Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY284430 Unique Reference Number 10 January 2008 Inspection date Janice Shaw 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 2004. She lives with her husband and three daughters, aged seven, five and one year, in the Stockport area of Cheshire. They live in a house that is within walking distance of the park, library and shops. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of three children. There are five children currently on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to all the rooms on the ground floor. There is an enclosed garden used for outdoor play activities. The family have a pet dog. The childminder receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The very good health and hygiene practices in place effectively protect children from illness and encourage them to adopt good hygiene habits. Their self-help skills are developing well as they are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times and use their individual labelled towels. Children have regular opportunities to experience fresh air and exercise which supports

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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 their good health. For example, they are taken in the buggy to and from the local school each day and walk to local amenities. Their fine motor development is encouraged through a variety of ways, for example, when using glue spreaders, push button toys and crayoning.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children’s emotional needs are well met as they receive plenty of hugs and cuddles throughout the day. They are able to rest and play according to their individual needs which ensures continuity of care with their home environment. The childminder holds a current first aid qualification which enables her to call upon this knowledge in the event of a minor accident or illness. Children benefit from healthy and balanced snacks and a typical snack is wholemeal toast and fruit. Parents provide packed lunches for the children which the childminder stores safely. They can freely access fresh drinking water which is stored in individual colour coded and labelled cups which keeps them hydrated and quenches their thirst.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's sense of belonging is well supported in the warm and welcoming environment. The freedom that they have within the childminder's home allows them to access different play opportunities in different areas of her home. For example, regular creative activities take place in the kitchen, whilst general play takes place in the lounge. They can easily access a broad range of resources which are stored on low level shelving or in plastic boxes which helps to promote children’s independent choices. All equipment and resources meet safety standards and are appropriate for the ages and stages of the children being cared for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder applies vigilance when supervising the children and external doors are locked at all times. Safety equipment, such as a fire blanket is sited in the kitchen and smoke alarms are fitted to promote fire safety. Children learn to keep themselves safe through the childminder giving clear explanations, for example, why they should sit properly on chairs and why not to put the glue spreader in their mouths. Children’s welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and of the relevant procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have their individual needs met because they have established close relationships with the childminder and are clearly very confident and happy in her care. They receive frequent praise and encouragement which boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Children show interest in what they do because the childminder dedicates time to playing with and responding to them. She interacts skilfully with them at every opportunity, extending their language and encouraging cooperative play. Children's imaginative play is developing well and two-year-olds enjoy playing with an interesting range of domestic type equipment. They keenly play at tea parties, pouring drinks and serving food for their friends all of which is sensitively supported by the childminder. However, whilst children have some opportunities to experience natural materials and activities this is not sufficient.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Strong emphasis is placed on the development of children’s language as the childminder consistently talks with them encouraging their vocabulary. Their mathematical skills are effectively promoted by involvement in everyday activities. For example, they make good attempts to count three bananas and 12 cherry cakes when playing with ‘play food’. Popular and successful activities include creative collages, looking at books and domestic play which

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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 appeals to children of all ages. They are happy, secure and settled and relationships at all levels are good. Their individual sleeping routines are respected which fosters continuity of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are helped to consider and value diversity through suitable resources, discussions and activities. Children feel a sense of belonging because all their individual needs are met. They play harmoniously with others and are considerate to their peers because expectations for kindness and consideration are stated in a gentle and precise way.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A successful relationship with parents has been established which enables the children's individual needs to be met effectively. Children have an individual photographic record which enables parents to have a clear picture of some of the activities their child is involved with. A very informative daily dairy is completed which enables parents to have a complete picture of their child’s day. Complimentary written comments received from parents show that the childminder is highly valued. Parents have clear information about the service offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is promoted by the childminder's good organisation. They feel at home and at ease in a well arranged environment. There is lots of space to play in comfort with resources being organised to promote their independence. This encourages them to make their own choices about their play and learning. The childminder organises her day around the children to ensure that their individual needs are catered for appropriately.

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Organisation

The childminder is able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the National Standards and applies them efficiently in her practice. Policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. All children’s needs are known and supported through the very clear recording systems in place. All the required children’s documentation is in place, up to date and confidentiality is maintained at all times. The childminder actively seeks to enhance her professional development through attendance at appropriate training courses. 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 required to: make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if a complaint is made; and provide opportunities for babies and young children to explore a range of natural resources and materials. The complaints procedure is now written in detail and shared with parents. A small range of natural resources and materials has been provided for the children.

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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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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 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): • further develop opportunities for children to experience natural resources and materials.

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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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