Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY271020 Unique Reference Number 05 November 2007 Inspection date Teresa Ann Clark 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 2004. She lives with her husband and daughter aged four years. The family live in the Denton area of Tameside. Local shops, schools and parks are within walking distance. The childminder uses the lounge and dining room for childminding purposes. Bathroom and toilet facilities are situated on the first floor. The family has two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. There are currently nine children on roll, who all attend a variety of sessions. The childminder belongs to the local childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene. Older children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder uses wipes to clean younger children's hands throughout the day and ensures they have their noses wiped when required, which helps prevent the spread of infection. The use of aprons

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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 and disposable gloves when changing nappies also helps to protect children's health. The childminder is also careful to ensure that the family pets do not pose any risk to children's health. For example, feeding bowls are not accessible to children. The childminder ensures that the toys and equipment are cleaned to a good standard of cleanliness. There are adequate procedures in place for recording accidents and written consent is provided for emergency medical attention, which promotes children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy, nutritious meals and snacks, which promote their growth and development. They enjoy a varied diet of homemade meals and healthy snacks. These include vegetables, salads and fresh fruit. Children develop good table manners and social skills as they sit together at mealtimes. Dietary requirements are agreed with parents and children's preferences are well catered for. Older children are able to help themselves to a drink when they are thirsty and younger children have their own individual beakers that are easily accessible throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the benefits of fresh air through walks to and from school and toddler groups, which promotes their good health. Younger children enjoy using a variety of wheeled toys and climbing apparatus at the toddler groups. Older children have opportunities to use apparatus when they visit the local park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a good sense of belonging as they make themselves comfortable in the warm and welcoming home. They independently choose activities from a broad range of toys and resources, which are easily accessible and appropriate to their age and stage of development. The toys are well maintained to a high standard. They benefit from a good amount of space, which is used effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken some steps to minimise the risk of accidental injury to children. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place. The premises are secure and a safety gate prevents younger children gaining access to the stairs and kitchen. However, the meter cupboard and some low-level glass pose a risk to children's safety. Children are developing a good awareness of keeping themselves and others safe. For example, they take care of their environment as they tidy toys away and practise the emergency evacuation procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because they are cared for by a childminder who understands the importance of child protection issues. She is aware of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and is aware of procedures to follow as updated guidance is readily available. This means she is able to respond appropriately in the event of child protection concerns. Children's well-being is further enhanced as the childminder is due to attend child protection training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and well cared for. The childminder develops warm and caring relationships with children, which helps them feel secure. Children are encouraged to develop positive relationships with each other, which ensures all children enjoy their time with the childminder. Children engage in a broad range of activities, which fosters their learning well. They make good progress in their development as the childminder plays closely with them and follows their lead. She spends time playing with the children and plans a range of interesting activities

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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 for them. These include many opportunities to express their creativity, for example, painting, collage and making models, such as hedgehogs with salt dough. Younger children are taken to local community groups where they have opportunities for different play experiences and socialise with other children and adults.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning about autumn through a variety of activities and older children are encouraged to make up their own poems. Children's language skills are well fostered as the childminder responds to their early communication skills. For example, when children talk about their mummy and daddy, the childminder talks to them about what they might be doing at work. They learn the names of animals when playing with the farmyard as they repeat them after the childminder. Children show a love of books and are keen to share these with the childminder and inspector. They enjoy showing off their skills as they point to pictures and name familiar objects. Their counting skills are developing well as they count the number of construction blocks when building towers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are made to feel welcome and valued within the home. Their individual needs are met because the childminder knows them and their families well and ensures they all feel valued and included. They have opportunities to learn about the world around them through discussions about different cultures. They have access to an adequate range of toys, resources and activities, which promote positive images of society. As a result, children are gaining a clear understanding of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the home because the childminder is calm and consistent in her approach. She uses appropriate strategies, such as clear explanations, to ensure children understand responsible behaviour. This is complemented with ground rules, which are made with the children. As a result, children are clear about what is expected. For example, they know to take their shoes off on arrival and to sit at the table when eating snacks. Children are rewarded with kind words and praise, which enhance their good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Friendly relationships with parents and the childminder contribute to children feeling happy and settled. The childminder informs parents about the provision and has some written policies, which she shares with them. The childminder's certificates and information about the daily routine are displayed for parents to see. Other information includes the contact details for Ofsted. The childminder has received many glowing reports from parents. They acknowledge the hard work and dedication shown by the childminder and are pleased that their children enjoy a lovely time in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder organises her home to provide a welcoming and child-friendly environment, which helps children feel safe and secure. Children receive a good amount of individual attention from the childminder. The day is well planned for their enjoyment with consistent routines to ensure their well-being. Children are happy and relaxed as they play in the well-organised home.

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Organisation

Records and documentation are well organised to ensure the smooth running of the childminder's business. A range of policies and procedures support and enhance her work to provide an efficient service to contribute to children's health, safety and well-being.

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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 The childminder has a good level of commitment to updating her knowledge and skills. For example, she has attended several training sessions to improve her knowledge and skills. However, she has failed to maintain her first aid certificate. This is a breach of conditions of registration.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision does not meet 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 three recommendations were made. These were to address all safety issues, make available vehicle documentation, obtain a first aid box and provide children with resources to promote equality of opportunity and develop an understanding of equal opportunities.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has moved house since the last inspection so previous safety issues are not relevant. However, some safety issues are identified at this inspection, which the childminder has agreed to address. The childminder has appropriate vehicle insurance and other vehicle documentation in place. A first aid box is in place and children have access to resources which promote equal opportunities. The childminder has attended training to develop a wider understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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 complaint 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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