Ashton-on-Mersey School

Inspection report for early years provision

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138123 Unique Reference Number 16 November 2007 Inspection date Patricia Ann Edward 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 satisfactory. 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 1994. She lives with her husband and two adult children, in the London borough of Merton. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house, apart from the front room, is used for childminding and 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 a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five part-time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local childminding drop-ins and parent/toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from illness and cross-infection by the appropriate hygiene procedures the childminder has in place, for example, children's hands are routinely washed before meals. They are also encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet. Nappy change routines

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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 are effective with the childminder washing her hands after and cleaning the changing mat after nappy changes. Procedures for the recording of accidents and medication administered are in place. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate which means she can deal with any minor accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's understanding of healthy eating is appropriately developed because the parents are responsible for providing the meals for their children. The childminder makes sure that the food is stored and heated up appropriately, as required. The childminder provides snacks that include fresh fruit, sandwiches and chapattis. She also provides drinks, throughout the day. The childminder replenish the children's beakers with water throughout the day if they are thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical skills are developing well, they enjoy outdoor play and regular walks around the local area as part of their daily routine, for example, when on the school run. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. This contributes to their good health and physical well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a welcoming home with safe clear space for children to move around freely and independently in the play room. Children are able to independently select activities from a small selection of toys and equipment, that is stored at their level for ease of access. However, the childminder has a good selection of equipment that she rotates, to ensure children do not get bored with activities on offer. The childminder carefully monitors toys to ensure they are safe and clean.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety whilst in the home is ensured because the childminder gives appropriate priority to keeping children safe. For example, stair gates are fitted in the hallway and at the kitchen entrance. There are also locks fitted on lower kitchen cupboards and drawers, and covers on lower electrical sockets. Children's safety in the event of a fire is generally protected because smoke alarms are fitted on both floors of the home and a fire blanket is situated in the kitchen. The childminder verbally discussed her emergency evacuation procedures, however, it is not practised with the children. This would increase their knowledge and understanding of what to do in the event of an emergency. Consent to transport and take children on outings is in place. All of which ensures children's well-being and safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding issues with regards to the categories and signs of abuse. However, children's safety is compromised because the childminder lacks knowledge of local contact numbers and procedures to follow as detailed in the guidelines approved by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, "What to do if you're worried a child is being abused"

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and well settled in the childminder's home. They are able to initiate their own activities which promotes all areas of their development. Children are encouraged to make decisions about their play and are able to self-select from a range of age-appropriate toys and resources promoting their confidence and independence. The Children enjoy accessing cause and effect toys, which develop their fine motor skills as they push, pull

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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 and turn knobs and buttons. Their speech and language is developing well because the childminder sits on their level when playing and stimulates their language.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have regular opportunities for physical development when they access the safe garden area, using peddle cars and sit and ride bikes. They are also taken out regularly to local childminding drop-ins and trips to the local park. Children's self-esteem is being built upon through the childminder offering support when needed. The childminder acknowledges their individual achievements, for example, 'that was a clever boy' when child a puts the right shape into the right compartment of the shape sorter.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing positive attitudes to differences and learn to value others because they access an appropriate range of good quality resources that are non-gender specific, and which reflects the diverse society in which we live, such as dolls, puzzles and books. The childminder has no experience of caring for children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties, however, is happy to provide an inclusive service.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder, who is experienced at caring for children of varying ages, uses suitable strategies to manage behaviour. She supervises children closely and uses consistent boundaries that are familiar to them. Children know what to expect; they behave well and respond positively to the childminder’s guidance. For example, they are learning to tidy toys away when they have finished using them. The childminder helps children to develop their self-esteem, she praises their good behaviour and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a sense of belonging because they are offered a settling in period and gradual visits depending on their needs. Parents are encouraged to share information about their child’s needs, interests and experiences to ensure continuity of care. In turn parents are kept informed and involved in the service provided through daily discussion with the childminder, who also completes written information on the foods eaten and activities completed during the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is committed to developing her practice and holds a Cache Level Three qualification. She is active in a local childminders' group, which provides mutual support to its members and positive social experiences for children in her care. Children receive appropriate levels of attention as placement numbers are kept low by the childminder. Children are provided with a good range of suitable activities and the childminder is familiar with the Birth to three matters framework. However, this has yet to impact on planning for individual children and the evaluation of activities.

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Organisation

Some written policies are in place to support children's well being and these are shared with parents. The majority of the required documentation is in place. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her documentation. The childminder has improved her documentation by ensuring children's times of arrival are recorded in the register. This increases children's safety and welfare, whilst in the childminder's care.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • practise the emergency evacuation procedures to ensure they are appropriate • increase knowledge of safeguarding procedures as detailed in "What to do if you're worried a child is being abused" and increase knowledge of local numbers.

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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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