Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY273053 Unique Reference Number 07 January 2008 Inspection date Judith Anne Kerr 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 was registered in 2003 and works with an assistant. She lives with her husband and two children in the Salford area of Greater Manchester. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house and the first floor bathroom and middle bedroom are used for childminding. There is an enclosed front garden for outside play. The family have a dog.

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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 is currently minding a total of eight children on a variety of placements. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of appropriate hygiene and personal care routines. They develop an understanding of how their bodies work and know to wash their hands after toileting and before lunch. Appropriate procedures are in place for the recording of accidents and medication. The childminder holds a current first aid

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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 certificate to enable her to administer suitable treatment in the event of an accident. However, her first aid box contains items she is not trained to use and she does not request written consent from parents for seeking emergency medical treatment. This poses a risk to children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day they have access to a range of indoor or outdoor activities which are enjoyable, meet their developmental needs and help them develop control of their bodies. For example, through walking in the local area, playing with wheeled toys or ball games or visits to local parks where they enjoy the swings and slides.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's individual dietary needs are met. Parents are able to choose whether they provide children's meals or the childminder provides them. Meals and snacks provided include fresh fruit and vegetables as the childminder encourages the children to understand the benefit of a healthy diet. The children are able to freely access drinks throughout the day in order to quench their thirst.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are able to independently select activities from a range of toys and equipment which are maintained in good condition and are age appropriate. This helps to give them confidence and increases their independence. Most risks are identified and minimised to enable the children to move around safely and independently. For example, the childminder has smoke alarms fitted at all levels of the house, a fire blanket is provided in the kitchen and a fireguard in the lounge. However, low level sockets are accessible and pose a hazard to children. The childminder teaches children about the Green Cross code so they understand about road safety procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she has a sound understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local guidance and knows who to contact in the event she has concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and content in the childminder's care. They share relationships which are warm and relaxed. The children's individual daily routines are supported and acknowledged. Their time with the childminder is planned around their regular sleeping and eating patterns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy regular trips out to the park, library, toddler groups and soft play areas. This provides them with opportunities to mix with other children their own age, play with a variety of resources and experience alternative play environments. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, activities and books which the childminder has set out for them and which are suitable for their ages and stages of development. They are able to access resources independently, encouraging them to use their initiative to plan their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Creative opportunities allow children to develop their imagination as they paint, make a collage pictures or mould the play dough. Baking activities are particularly popular as the children look forward to eating their own produce. These activities encourage the children's creativity and

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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 allow them to explore colours, shapes and textures. They enjoy role play using small world toys which allows them to explore the adult world in a non threatening way. The childminder has an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and incorporates this into daily activities with the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are starting to learn about differences in society through their own observations and discussions with the childminder. They know some people have different skin tones and some need additional support when walking. The childminder provides some resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, increasing children's awareness of others. She demonstrates a positive approach towards the inclusion of all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. They show care and concern for each other and are rewarded for their good behaviour with lots of verbal praise. The childminder encourages the children to share the toys. Children play well together, cooperate and take turns. When playing doctors with dressing up clothes, stethoscopes and injections older children support younger ones in their play. The childminder recognises the importance of developing good relationships with parents. She gathers information from them about their child during the admission procedure. This helps her to ensure their wishes are respected and children's individual needs are met. Parents are advised of how to make a complaint if the need arises. Daily discussions and a diary sheet help to keep parents informed about their child's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the well arranged environment. Indoor space is laid out allowing children room to play comfortably and freely. Children are confident in the home, familiar with the routines and consequently are able to initiate their own play and make their own choices. All adults with access to the children are suitable and ratios of adults to children are maintained. This helps to ensure all children are able to receive the appropriate levels of care.

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Organisation

The childminder has procedures in place which are used to promote the welfare and care of the children. She has a generally suitable awareness of the documentation that needs to be maintained. However, not all consents are sought from parents. A written record of medication is not maintained and this is a breach of regulations. As a result, parents are not fully informed.

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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 the childminder was asked to provide a fire blanket, which conforms to BS EN standards and provide a first aid box. A fire blanket, which conforms to BS EN standards is now provided in the kitchen and a first aid box is readily available. As a result, children's safety and well-being are enhanced.

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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

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 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 first aid box contains the appropriate items • minimise hazards to children from low level sockets • request written parental permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment and maintain a record of all medicines administered to children.

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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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