Griffiths, Joanne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 312037 Inspection date 16 August 2005 Inspector Susan Magaret Lyon

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 lives with her husband and two children in a semi detached house in the Stalybridge area of Tameside. She has been registered since 1999 to care for 5 children. There are currently 10 children on the register, some attending part time only. The rooms available for childminding are the kitchen/dining room, play room and bathroom downstairs. The childminder regularly attends local adult and toddler groups with minded children. The family have a hamster and a guinea pig.

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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 An out of school service is provided from Ridge Hill primary school and nursery.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. They are protected from infection through clear procedures that are explained to parents. Children understand good hygiene practices through daily routines. Their health and dietary needs are met through discussions with parents. Children learn the importance of healthy eating using activities and discussions about foods that are good for them. They are nourished with regular drinks and food in keeping with their individual dietary needs. Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks. They respond well to routines such as sitting at the table and washing hands. Children enjoy daily physical activity such as walking and playing outdoors. Regular trips out are organised during the school holidays, promoting their physical development and well being.

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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 safe and secure environment. The childminder takes precautions to minimise hazards and risks to children in the play areas. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder makes them aware of road safety and makes boundaries clear. They learn to keep themselves safe through explanations about road safety and using play equipment safely. Children use suitable and safe toys and equipment. Space and resources are well organised to allow children to move around safely and access toys freely and independently. The childminder's awareness of fire precautions contributes to children's safety whilst on the premises. The childminder gives high regard to the safety of children both indoors and outdoors through close supervision. The play areas are bright, colourful and welcoming. Children are protected because the childminder understands her role in child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection and would follow appropriate procedures if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and self esteem through the childminder giving them praise and recognition for their efforts and achievements. They are engaged in a broad range of stimulating activities to foster their all round development.

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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 acquire new skills and knowledge because the childminder spends time talking and discussing with them and helping them to learn. They are encouraged to make positive relationships through sharing and taking turns. Children learn to be sensitive to others by the childminder talking to them about feelings. They are able to make choices in their play and pursue their interests, for example, choosing a favourite game. Resources are organised to help children become independent learners. They are happy and settled because the childminder provides close supervision and respects them as individuals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for by the childminder who works with parents to meet individual needs. She ensures all children are fully included in the activities through providing one to one support and making sure play is appropriate for all children. Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting relationship with the childminder. They understand responsible behaviour through clear boundaries and explanations. Children are valued and made to feel important through praise and encouragement. The childminder provides a wide range of play resources reflecting equal opportunities, increasing the children's awareness of the wider world. Children's care is enhanced because the childminder exchanges information daily with parents regarding their welfare. Policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents, contributing to keeping children safe.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safe and protected through the childminder's awareness of the vetting of household members. She keeps Ofsted informed of any changes and maintains adequate ratios, improving the safety of the children. Children benefit from the childminder's organisation of time to facilitate visits in the local community. Children's care and well being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training. Well organised documentation contributes to the safe and efficient management of the provision, although consent forms need to include more detail.

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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 Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the safety of the bathroom and increase her stock of play resources reflecting equal opportunities. The childminder has addressed these areas therefore improving the overall standard of care regarding the children's safety and their awareness of the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 Ofsted has received two complaints. The first complaint related to Standards 1,6,7 and 11 concerning numbers of children, supervision of children and behaviour management. The second complaint related to Standards 1 and 6 concerning numbers and safety of children. Ofsted investigated and following the implementation of a required action, no further action was taken. The registered person remains qualified for registration.

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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): • ensure consent forms include all necessary detail.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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