Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY275976 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2008 Inspection date Joan Isabel Madden 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 partner and daughter who is eight years old. They live in a house in Timperley close to shops, parks, schools and pre-schools. All of the ground floor is used for childminding; this includes the lounge, dining room, kitchen and conservatory. The children use the bathroom on the first floor. 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 six children at any one time and there are currently three children on roll aged from eight months to three years. Of these two children attend on a full time basis and one child is part time. The childminder attends toddler groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has completed a diploma in childcare and working towards a NVQ Level 3 in childcare.

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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. Effective procedures are followed by the childminder to protect the children from illness and infection. The house is very clean and there are suitable nappy changing procedures, that include wiping down the changing mat, with anti-bacterial spray each time it is used. The childminder has completed a food hygiene certificate helping to underpin sensible routines. Children are encouraged to follow good health and hygiene practices. They wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day using their own individual towels and flannels and brush their teeth after meals. Children are treated appropriately for minor injuries, as the childminder is qualified in first aid and there is a fully stocked first aid box. Documentation relating to accidents is in place and correctly maintained helping to underpin sensible procedures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Nutritious food and discussion promotes the children's good health. The menu planners demonstrate that the children benefit from a healthy range of snacks and homemade meals that are mainly made from fresh food. The children particularly enjoy meals of fish, potatoes and vegetables, yoghurts, fruit and cheese. Food is provided in agreement with parents and the childminder is keen to avoid foods that aggravate conditions, such as asthma and eczema. She records the children’s and babies dietary requirements, likes and dislikes to ensure their requirements are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Daily routines include activities to help children develop physical skills, widen their boundaries, and develop a healthy lifestyle. They play in the garden whenever possible with a range of equipment to develop their physical skills. As part of the routine, children walk to and from school. They enjoy regular trips to parks where they are able to run around and develop physical skills on large equipment. Children go on many outings in the school holidays that encourage them to enjoy the outdoor life. They go to parks around south Manchester and sometimes to the beach. A visit is planned to a ski centre where there is a children’s play area. Children enjoy a warm, highly supportive relationship with their childminder helping to promote their emotional well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel welcome in clean organised, nicely decorated, child friendly house which is very presentable. Space is well organised to meet children's needs. The main area used for childminding is the conservatory which is very welcoming and inviting to children. The childminder is well equipped to cater for the wide range of children who attend to promote all areas of learning. The toys and resources are safe, well maintained and regularly cleaned. They are made accessible to the children helping them to make decisions and manage resources for themselves. High quality baby equipment supports the good care of the very young.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Generally children are cared for in a safe environment that is fit for purpose. The house and garden are totally secure. There are sensible safety processes in place to keep the children safe. For example, the kitchen is made inaccessible to children at appropriate times. Knives and the kettle are out of reach and low level cupboards are inaccessible to the children. A safety issue has been raised relating to the trampoline. The childminder places high priority on fire safety and carries out regular fire drills.

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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 Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder clearly understands her role in safeguarding children, and is fully aware of the procedures to follow should a concern arise. The written policy includes procedures for reporting concerns about children’s welfare that is in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder provides the children with a stimulating range and balance of activities to promote their learning. She is enthusiastic, capable and confident and has a good understanding of how to meet children's individual needs. She knows how they learn and is able to challenge children to help them acquire new knowledge and skills. The childminder has a good knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses it as a guide when planning activities. She plans individually for children and records observations of their achievements in their booklets. In doing this she is beginning to identify their next steps in learning in line with the curriculum framework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The babies and children benefit from a safe and secure relationship with the childminder who is creating a suitable environment for them to move onto the next stage in their development. For example, very young babies are able to move towards a range of toys and objects within their reach. They prepare for crawling by getting onto all fours. The babies particularly enjoy the thrill of pop-up toys. The childminder interacts with babies encouraging them to develop skills and they have recently learnt to clap and wave good bye.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well cared for by the childminder who works well with parents to ensure they are included fully in the life of the setting. They have good relationships with the childminder, helping to promote their confidence. The childminder ensures she is aware of children's individual needs by liaising with parents and recording any relevant information. She spends time playing with them helping them to learn and benefit from the activities. The childminder makes the children aware of the wider world by providing them with resources and activities that reflect the diversity in our society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are very well behaved. The childminder has a secure knowledge of how to promote positive behaviour that successfully underpins her management of behaviour. She provides the children with a comprehensive framework, and as a result they are clear about her expectations for behaviour. The children are reminded of the rules and have the reasons for them explained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has built up good relationships with parents, helping to provide continuity of care for the children. She has formed a friendly but businesslike relationship with them and provides a welcoming atmosphere. They are provided with a comprehensive information on the provision to ensure they are kept up to date with happenings and events.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Vetting procedures ensure children are well protected and cared for by the childminder who has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development. She is conscientious, organised and has a high regard for the well-being of all children. The children feel at ease within the

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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 well organised environment. The children benefit from a well planned and structured week that includes attending pre-school groups and recreational facilities. They take part in adult-led and child-initiated activities.

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Organisation

Documentation is maintained to a good standard with extra policies and procedures in place. 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 required to provide the children with fresh drinking water at all times. All children are now provided with fresh drinking water at all times helping them to appreciate the healthy way to remain hydrated. The babies happily drink water from their beakers.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 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. 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): • provide evidence of how you ensure the safety of children while using the trampoline and playing in the area where the trampoline is sited.

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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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