Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY349422 Unique Reference Number 28 April 2008 Inspection date Marina Anna Howarth 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 2007. She lives with her partner and 18 month son in the Whitworth area of Rossendale in Rochdale. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, plus the rear bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. She is currently minding one child under five years and two children over five years. The childminder is available to walk to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local toddler groups and she takes children to the parks, shops and for nature walks. The family has a pet cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment, where the childminder actively promotes good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection and keep children healthy. Children are protected when they are ill, as the childminder acts in their best interests by operating an exclusion policy. This ensures others are protected from illness and infection.

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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 learning the importance of personal care as they are encouraged to wash their hands before handling food and after playing outside. Their independence is encouraged through the provision of a booster step to enable easy access to the sink. However, they currently use the same towel, which increase the risk of cross infection. All the relevant documentation is in place for the recording and administration of medication and first aid. The childminder has attended relevant First Aid training which ensures children receive adequate care in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are given opportunities to enjoy physical activity and fresh air and hence develop a good sense of coordination over their bodies. For example, they are encouraged to play outside in a variety of weather conditions which enables them to experience a variety of play experiences, such as playing in the snow, climbing on apparatus and walking to and from school.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet through discussions, looking at books and visits to the local supermarket. The childminder provides a healthy range of meals and snacks which are nutritious. They are given healthy choices and the opportunity to taste a variety of foods from different cultures. Their dietary needs are met through discussions with the parents. Children are refreshed as they have access to their own drinking vessels throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder uses her awareness to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place and ensures children are made aware of potential risks. As a result, she avoids dangerous situations and successfully minimises risks through continual risk assessments. An example of this is illustrated through fire safety awareness, as the childminder has a written emergency fire evacuation procedure, which she has discussed and practised with the children on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes positive steps to promote safety and keep children safe, and views this as being essential to their welfare and well-being. She provides safe and well-maintained furniture and equipment to meet the varying needs of the children. This allows them the freedom to make choices and access opportunities within the setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of her responsibility to protect children in line with the Safeguarding Children Board. She is aware of the relevant procedures to follow in the event of any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder provides an interesting and stimulating balance of activities, allowing for active play and time to relax. Young children in her care are confident and settled due to effective communication with parents and regular sharing of information. Children clearly benefit from individual routines that are consistent with experiences at home, resulting in a strong sense of belonging. Children receive lots of cuddles and attention from the childminder. She spends time with them individually, shows interest and acknowledges what they are doing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to access resources independently and are given opportunities for freedom of choice. As a result, they are interested in their play and their concentration is good. The childminder takes children to the local library and toddler groups where they are able to socialize

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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 with other children and experience different activities. They are given opportunities to explore the outdoor environment in different weather conditions by going on nature walks, visiting the local farm and playing in puddles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder actively respects and values children as individuals. She encourages them to be aware of the wider world by acknowledging their experiences. For example, after a holiday in Europe, the childminder looked at an Atlas with the children discussing where they had been and what they had seen. Children are also learning about the wider world through the provision of resources which depict positive images of gender, culture and disability. Sensitive explanations are given if they ask questions or identify differences in appearance or behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed good relationships with parents. She operates an admissions policy which is flexible to meet the needs of the child. As a result, children are happy, settled and confident. She values and respects parents wishes and has a variety of systems in place for the exchange of information. For example, daily verbal communication and dairies. As a result, consistency of care is provided and children's individual needs are met effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to understand about responsible behaviour as they follow the positive role model set by the childminder, who is calm and consistent in her approach. Each child receives praise and encouragement, they are clearly loved and respected and feel secure in her care. Appropriate strategies are used to manage children's behaviour with consideration given to children's development and understanding. As a result, children's behaviour is good as they demonstrate good manners and respond to the clear boundaries implemented.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder plans her time and resources well to ensure children have access to a range of stimulating, fun and interesting activities both inside and outside the home. She organises the space and resources to enable children and follows individual routines to promote their welfare, care and development.

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Organisation

Required adult to child ratios are maintained and provide good levels of care and supervision to ensure children are well supported. As a result, children are secure and confident in their surroundings.

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Organisation

The majority of the required documentation is in place to promote the care and welfare of children. However, the register is not completed when children initially arrive.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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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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 children's hygiene procedures regarding hand washing • ensure the daily register is completed when children arrive and depart.

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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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