Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355140 Unique Reference Number 27 May 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 satisfactory. 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 two children aged five and one year in the Bredbury area of Stockport. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. 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. The family has a cat. With parental consent children are taken to local amenities, such as local parks and community groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. Sensible hygiene policies and procedures help to minimise the risk of cross infection and protect children from illness. For example, an effective sick child and exclusion policy is in operation and children are reminded to wash their hands after handling the pets or using the toilet. However, children are not always

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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 reminded to wash their hands before they eat their snack. As a result, hygiene routines are inconsistent for children, which pose an element of risk to their health. Suitable procedures are in place to record medication administered and any accidents sustained. However, the childminder has not obtained consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are recorded and respected. They enjoy healthy and nutritious, freshly prepared, home cooked meals which contribute towards a balanced diet. Meals are prepared using fresh ingredients and contain a good variety of vegetables. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding about healthy eating and does not give children processed foods because of the high salt content. Children keep themselves refreshed with water when they are thirsty and have diluted sugar free juice and milk throughout the day. Children's cups and beakers are refilled regularly to ensure they remain hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop positive attitudes towards physical exercise because they enjoy activities which contribute towards a healthy lifestyle. They walk from school everyday and are excited when they go out to play in the childminder's garden. Young children attempt to kick and throw the ball and older children show off their skills as they jump in and out of hoops.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a secure and welcoming environment. There is sufficient play space for children to engage in a variety of activities and resources are generally organised to allow children safe, independent access. Children do not have sufficient access to books as most are stored upstairs, which limits their choice and enjoyment. Safety standards are maintained with toys, equipment and resources. They are washed regularly and broken or incomplete items are repaired or discarded, minimising risks to children's health and safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a home environment which is safe, clean and appropriately organised to suit their needs. The childminder ensures that children are well protected in the home because doors and gates remain locked when children are playing indoors and out. Smoke alarms are maintained in good working order and a suitable emergency evacuation plan has been considered. The childminder minimises the risks and hazards by making cleaning substances inaccessible to children and by restricting access to the stairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Although a fire blanket is fitted to the kitchen wall, it is not within easy reach of the childminder in the event of a fire. The rear garden is secure but some garden tools and a trailing wire from a patio heater pose a risk to children's safety. Glass bottles also pose a risk as they are stored in a low-level box in the rear garden, which is accessible to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a secure understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of concerns about a child's welfare. She has the relevant contact numbers on file and makes parents aware of her responsibilities to keep children safe from harm or neglect. Children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time with the childminder because she gets down to their level and plays with them, supporting their efforts and achievements. They are settled and secure in her home and share good relationships with her and her family. Children who are new to the setting are

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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 given lots of attention and reassurance, which helps them to develop secure attachments with the childminder. They follow the childminder as she moves from room to room to keep her in their sight. They take comfort from her as she sits them on her knee and lets them snuggle in.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children confidently choose what they want to do, for example, after playing with the kitchen and play food, they select drawing materials and enjoy colouring and creating their own pictures. Children are confident around other adults as they bring toys to show the inspector and draw pictures for her. Young children develop their language skills as they repeat familiar words, such as ball, kick and dinner. They enjoy playing with toys that stimulate their senses, for example, toys they press to make sounds and light up.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop good relationships with each other as they play well together. Older children show care and concern for younger children. They give each other hugs and kisses as they go home at the end of the day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from good relationships with the childminder which ensures they feel secure and confident within the home. They respond positively to the praise and encouragement they receive as they frequently smile, chatter and giggle with the childminder. Children are taken out in the local community which helps them to gain some understanding about the wider world. The childminder continues to build an adequate selection of toys which promote equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and polite towards each other. Older children readily share toys and older children are gently reminded about sharing. Children use please and thank you to each other and the childminder. When they are leaving at the end of the day they thank the childminder for having them. The childminder acts as a positive role model for children; she is courteous and polite as she gently reminds children about their behaviour and encourages them to tidy away toys when they have finished playing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder develops with their parents. Information is shared with parents about the childminding service and a flexible settling in procedure helps children settle at their own pace. Regular exchange of information at the beginning and end of the day helps to keep parents informed about their children. The childminder has produced a range of written documents which she shares with parents when placement for children is agreed. This provides parents with an opportunity to influence care arrangements and agree expectations, for example, when negotiating settling in arrangements. The childminder is aware that she is required to keep records of written complaints. However, because she has not received any she has not yet devised a suitable system to do so.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and comfortable in the childminder's home and benefit from consistent routines, which help them feel secure. The childminder ensures children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort. She cares for children within required ratios which ensures they make progress in all areas of their development. She divides her time well to ensure all children receive good levels of support and attention.

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Organisation

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 childminder has most documentation in place to meet the National Standards, but she has not obtained all relevant consents from parents. A valid first aid certificate is in place, which means children receive appropriate care and attention in the event of an accident or emergency.

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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

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 satisfactory. 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 practices by ensuring children's hands are washed before eating • assess the risks in relation to the garden tools, glass bottles and trailing wire and take steps to minimise these • make sure the fire blanket is easily accessible in the event of a fire • provide a selection of books which are accessible to children • obtain consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice • develop the system for recording complaints and share this with parents.

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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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