child development. She has undertaken extensive training including inclusive practice, equal opportunities, crafts and healthy eating to continually update her understanding of childcare issues.

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Organisation

The childminder has a very high regard for the well-being of all children and ensures their individual needs are fully met. For example she collects and drops off children at their homes and regularly helps parents in practical ways. Space, time and resources are effectively organised and the adult to child ratio positively supports children’s care, learning and play.

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Organisation

High quality policies and procedures work very well in practice to promote children’s health, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. The policies and procedures are skilfully prepared and exceed the minimum requirements of the National Standards. Children benefit because parents have free access to all relevant documentation and are encouraged to contribute to their children's diaries.

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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 previous inspection the childminder was requested to develop the range of resources which promote positive images, complete a first aid training course and ensure loose cables are made secure.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All these items have been fully addressed, improving the safety and play opportunities of the 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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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): • make the bathroom door lock safe and ensure toiletries are safely stored. • ensure the first aid kit meets requirements.

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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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