Manchester Health Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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135875 Unique Reference Number 26 March 2008 Inspection date Jane Davenport 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 1993. She lives with her husband in a house, which is situated in the Bush Hill Park area of the London borough of Enfield. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under eight years, and is currently minding four children on a part time basis. The childminder has a pet cat. She jointly runs a local carer and toddler group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean environment and learn, from an early age, the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines. They are encouraged to wash and dry their hands after using the toilet and before meals; potty training is carried out in partnership with

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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 parents to ensure continuity of care and nappy changing routines are effective in helping prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective systems, such as a sick child policy, are in place to inform parents how children's health is to be protected in the case of an accident or illness. This contributes to children's well-being and the prevention of infections. In addition, records are maintained and shared with parents of accidents and any medication administered with prior parental consent. The childminder has sought written consent from parents allowing her to take steps to seek medical assistance in the case of an emergency; this contributes to children receiving prompt treatment in the case of a serious accident or health condition. Children's health is further promoted, as the childminder is trained in current first aid practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding diet, which ensures children's individual dietary requirements are met. Menus are varied, balanced and nutritious, providing healthy options such as fresh fruit and vegetables, jacket potatoes, yoghurts and pasta. The childminder has completed a food hygiene course and follows good hygiene procedures when preparing and serving food; she follows the child's home routine, gradually introducing new foods when appropriate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have plenty of opportunities, on walks, outings and when playing in the garden, for healthy exercise in the fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a well-organised environment, which allows them to move around and play safely. The premises are secure and there are good procedures in place to monitor sleeping children and to ensure children are unable to leave the premises without a suitable adult.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have easy and safe access to toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for their stages of development, including natural materials. Equipment and resources are clean and in good condition and there are effective procedures in place to ensure that they pose no risk to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are regular risk assessments, both indoors and out, which enable the childminder to identify and quickly address potential hazards. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures, including safety gates, window locks and working smoke alarms. The childminder has had a fire safety inspection of her home and was able to describe how she would evacuate her premises with the children in the event of an emergency; however, the procedure is not currently consolidated in writing and has not been practised with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective child protection procedures promote and safeguard children's welfare within the setting. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if 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 happy and settled as they play at the setting; they enjoy a warm interaction with the childminder and are encouraged to be independent in choosing their own activities. Young

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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 are beginning to make themselves understood through language and actions. This is supported by the childminder speaking to children, listening and acknowledging what they are saying, narrating activities and encouraging them to say new words. They very much enjoy the opportunities they have for role play, cooking in the play oven and taking their 'babies' for walks around the house in their buggies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit a great deal from frequently going out on trips to toddler groups, parks and the library. This enables them to develop social skills, as they play and participate in activities in a group setting, and learn about their local environment. They are able, in this way, to access a wider range of materials for arts and crafts and regularly take part in singing and story time sessions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of equalities issues. Children's individual needs are known and met well by the childminder because she obtains detailed information from parents in order to ensure that children are provided with consistent care routines. Children have access to some resources and activities, which help them to develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider community; the childminder encourages respect for others and answers children's questions about diversity in a positive way.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although the childminder is not presently caring for children with learning or physical disabilities, she has a positive and sensitive attitude to ensure inclusion for all children and ongoing support for their families.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is generally good; this is as a result of the childminder developing consistent methods for managing behaviour, which takes into account their age, level of understanding and maturity. Good behaviour is positively reinforced by means of praise and affirmation. Young children are supported by the childminder to learn to share and take turns; for example when two children begin to squabble because they both want the same doll and buggy, she patiently explains and points out that there are more than one doll and buggy to choose from, and the potential confrontation is effectively diffused.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are friendly and supportive and parents are happy with the care provided. They are made to feel welcome in the childminder's home and are given daily feedback about their child's day. This helps to provide children with consistent care between home and the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children feel settled within the well organised environment, where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The home provides a secure base for children, which enables them to make informal choices about their play and express their individual needs; they move around with confidence and are able to explore their environment safely.

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Organisation

Record keeping is good. Registers are up-to-date and contain children's hours of attendance. The childminder keeps detailed information on children, which enables her to cater for their

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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 individual needs well and deal promptly with situations such as contacting parents should there be an emergency. All documentation is kept securely, ensuring that confidentially is maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, an action was set for the provider to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children and keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children. In addition, several recommendations were made relating to record keeping, one relating to first aid training, one relating to resources that promote positive images of disability and one relating to making the garden safe.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder is now in full compliance with the action that was set. She has completed her first aid training and maintained a current certificate and carried out a risk assessment of her garden to make it safe. She has developed her systems for keeping records and now has all relevant records in place and she has added to her resources in terms of positive images of disability. These improvements have had a positive effect on the service she provides for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 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.

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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): • develop a written emergency evacuation plan and practise this with all children who attend

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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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