Cassidy, Sharon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY103791 Inspection date 01 September 2005 Inspector Judith Anne Kerr

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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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and son aged 5 in the Woodhouse Park area of Manchester. The lounge/diner, playroom and toilet of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding a total of five children at different times. Three of the children attend before and after school. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The

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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 family has a dog, a budgerigar and a rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day children have access to a range of indoor and outdoor activities which are enjoyable and meet their developmental needs. They have the opportunity to develop control of their bodies, for example, climbing, sliding and swinging as they use the large equipment in the garden and nearby parks. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are beginning to learn about good hygiene habits such as washing their hands at appropriate times of the day. The childminder implements effective hygiene procedures which minimises the risks to children of cross infection. Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of a healthy diet. Meals provided are well balanced and nutritious, supporting children's physical well-being and development. Children's dietary needs are recorded and parent's wishes

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Helping children to be healthy

respected at all times. This ensures that children's individual needs are met and their physical development promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a sufficient amount of space to play comfortably. They move freely between the lounge/diner, playroom and rear garden as they play together. The risk of accidental injury is minimised by the regular checking of play materials and gentle reminders to children about being careful with sit-and-ride toys indoors so as not to bump into others as it will hurt. Toys and resources are varied, suitable and accessible to children of different ages. The children are able to select their own toys from labelled boxes which are stored at low level. There are procedures in place to ensure young children only use items which are appropriate for their stage of development. The childminder has taken some steps to make her home a safe environment for children. However, some low level sockets in the lounge are accessible and the rear garden poses some risks to children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Regular discussion with the childminder helps children gain an understanding about keeping themselves safe when travelling in the car and when walking near roads. They know that they must wear their seatbelts at all times when travelling in the car and stay near the childminder and follow instructions when walking to the park. The childminder keeps the required documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is promoted. For example, she has written consents for taking children on outings and for travelling in her car. The children are protected from harm and abuse as she has an understanding of child protection issues. The childminder is familiar

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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 with local procedures and makes parents aware of her responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children share warm relationships with the childminder. She spends time on the floor talking and playing with them. She offers children appropriate physical contact in the form of cuddles, speaks in gentle tones and smiles; as a result the children are happy confident and secure in her care The childminder utilises local amenities such as the park and farm to provide different play and learning environments for the children. This increases their awareness of the world around them. The opportunity for children to socialise is provided by regular visits to the local toddler group where children can play and learn alongside other children. Children are engaged in a range of age-appropriate activities which they clearly enjoy. These include painting, sticking, dough and baking. The children benefit from routines which are consistent with their experiences at home. The childminder promotes early communication skills by introducing new language. She introduces

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and explains the word 'pregnant' when the children recall seeing 'a pig who is going to have a baby pig'. Children's mathematical skills are enhanced through daily activities such as choosing the correct piece of a puzzle and discussing the colour and shape of the pieces.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the wider community through activities and the range of resources available that reflect our diverse society. This helps children to become aware of differences and develop a positive attitude towards others. The childminder shows due regard towards special needs and works in close liaison with all parents to ensure their children's needs are fully met. Children benefit from the positive relationships that the childminder has developed with parents. A notice board, individual records and informal discussions each day keep parents informed about the provision and their children's activities and progress. Children behave well and respond to the boundaries set by the childminder. Minor altercations are dealt with in a calm and sensitive manner; for example, the childminder quietly reminds a child why it is important to walk and not run in the house and be careful with sit-and-ride toys indoors so as not to bump into others as it

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Helping children make a positive contribution

will hurt. Children's efforts and achievements such as paintings are celebrated, this promotes their confidence and self-esteem.

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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 satisfactory. Children feel at home and are able to express themselves in comfortable surroundings. They have sufficient space to play in comfort both indoors and outside. The children move about the childminder's home in a confident and secure manner. Children develop independence as the play materials and resources are well organised, allowing them to make their own choices. The adults with access to the children are suitable and ratios are met to help keep children safe. The childminder is committed to improving the quality of the care she provides for the children. In order to support her professional development and improve her practice she has attended further relevant training. Most of the legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and maintained appropriately. However, parents are not required to sign their consent to administer medication and attendance records

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Organisation

are not accurately completed. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has increased the toys and resources available to children including those which reflect diversity. This allows children to experience a broad range of play experiences and develop an understanding of the wider world. The childminder has made some improvements with regard to the safety of children while in her care. All documentation relating to her car is available and meets the requirements and parental consent has been requested for children to travel in the vehicle. The childminder has attended a course on child protection to increase her knowledge and she has made herself familiar with local procedures. This ensures children are kept safe from harm and abuse. However, the swing is still not secure and may pose a risk to children playing in the garden.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure children are not exposed to hazards from low level sockets in the lounge, the swing, ivy and building materials in the garden • maintain accurate records of children's attendance on a daily basis and seek written consent from parents to administer medication.

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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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