Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY279413 Unique Reference Number 27 November 2007 Inspection date Sheila Iwaskow 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 husband and two children, aged 10 and eight years, in Brooklands, Sale.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the lounge, playroom, kitchen and three bedrooms on the first floor. Toilet facilities are available on both floors of the house. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently three children on roll who attend on a variety of placements, She also cares for older children after school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. High priority is given to protecting children's health. Good standards of cleanliness are maintained across the childminder's home and hygienic nappy routines are implemented.

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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 wash their hands at appropriate times of the day and suitable equipment is in place to encourage children's independence, such as a step stool to allow children to reach the sink. The childminder talks to the children about germs, giving them an awareness of the underlying concepts of good hygiene routines. A detailed written sick child policy is in place, enabling the childminder to act in the best interests of all the children and prevent the spread of infection. The childminder is fully qualified to administer first aid and a first aid box is within easy reach. This ensures that any accidents or minor injuries are dealt with in an appropriate manner. The childminder recognises her responsibility to ensure that the family pets are safe to be in the proximity of children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Drinks are freely available to keep children refreshed and water is offered as a healthier alternative to juice. Children are given choices at meal times and enjoy choosing from healthy options, such as cheese sandwiches, fruit and yoghurts. Sample menus are available, giving parents an appreciation of the quality of the food provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a broad range of activities to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They regularly walk home from school to exercise their bodies and help keep them fit. Playing in the attractive outdoor play area provides opportunities for children to develop their physical skills. A good range of resources, such as cars, balls and a trampoline are available for children to enjoy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment that is well maintained and is made welcoming and stimulating through educational posters and examples of children's art work. A dedicated play room is available and contains an extensive range of good quality resources, which promote all aspects of children's learning and development. Play materials are stored on shelved units and are categorised in boxes, which clearly labelled both in writing and in picture format. This allows children of all ages to make independent choices. Older children have space made available to them should they wish to relax after a busy day at school, do their homework or search for information on the internet. Comfortable furnishings are available to allow children to rest according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well supervised at all times to keep them free from harm. The childminder follows the children around as they move to different areas of the house. As a result, they feel secure and reassured. Her home has been inspected and approved by the fire brigade and children participate in regular emergency evacuation practises, which are recorded. This teaches children to follow defined procedures in the event of a fire. All the necessary safety features are in place and entrances and exits to the premises are secure. The childminder has had the ivy in the back garden checked to ensure it does not pose a risk to children's safety. Public liability insurance is in place and children are correctly restrained in car seats when travelling by car. When out walking children wear reflective arm bands and hold the childminders hand to help keep them safe. Children learn about the green cross code, which further raises their awareness of personal

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A safeguarding children policy is in place so that parents are made aware of the childminder's responsibility with regard to this aspect of their children's care. Children are well protected because the childminder has a good awareness of the indicators of abuse and neglect and who to contact if she has concerns

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely happy and thoroughly enjoy their time in the childminder's company and home. The childminder's cheerful manner and patient approach encourages children to be good humoured and self-assured. Children have fun together, form trusting relationships and confidently interact with visitors to the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of what children like and can do. This allows her to provide activities which build on and extend children's learning. Good use is made of questioning to help foster children's thinking skills. Children are making good progress in developing language skills and are becoming skilful communicators. New and interesting words, such as 'stripey' and 'magician' are introduced by the childminder to help enrich children's conversations. Children enjoy listening to stories, which helps them develop a love of books

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show a keen interest in number. They competently count in sequence and identity shapes and colours. Mathematical language is reinforced as children play. Children enjoy the challenge of completing puzzles and jigsaws. With lots of encouragement from the childminder they consider where a piece fits and carefully manipulate it into place. Children become engrossed in pretend play as they dress the dolls, make meals and go shopping. They have lots of fun as they dress up as different characters using the wide range of dressing up clothes available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A wide variety of textures are available in the treasure baskets to help promote children's sensory development. Children have opportunities to explore a good range of activities which stimulate their creativity, such as painting, collage, cutting and sticking and dough. Musical instruments are available to motivate children to make sounds.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children thrive on the high levels of interaction from the childminder. All her time is spent constructively playing with the children and following their lead. Play opportunities are linked to the 'Birth to three matters' framework. However, the planning of activities is not yet fully developed to effectively support children's learning and progression. Information on the framework is displayed, allowing parents to gain an understanding of the curriculum that is being delivered to their children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and their needs well met. A good range of resources, such as multicultural posters, books and jigsaws, are available to increase children's awareness of diversity. Children also learn about the wider world as they take part in activities linked to cultural festivals, such as Chinese New Year, Christmas and Divali. Posters on recycling and discussions about the moon give children an understanding about environmental influences. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive methods are used to manage and promote good behaviour. Children are kept busy, are responsive to meaningful praise they receive and behave well. The childminder treats all children with individual care and respect. Sensible house rules are in place and give all children a clear understanding of what is expected of them within the childminder's home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 benefit from the close relationships that the childminder has established with their parents. This promotes security and consistency in children's lives. A good range of well written policies are made available to parents, which she uses effectively to inform and underpin her practice. Verbal and written feedback, for younger children, at the end of the day keeps parents fully informed about all aspects of their children's care. A number of certificates are clearly displayed, such as the registration certificate and the complaints procedure as a source of information for parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder complies with her conditions of registration at all times and all persons with access to the children are suitable, helping to keep children safe. Children are confident and settled within the childminder's home and express their feelings freely. The environment is organised to provide a variety of play opportunities for children and there is a clear timetable in place to collect children from a local primary school.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to continually developing her childcare skills and enhancing the quality of care she provides for children. She regularly attends short training courses on relevant topics, such as behaviour management and equality awareness. Visits to a local play group provide alternative play environments for children and allow them to socialise with their peers. A gradual settling in process is implemented for new children to ensure the smooth transitions from home to the childminder's care.

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Organisation

All records required for childminding purpose are in place, organised to reflect confidentiality and are of a high standard.

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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

Following the last inspection the childminder agreed to address some safety issues and make improvements to some aspects of her documentation. Good progress had been made. The drains in the back garden and the cleaning materials are now inaccessible to the children. A system is now in place to accurately record children's hours of attendance. Written permission is obtained from parents to seek emergency medical treatment and to transport children by car.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These improvements further enhance the quality of care offered to children.

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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 complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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

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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): • continue to develop the planning of activities for younger children to support their learning and progression.

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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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