Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY271430 Unique Reference Number 19 December 2007 Inspection date Zoe Smith 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 in the Great Moor area of Stockport with her daughter who is aged ten. Children have access to all rooms on the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor. The enclosed rear garden is used for outdoor and physical play activities. Children can be taken to and collected from local schools. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children and is currently minding eight children on a combination of full and part-time places. The family has a pet cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children participate in a wide range of enjoyable outdoor and physical play activities which help them to develop control and coordination over their bodies. They walk to and from school and activity groups every day and look forward to attending physical activity centres and trips to the park. Children love to propel themselves around the house on tricycles and babies use the furniture for support to practise their first steps. These activities are providing children with plenty of fresh air and exercise.

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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’s good health is actively promoted. They are cared for in a warm and clean home. Anti-bacterial disinfectants are used to keep surfaces, toys and equipment clean. Children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children’s own sleep and eating routines are followed to ensure they have continuity of care and are content and secure. The childminder has current training in administering first aid and food hygiene. She keeps well maintained records regarding the administration of medication and accidents to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet that includes plenty of fresh and fruit and vegetables. Individual dietary requirements and preferences are agreed with parents, and are well catered for by the childminder. Fresh drinking water is readily available for children to drink and they can help themselves to fruit from the fruit bowl in the kitchen when they are hungry. Children are starting to learn about the importance of healthy eating through discussions and activities. They enjoy shopping for fruit and vegetables for their meals and snacks and making collages of their favourite fruit.

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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 secure and well maintained home. Examples of the children’s creativity and educational posters make the environment interesting and child friendly. Children choose what to play with from a very good range of safe, high quality, age appropriate toys and equipment. They are beginning to learn how they can keep themselves safe through activities, discussion and practice. Children help to tidy up before getting new toys out, discuss road safety on their regular outings and listen to stories about stranger dangers children’s safety and protection is given high priority. The childminder is well trained in and has a good understanding of safeguarding children procedures and her responsibilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because the childminder diligently supervises them at all times. She has identified most safety risks and put sensible safety precautions in place to minimise them. Knives and cleaning fluids are stored out of their reach and plug socket covers are provided. However, active toddlers and babies can access the stairs and the fire in the lounge is occasionally used without a guard when babies are sleeping strapped into their pushchairs, these are potential safety issues. Effective fire precautions and procedures are in place. A fire blanket is provided and smoke detectors are fitted on every level of the house. The childminder has planned the best way to evacuate the premises and she regularly conducts practice fire drills to make sure children are proficient in evacuation procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children’s day is well planned to provide a wide range of interesting and enjoyable play activities that stimulate their interest and development. Good use is made of local amenities to extend the children’s play and learning opportunities. They look forward to trips to places of interest, physical activity and music groups. Children were enthralled when they went on the train to Manchester, spending the whole journey gazing out of the window. Attendance at toddler groups provide opportunities for children to mix with other children and play with a wider range of resources and activities. Children’s development of language is promoted extremely well and they are becoming increasingly skilful communicators. They enjoy looking at books and listening to stories, chatting to the childminder and singing their favourite songs.

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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 Children enthusiastically join in singing ‘Old Macdonald had a Farm’, choosing soft toy animals to hold and imitating the different animal noises animals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have lots of opportunities to explore a good range of sensory, messy and creative activities, such as painting, water, cutting, sticking and dough. For example, children enjoy sticking, gluing and painting to make Christmas cards and calendars. Musical and activity toys are popular with babies who eagerly press buttons and try to turn knobs to see what activity centres do and they make lots of noise as they enthusiastically play the instruments. Children enjoy exploring the texture and feel of the natural products in the treasure basket. They have ready access to and confidently choose what to play with from the very good range of play materials, babies enjoy searching to discover what toys are on the shelves and in the drawers. Imaginative and make believe play is very popular with children who enjoy imitating gestures and actions. They happily play with the cars and play figures taking them on journeys round

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the floor and they enjoy cooking at the play kitchen and filling the shopping baskets with toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are actively learning about the wider world and to respect and value difference. They have access to a good range of posters, books, jigsaws and imaginative toys that provide positive images of culture, gender and disability. They join in activities that help them learn about their own and the religious and cultural beliefs of others. Children made diva lamps and did henna hand painting to find out about EID and they visited the Christmas markets and tasted German sausages and made calendars and cards to take home for Christmas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a strong commitment to inclusion and has been pro-active in attending relevant training that will help her meet the needs of and welcome children with learning difficulties and disabilities into her care. Positive methods are used to promote good behaviour and to manage challenging behaviour. Children are kept busy, receive lots of meaningful praise and encouragement and behave well. They work hard to achieve the stickers and treats that are used to reward their efforts and good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has an effective partnership with parents. They speak very highly of her and how she treats children and individuals, her competent and caring manner, how happy children are and the good range of activities. Positive steps are taken to keep parents very well informed about all relevant policies and procedures. A daily diary, verbal feedback, a compilation of children’s art work, regular newsletters and a notice board keeps parents up to date about the service provided and their child's progress and any issues.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised, happy and child friendly home. The childminder sets out resources attractively in large storage containers and on low level shelves so they are easily accessible. Children confidently explore their surroundings and choose the toys and activities they want to play with. The childminder has positive relationships with children and organises her day to ensure children are given lots of encouragement and attention. Childminding records and documentation are clear, up to date and stored securely. Comprehensive written policies and procedures are in place, these are shared with parents and used to effectively inform and underpin practice. The childminder has an excellent commitment to developing her childminding skills and the quality of care she provides. She is undertaking a relevant childcare degree and

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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 frequently attends short training courses on specific subjects, such as, fire safety, fun with paint, promoting positive behaviour and working in partnership with parents.

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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 and standards of care. The childminder has minimised hazards to children by making the water butt safe. A fireguard is provided in the rear room but not in the front room, therefore a further recommendation has been agreed on this inspection.

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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 all 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): • further develop safety precautions in the home.

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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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