Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY285691 Unique Reference Number 22 November 2007 Inspection date Glynis Margaret Kite 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 June 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and eight years, in the Birchwood area of Warrington. The house is within walking distance of parks, a local shopping precinct, schools and a toddler group. Minded children have access to all of the ground floor area of the premises. There is a fully enclosed back garden available for outdoor play. There may be a maximum of five minded children on the premises at any one time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are eight children on roll who attend various full and part time places.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has 10 years experience as a primary school teacher. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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. Children are cared for in premises which are maintained to high standards of cleanliness. The childminder models good practice regarding health and hygiene issues and children are learning from her example. Children's toys and equipment are routinely cleaned to help prevent cross contamination. Children are further protected from the spread of infection because the childminder implements an exclusion policy for sick children. Well written policies and records regarding the safe management of accidents, medication and incidents are kept, however, the childminder has not sought written consent from parents to obtain medical treatment or advice in the event of emergency situations.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of providing a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet. A written menu is in place to ensure children have a varied diet. Well recorded information is shared with parents regarding their children's intake of food and drinks. The individual dietary requirements of children are recorded on their files, ensuring the childminder meets their needs. Children are encouraged to ask for drinks at any time and older children may help themselves to fresh fruit juices from the table. The childminder works closely with parents by enabling them to provide their children's meals and snacks if they wish. Routines for babies and younger children are maintained well, ensuring continuity of care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder recognises the value in providing opportunities for physical play and fresh air. She provides a range of activities in the garden to promote children's climbing, jumping and riding skills. Younger children benefit from one to one support, such as learning to walk with the aid of the childminder. Children gain in confidence everyday as they use suitable equipment, such as baby walkers to help them to take steps.

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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 homely environment, which is decorated to high standards and maintained well. Children's work is displayed which helps to create a child friendly environment. Children benefit from an extensive range of safe and suitable furniture, toys and equipment. Children are becoming more independent because they are able to select toys and activities of interest to them. The range of resources positively promote disability, gender and culture.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe while on the premises because the childminder takes positive steps to minimise potential hazards to children. For example, she conducts a visual risk assessment both indoors and outdoors and some written records, such as testing of smoke alarms and emergency evacuation procedures. Safety equipment is in place where required, such as safety gates, electrical socket covers and locks on cupboards. Children are learning about keeping themselves safe through activities, routines and discussions with the childminder. However, children's safety is compromised because the childminder has not obtained written consent from parents regarding use of and access to the trampoline, and is unable to demonstrate that insurance on the car includes business use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. She has attended child protection training and has produced a policy based on the Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The

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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 childminder is committed to safeguarding children from harm and follows correct procedures when necessary. The policy is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They benefit from the childminder's skills and knowledge in planning a suitable range of toys and activities which are based on the children's interest and stage of development. The childminder plans activities for babies and younger children based on the 'Birth to three matters' framework, and records observations of children's progress in the same format. Lots of photographic records demonstrate the wide range of activities available to children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder supports language and mathematical development for younger children through the wide range of activities and daily routines. For example, while playing with animals she talks about the sounds they make and the sizes, she identifies colours and counts. Children benefit from daily routines which give them a sense of belonging and help them to feel secure, such as school runs and visits to toddler groups. Children enjoy close relationships with the childminder and benefit from hugs and cuddles. The childminder dedicates her time to playing and interacting with children, as a result children are becoming more confident.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the developmental needs of children. Flexible play plans are also in place for older children, which ensures variety and enables them to participate in topical themes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well because the childminder exchanges a wealth of information with parents and keeps written records. Introductory visits help children to settle in quickly and give the childminder an opportunity to find out what they like and dislike. All children are treated with equal concern and respect and are acknowledged as individuals. The childminder is respectful of parent’s wishes with regard to routines for their children, such as sleep times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the close working relationship that the childminder has established with parents. She keeps them informed of their children's progress, in writing and verbally. Parents have access to all of the childminder's policy and procedures, which clearly set out her expectations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a very positive approach to behaviour management. She implements a range of strategies, based on children's ages and level of understanding, such as discussion and distraction. Children are kept busy and engaged in activities of interest to them which promotes positive attitudes and behaviour. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure consistency for the children. Clear boundaries are set, which children understand, as a result children behave well.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by an experienced and suitably qualified adult. The setting is organised well to ensure children's individual needs are catered for. Children are closely supervised by the childminder at all times ensuring they are never left alone in the presence of adults who may not have been vetted. All adults on the premises hold required documentation regarding suitability checks.

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Organisation

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the National Standards and is committed to providing good quality care, learning and play opportunities for children. She attends further training to ensure she is up to date with current legislation and recognised good practice. Children benefit from having sufficient space in order to move around freely and safely and to play in comfort.

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Organisation

Records and documentation are in place and these meet the required standard which contributes to the continuity of care for the children. The records are also readily available for inspection.

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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

Since the last inspection the childminder has increased the range of natural materials through the introduction of a wider selection of toys made from other materials, such as wood and various soft textures. This action improves children's sensory experiences through play.

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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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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): • seek the written consent from parents to obtain medical advice or treatment for children in an emergency • seek written consent from parents regarding access to the trampoline and ensure insurance certificate for use of car is available for inspection.

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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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