Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY257765 Unique Reference Number 31 January 2008 Inspection date Carol Ann Dixon 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 2003. She lives with her husband and eight year old son in the Wardle area of Rochdale. The property is within walking distance of local shops, parks, toddler groups and primary schools. The whole ground floor is used for childminding; this includes the main lounge/dining room, small playroom, kitchen and downstairs bathroom. The master bedroom on the first floor is used for children who may require a sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for six children and currently has four children under eight and two children over eight on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable, clean home. They are well nourished and their growth and development are promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and the importance of providing a balanced diet containing all food types. Snacks include foods, such as fresh fruit and bread sticks. There are good daily hygiene practices, including

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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 the appropriate use of disposable gloves and the thorough cleaning of the changing mat between each use. Children are learning about the relevance of good personal hygiene, such as why it is important to wash their hands before meals and snacks. However, a shared towel in the bathroom presents a risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is further promoted because the childminder has additional information regarding childhood illnesses and the exclusion of children who are unwell. Documentation regarding individual children's health needs is in place, enabling the childminder to provide appropriate care. However, their health in an emergency situation is compromised as there is no written parental permission for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a range of physical activities which contribute to the promotion of their good health. They are offered daily opportunities for outdoor activities, such as local walks and the use of the park where they use equipment, such as slides, swings and climbing frames, promoting their skills in balance and coordination. They also enjoy indoor activities at toddler group and play centres. Children's development with regard to finer skills is promoted as they are encouraged through a range of activities, such as painting and drawing where they learn to hold paint brushes and pencils correctly, or completing puzzles where they manipulate small pieces. Babies and young children have space to crawl and move around, with a range of stimulating toys and resources easily accessible, encouraging them to reach out and explore and promoting their physical and intellectual development.

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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 comfortable and safe environment. Their daily safety is given a high priority and the childminder is aware of potential risks and takes positive steps to prevent accidents, for example, ensuring that toys with small pieces are not within reach of babies and younger children. Safety is continuously reviewed by the childminder, ensuring that the environment is safe and that children are able to move around the home safely and independently. They have access to a wide range of toys and play resources, which are maintained in good condition. Children's safety is further promoted as the childminder has put together additional information, such as fire safety and a lost child procedure, enabling her to take appropriate action to promote the safety of children in an emergency situation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are given information and are encouraged to learn about keeping themselves safe. The childminder talks with them about issues, such as road safety, practising this whilst out. Their welfare is well promoted because the childminder has a good knowledge of her responsibilities regarding child protection, compiling additional information and ensuring that she has all relevant details and paperwork to enable her to record, report and follow up any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled, happily choosing activities and moving around the house. They have very good relationships with the childminder who joins in enthusiastically with their play, helping them to feel welcome and valued. Children enjoy a wide range of activities including crafts, role play, games, stories and construction. Their overall development is promoted and they are encouraged to extend their knowledge because the childminder has a very good understanding of child development. She plays alongside the children, helping to make their

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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 play meaningful and ensures that children are offered appropriate activities which are stimulating and fun.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children enjoy interacting with the childminder as they press dials and buttons of activity toys. Children receive cuddles and approach the childminder for comfort and reassurance. They have lots of fun singing rhymes and joining in ring games. They concentrate intently as they put the play people in the cars, pushing these along the roadway. Their imaginations are developed as they put the dolls to sleep in prams, carefully covering them with a blanket as they say 'night, night'. They begin to recognise shapes as they complete inset puzzles and, with help from the childminder, they fit the pieces in place. Children experience a range of sensory and creative activities which encourages them to represent their experiences in a variety of ways, for example, painting, gluing and craft activities when they are helped to make things, such as snowmen.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and respected because the childminder has a good understanding of the concept of equality of opportunity, treating all children as individuals and meeting their needs consistently. The childminder has attended a range of additional training in this area, helping her to ensure that she is aware of situations and implications which affect children's lives. Children's confidence and sense of self are encouraged, as positive elements of behaviour are reinforced and they are given appropriate praise. Their behaviour is good and they are very confident within the childminder's home. They are always given clear explanations by the childminder, enabling them to think about their behaviour and start to take responsibility for this. The childminder acts as an excellent role model, remaining calm and treating all children fairly and with great respect.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are offered opportunities to learn about the wider world. They have regular access to a range of play resources, such as books, puzzles, play figures and dolls, which provide positive images of diversity. However, the childminder has not yet developed any activities to help children understand about other cultural celebrations. They learn about their community through the use of local amenities, such as walks, parks and toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's good relationships with parents. They are kept well informed of their children's progress and activities through regular discussions. Although there are no children currently attending who have learning difficulties or disabilities, the childminder has attended training in this area, enabling her to provide appropriate care which includes them in all activities and routines.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel relaxed and at home in the well-organised environment where they are confident to explore their surroundings and to initiate their own play and learning. The play room is set out in a child friendly manner with a wide variety of enjoyable play and learning opportunities within easy reach. Children benefit from having lots of time and attention from the childminder who offers children individual attention.

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Organisation

The childminder follows procedures and good practice to effectively promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Parents are fully informed about children’s achievements, progress

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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 and how they spend their day thus ensuring continuity of care. They understand the childminder’s responsibilities to them and their children as she has developed a range of policies and procedures which are shared. Written records are used to underpin the care provided and agreed with parents. The majority of required records and documentation are in place, appropriately maintained and retained. However, the childminder has not maintained a record of children's existing injuries.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates a very positive commitment to developing her skills and practice and has attended many courses to enhance this. She is currently undertaking an early years degree and has attained a quality assurance award.

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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 one recommendation was agreed to improve the quality of care. The childminder has attended training to develop her knowledge of meeting the needs of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. This ensures individual children’s needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, Ofsted received one complaint relating to National Standard 1: Suitable Person. Concerns were raised about the numbers of children being cared for. Ofsted visited the childminder and two actions were raised with regard to National Standard 1: Suitable Person and National Standard 14: Documentation. The childminder responded to the actions raised and 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 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): • improve hand washing arrangements to minimise the risk of cross infection • ensure that there is written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • develop the range of activities to help children understand about other cultural celebrations • maintain a record of existing injuries.

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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 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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