Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY276312 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2008 Inspection date Teresa Ann Clark 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, daughter aged 13 and son aged 10 years. The family live in the Reddish area of Stockport. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Bathroom facilities are situated on the first floor and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll who attend for a variety of sessions. With parental consent children are taken to local community groups, the library and to the local park. The family have a dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in clean and homely premises. In the main, the childminder follows effective hygiene practices, which prevents the spread of infection and ensures that children stay healthy, for example, the childminder washes her hands before preparing food and ensures

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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 all surfaces and children's eating areas are clean, however, children's hands are not always washed before eating and a changing mat is not always used when changing children. As a result, there is an element of risk to children's health. Records of accidents sustained are completed to safeguard children's well-being and there are clear procedures to record any medication administered to children, however, children's health and safety is not fully protected because the childminder has not obtained written consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are agreed with parents and respected. Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables. They snack on a selection of fresh fruit which is attractively presented to children. Drinks including fresh drinking water are available to quench children's thirst during the day. Children learn to enjoy nutritious food as part of a healthy lifestyle as mealtimes are a social and relaxed occasion where children sit together comfortably and learn good table manners.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise as they enjoy a good range of physical activities on a daily basis, for example, they are taken for regular walks in the community and visit the vale close by. They play in the childminder's garden and visit the soft play area where they use equipment to promote their physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are very welcoming and friendly to children and parents. The childminder encourages children to engage in stimulating and inviting activities which are already set up. They have an excellent sense of belonging as they express their needs and ideas freely and move around the setting confidently. Children make confident choices as they access a very good range of resources. These are stored in low level boxes around the lounge for easy access. The wide selection of good quality resources helps children make progress in all areas of their learning. They are clean, well maintained and comply with safety regulations, minimising risks to children. Children find the resources fun, interesting and challenging.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Vigilant supervision ensures that children are kept extremely safe and secure both inside and outside the home. All potential dangers have been identified and effective safety precautions put in place to minimise the risk of accidental injury. Children are learning about keeping themselves safe, as the childminder gently reminds them not to jump on the furniture or climb under the table. She ensures the floor is kept clear of toys so children do not trip or fall when moving about. The emergency evacuation procedures are practised with the children, so they know what to do in the event of fire. The childminder has clear procedures in place in the event of a child getting lost.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is fully safeguarded. The childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She has a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities to keep children safe from harm and neglect. The childminder recognises that the child's needs are paramount and is aware of the procedures to follow if she had any professional concerns. She shares a written policy statement, relating to her responsibilities with parents. Copies of the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines and the booklet 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused' are in place.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely happy and settled in their environment. They are eager to participate in activities and show delight in doing so, for example, they show great interest when looking at the book about all kinds of people and remember that one child came from Thailand. They are proud of their achievements as they show off their construction skills. Children access their own resources easily and confidently which enables them to make choices and pursue interests. A child decides to play with the pirate ship, so confidently takes it across the room and begins to play imaginatively with the ship and people figures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Good emphasis is placed on encouraging the pre-school children to learn about numbers through their play. As a result children confidently count when using small construction pieces to build their models. They also learn about colours and shape during their play. A child points to the different shapes and says 'That's a square'. They develop good skills in using technology as they use the lap top and other computer games. Babies soon settle as the childminder gives them good levels of attention and follows their individual routines. They confidently explore the environment and enjoy pulling themselves up using the furniture. Older children enjoy creative activities and collect their finished art work in their personal folders.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children share very good relationships with each other and the childminder as they play sociably together and relish in the regular physical contact and support the childminder provides. She knows individual children very well, recognising their individual needs, for example when they begin to get tired or restless. Children develop good self-esteem and confidence as the childminder listens and values what they say and do and she is on hand to prompt and answer questions. Discussion is actively promoted as an integral part of the day. Consequently children are confident communicators.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are made to feel welcome in the setting and their needs are effectively met. They participate in activities to gain an understanding about the world around them, for example, they taste foods from around the world, learn about different religious festivals and traditions, such as Chinese New Year and celebrate each others birthdays. They learn about their local community as they visit places, such as the park, toddler groups and shops. Their understanding of the wider world and diversity is being enhanced through ongoing discussions and resources, such as books, jigsaws and dolls. As a result children are developing positive attitudes to others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder acts as a very good role model for children. She is kind, speaks positively to the children and is sensitive to their needs. The good use of praise and encouragement boosts children's self confidence so they feel good about themselves. Children's efforts and achievements are celebrated. Children behave very well. They learn to respect boundaries and begin to recognise right from wrong in a supportive and caring environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder builds good working relationships with parents. She provides them with written information about her service to ensure that they are kept well informed about all relevant policies and procedures. Children benefit from having continuity. Their care is agreed with parents and regular discussions keep them up to date about their child's day, progress and any

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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 issues. Clear written agreements are in place and some written consents. A daily diary is kept for young children, which records their sleeping, feeding and nappy changing routine.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in the friendly and well organised home, where they are treated as part of the family. The childminder has very good relationships with children and she organises her day so she can devote all her time to them. This ensures that children get plenty of support, encouragement and attention. Toys, equipment and resources are easily accessible to children, which promotes their independence skills. The childminder manages her time purposefully providing a very good range and balance of activities, both in the home and within the community. Daily routines and activities clearly promote the welfare, care and learning of all children.

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Organisation

All legally required records and documentation are in place. These are well maintained, stored appropriately and retained for inspection. The childminder has devised a sound range of written policies and procedures which she uses to effectively inform and underpin her practice. She holds a valid first aid certificate, so is in a position to administer treatment in the event of any minor injuries.

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Organisation

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

The last inspection recommended that the childminder inform parents about the complaints procedure and develop resources to portray positive images. The childminder informs all parents about the procedures to follow if they have a complaint and provides them with the contact details of Ofsted. There are a good range of books which portray positive images and some other resources, such as dolls and clothing. The childminder continues to develop this area of her provision.

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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): • improve hygiene routines in relation to hand washing and nappy changing • ensure all relevant consents are in place including consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

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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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