Walton, Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

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301457 Unique Reference Number 22 October 2007 Inspection date Susan Magaret Lyon 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 1999 to care for six children. She lives with her husband and two children in a semi-detached house in Oldham. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the play room, kitchen, downstairs bathroom and garden. The household has two cats and a dog. The childminder provides an out of school service from local primary schools. There are currently four children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy through satisfactory routines, such as washing hands after toileting and before food. They are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. Children are protected from infection as an exclusion policy is in place which is discussed with new parents. Furthermore, the availability of tissues and a satisfactory nappy changing routine helps keep children healthy. Children partake in physical activities in the garden using a range of equipment, such as slides, bikes and trampolines. They benefit from fresh air and exercise by sometimes walking to and from school, and visiting indoor play facilities or parks to keep fit and active.

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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 Children are adequately nourished through nutritious foods, such as fresh fruit, pasta and yoghurts. Their health and dietary needs are appropriately met through discussions with parents and the recording of allergies and intolerances. Children learn about healthy lifestyles from relevant discussions regarding foods that are good for them, and some creative activities, such as cutting and sticking pictures of healthy foods onto paper plates. Drinks are provided throughout the day keeping their bodies healthy and hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Space and resources are well organised to create a spacious room dedicated to childminding where children can move around freely and safely. Play areas are bright, colourful and welcoming and the use of pictures and posters make the room inviting and child-centred. Children use suitable toys and equipment due to satisfactory routines to keep them safe and clean. Children are cared for in a generally safe and secure environment through the childminder taking precautions to minimise hazards. For example, safety gates are in place and windows are kept locked. However, the accessibility of an electrical socket puts their safety at risk. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder has put adequate measures in place, such as using wrist straps and walking together.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe through relevant discussions regarding crossing roads safely. Their safety needs are met whilst on the premises due to the childminder's awareness of fire precautions. For example, smoke alarms are fitted, a fire blanket is in place and an emergency evacuation procedure has been devised. However, this has not been practised hindering the children's ability to evacuate the premises quickly and safely in an emergency. Children are kept safe through close supervision. They are protected because the childminder has an adequate understanding of her role in child protection and appropriate procedures to follow if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop confidence and self-esteem as they are given lots of praise and encouragement. They engage in a range of stimulating and interesting activities to foster their development. For example, they plant sun flower seeds and confidently explore natural materials, such as corks, shells and wooden objects. Children acquire new knowledge and skills as the childminder talks to them about colours when out and about, and discusses numbers and counting during daily tasks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to make positive relationships through appropriate discussions about sharing and taking turns. They are freely able to make choices in their play and pursue their interests, for example, by selecting a favourite toy. Children are happy and settled due to close supervision and the childminder supporting their play. Through a range of art and craft materials children develop their imagination and creativity, thus, improving their sense of achievement and enjoyment. For example, they make Chinese lanterns, bake Easter nests with chicks and make leaf and hand prints.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. They are eager to play and join in activities. The childminder talks to children with great kindness and respect, and as a result children feel important and valued. Children become aware of the wider world through a good range of play resources, such as ethnic dolls, a toy wheelchair and dual language books. They develop awareness of the needs of others through appropriate discussions, such as playing quietly while the younger ones are asleep.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures all the children are fully involved in the life of the setting by providing activities to suit all level's of ability, and physically helping children to join in. Children behave well. They begin to understand right from wrong through clear boundaries and explanations. Children are cared for by a childminder who works with parents to meet their individual needs, for example, through obtaining signed consent forms. Children's care is enhanced through the daily exchange of information regarding their progress and welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are safe and protected through the childminder's awareness of the vetting of household members. She maintains adequate ratios, thus, improving the safety of the children. The childminder organises her time, space and resources well to meet children's needs. Children benefit from visits to facilities in the local community, such as parks, toddler groups and soft play areas.

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Organisation

Children's care and well-being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training. For example, she has attended Autistic Spectrum Disorder, 'Birth to three matters' framework and promoting healthy eating training. All required documentation is up to date and children's records are kept confidential. A good range of written policies are in place and shared with parents. These contribute to keeping children safe and well cared for. 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

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to update the existing portfolio to include details about family members. This information is now included in the information for new parents. This improvement further enhances the care of children attending the setting.

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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. 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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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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): • make electrical sockets safe or inaccessible • provide opportunity for children to practise the emergency escape plan.

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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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