Stubbs, Claire Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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504128 Unique Reference Number 04 March 2008 Inspection date Krystina Chitryn 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 has been registered since June 2001. She lives with her husband and their two children aged eight and five years in the Walkden area of Greater Manchester.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The children are able to access the whole of the ground floor, which consist of the sitting room, dining room, kitchen and play room. Toilet facilities are on the ground floor. The rear garden is available for outdoor play. The family have two dogs and a hamster.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder currently cares for two children full and part time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder who is a member of the National Childminding Association also has an National Vocational Qualification level 3 qualification in childcare and a degree in Foundation Stage, she regularly up dates her training and has attended a variety of courses.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about personal hygiene routines and benefit from regular hand washing, before and after meals and when necessary. This ensures that children are protected from infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are provided with food and drinks as discussed with parents or the parents provide the children’s food. The childminder records the children’s individual needs. The children benefit from healthy snacks provided by the childminder. These consist of a healthy balanced diet with food mostly home cooked. She provides a menu for parents that is rotated on a two weekly basis. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices to ensure their good health is maintained. They sit at the table at meal times and learn to socialise and use their manners. The children have access to drinks at all times and they are reminded to drink. This ensures they are fully hydrated. The childminder discusses dietary needs with parents and records the information, ensuring that children’s needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children learn about good hygiene practices and safety and this is reinforced by discussion, posters and books which enables them to learn about their bodies and how to look after themselves. They benefit from clean toys and equipment as the childminder cleans them and ensures they are safe. Illnesses are minimised by the effective sick child policy, which ensures that the children's health is satisfactorily maintained. The childminder is aware of children’s individual health needs as these are recorded in the children’s file. The children are supervised at all times ensuring they are safe and protected from harm. This ensures the children’s health is maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from daily fresh air and outdoor play. They have regular walks from school and play in the garden. This ensures that all the children are able to benefit from regular exercise and remain fit and healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder checks the premises and undertakes a daily risk assessment to ensure the children do not come to any harm. The children benefit from full safety equipment that is used throughout the home. For example, smoke alarms are on all levels of the house and socket covers are in place. However, the dogs do not have a separate area in the garden and this does not ensure the children are protected from infections.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a well organised environment, for example, the furniture is arranged so that the children have sufficient space to play on the floor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety around toys and equipment is maintained as the childminder provides good quality toys and equipment and checks these daily and cleans them regularly. Children are stimulated through a wide selection of toys that are stored at child height and are accessible, so that the children are able to make informed choices. They learn to tidy up after playing to ensure that they do not trip up over the toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe both inside and outside of the setting and the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues, enabling her to protect the children from harm. She has recently completed a safe guarding children course. The childminder uses incident and

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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 accident recordings to identify potential risks and keeps parents generally informed. Parents are made aware of the safeguarding procedure on admission and the childminder has obtained permission to provide emergency medical treatment, ensuring the children receive appropriate treatment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The children's personal needs are met in an extremely supportive and homely environment. The children are developing their self-esteem and acquiring new skills, as the childminder is very skilled and aware of the children’s levels of achievement, providing objects and activities which are highly stimulating and further develop the children’s ability. The children receive high levels of help and support they need from the childminder and are learning to walk and talk. They receive considerable input form the childminder who responds to all their communications and anticipates their needs. They receive praise and encouragement which helps the children’s confidence and they develop their skills. The children’s welfare is promoted and their individual needs are met as they are comfortable and happy in the setting. The provision for children is further extended through visits to places of interest, such as the local

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children self-select their toys which are stored at child height which encourages them to participate in activities. As a result, the children are interested in what they are doing and enjoy their time in the setting. They have access to an excellent range of activities and a variety of materials that helps to develop their skills and awareness.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have access to a broad range of books, dolls and jigsaw puzzles which reflect the diverse society. The children are encouraged to participate in all areas of play. They discuss different festivals and other cultures, which foster the children's understanding of the wider world. These are developed by positive images in books and posters and talking which helps the children further develop their understanding. Children with a disability are planned for.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s self-esteem is promoted and as a result, the children are happy and confident. They often receive praise from the childminder, which helps build their self-confidence. Clear ground rules are in place and this enables the children to feel secure in the environment and be aware of the boundaries and as a result they are well behaved. The childminder gently reminds children not to open the cupboard door, so to ensure they do not come to any harm. The childminder is supportive of the children and is respectful to them. Their behaviour is managed in a positive manner, through the use of distraction, explanation and encouragement. This enables the children to feel part of the group and learn about boundaries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure that their children’s specific needs are met. For example, the childminder records information and follows the parent’s instructions. The children all benefit from continuity of care, which supports their emotional well-being. The parents are informed of the complaints procedure and provided with packs about the childminder's practice, policies and procedures. The childminder exchanges information regularly about the children and a clear system of communication ensures an effective passage of information.

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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 good. The required documentation is in place and is in good order. The childminder has a Foundation stage degree in early years and regularly up dates her training and has completed many courses, and has an up to date first aid certificate.

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Organisation

Children are cared for appropriately, for example, the required ratios are always maintained and the day is organised around the children's needs. The childminder has attended a large amount of training courses to ensure she remains updated and to provide good care for the children. All members of the household and any frequent visitors are subjected to clearance checks and visitors are not left unsupervised at any time. This helps to ensure that children are safe from harm. 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 continue to develop resources that reflect our diverse society. The childminder has provided a comprehensive range of toys, equipment and posters ensuring children learn about the wider community.

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Improvements since the last inspection

In addition to this the childminder was asked to ensure the safety of the gas appliances. A carbon monoxide detector has now been provided.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require 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 complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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 there is a separate area in the garden for the dogs.

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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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