Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY265239 Unique Reference Number 21 January 2008 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 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 2003 to care for six children. She lives with her son in a semi-detached house in Oldham. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the lounge, kitchen, front bedroom, upstairs bathroom and garden. There are no pets in the household. The childminder provides an out of school service from local primary schools. There are currently eight children on roll, some attend part time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy from good hygiene routines, such as washing hands after toileting and brushing teeth after meals. They are reminded about healthy practices with hand print pictures displayed in the bathroom. Young children are able to access and use tissues by themselves. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment where face cloths are used once and laundered. Furthermore, they are protected from infection through an exclusion policy being in place which is explained to new parents. The childminder places importance on children partaking in physical activities indoors keeping them fit and active, such as dancing, music and

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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 movement. They benefit from fresh air and exercise by walking to and from school each day, and using footballs, bikes, and swings in the garden. Children rest and sleep according to their needs promoting their good health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished well through healthy foods, such as fruit, yoghurts and pasta. Their health and dietary needs are met through discussions with parents and the recording of allergies and intolerances. Children learn about healthy eating through numerous ways. For example, they choose and prepare ingredients to make fruit kebabs, pizzas and salads. They talk about foods that are good for them and draw and colour pictures of different types of fruit. 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 good. Space and resources are well organised to allow children to move around freely and safely. Play areas are bright, colourful and child-centred using small tables and chairs to make children feel welcome. Children use suitable toys and equipment due to good routines for keeping them clean and safe. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment through the childminder taking several precautions to minimise hazards. For example, a fire guard is in place and fixed to the wall and socket covers are used. Furthermore, the childminder is fully committed to preventing accidents to children by carrying out daily and weekly risk assessments. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder uses reins, wrist straps or a buggy board when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe through frequent discussions about crossing roads safely and enjoying activities regarding road awareness, such as colouring in worksheets. Children develop a high level of awareness of fire precautions due to the evacuation procedure being displayed and practised regularly. Children are kept safe through close supervision. They are protected because the childminder has a clear 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 good. Children develop confidence and self-esteem from the childminder giving them lots of praise for effort and achievement. Children play well with a good range of age-appropriate toys to foster their all-round development. For example, babies are visually stimulated through colourful mobiles and activity centres, and young children babble using toy telephones. Children acquire new knowledge and skills through daily routines, such as counting the steps as they go up the stairs. Furthermore, children learn about colours from skilful questioning, such as 'pass me the red crayon' and 'where is the blue car?' Children are encouraged to make positive relationships through sharing and taking turns. Children are freely able to make choices in their play and pursue their interests. For example, by selecting a favourite activity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Well organised resources help children to become independent learners. Children are happy and settled because the childminder gives them individual care and attention. She treats children with great kindness and consideration, and as a result they are eager to play and enjoy their time at the setting. Children can explore and are interested in different textures through natural materials and household objects, as well as a range of manufactured toys. For example, they can examine fir cones, brushes and sponges. Through a good range of art and craft materials children develop their imagination and creativity, thus promoting their sense of achievement

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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 enjoyment. For example, they make paper flowers, feather pictures, calendars and peg dolls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. They are valued and made to feel important through their art work being displayed, having their own coat hook and being involved in decision making regarding what activities they would like to do. High priority is given to gradually admitting new children into the setting through a series of visits with and without parents. This contributes significantly to children feeling secure and content. Children become aware of the wider world through a wealth of play resources. For example, Chinese bowls and spoons, dual language books and jigsaws showing disabled people are all in place.

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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 through changing or adapting the way play is provided to suit all level's of ability. Children behave well as strong emphasis is placed on reinforcing positive behaviour through praise and approval and children respond well to this approach. Children are cared for by a childminder who works with parents to meet children's individual needs. For example, parents consent forms are obtained for various aspects of care. Children's care is enhanced through the daily exchange of information regarding their progress and welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. 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 and library. Also, children benefit from visiting local toddler groups to mix with other children and to learn to socialise.

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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 safeguarding children, health and hygiene and child protection awareness training. A comprehensive range of written policies are in place and some are displayed for parents. All required documentation is in place. However, entries in the daily register do not always include actual times of attendances. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide proof of her driving licence. This was available and checked at this current inspection.

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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 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): • ensure the daily register includes actual times of children's attendances

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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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