Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356948 Unique Reference Number 17 April 2008 Inspection date Judith Anne Kerr 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 husband, three children and her mother in the Withington area of Manchester. Minded children have access to the whole ground floor of the childminder's house and the first floor bathroom and toilet. The family have a dog and a hamster. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for a total of eight children on a variety of placements. The childminder attends the local adult and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Procedures are in place to protect them from illness and infection. Daily routines generally promote children's awareness of personal hygiene as they are usually encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. In the event of an accident they can receive the appropriate treatment as the childminder has

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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 a valid first aid certificate and a fully stocked first aid box is within easy reach. There are suitable procedures in place for recording accidents and medication which contain all the relevant details.

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Helping children to be healthy

Systems are in place to record children's health, dietary needs and parents' preferences regarding food and drink. Meals and snacks provided are well balanced and promote children's good health. Children are able to help themselves to fruit from the well stocked bowl and enjoy bread sticks and cereal bars. Adults and children sit together round the table and discuss their day. Children are well hydrated as they have continual access to drinks to quench their thirst. Colour-coded beakers help children to identify which is theirs and minimises the risks of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. Playing in the garden and visits to the local park provide children with opportunities to develop their physical skills. As they play outside in the fresh air children can master the wheeled toys, swing, slide, run and jump. This helps them to gain control of their bodies and allows them to let off steam after the confines of the school day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home is suitably maintained and offers children sufficient space to move around freely. Children's comfort is ensured as the home is well heated and ventilated. Space is organised to meet their needs and a range of age-appropriate play materials are available. These are safe, in good condition and accessible to allow children to acquire confidence and independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder supervises the children in order to enable them to play independently and safely. The premises are secure, safety gates in use, smoke alarms fitted at each level of the house, and appropriate car seats are provided. However, some low level sockets and the second floor of the house are accessible. These pose a risk to children's safety. Written consent for outings and travel in a vehicle is not consistently requested from parents. The children are beginning to learn about personal safety as the childminder explains the importance of keeping within sight and sound when playing in the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder recognises her responsibility to protect children from harm and abuse and understands the procedures to follow in the event she has concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children enjoy positive relationships with the childminder. She dedicates her time playing and talking to them and has a clear understanding of their needs to include all ages and stages of development. She is calm and kind in her approach towards them and offers hugs and cuddles to reassure young children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children chat happily with her about their day in school. She responds to their questions and listens with interest as they discuss the highlights of their day with her. Young children benefit from sleep and eating routines which are consistent with their experiences at home. Consequently, all children are settled and happy in the friendly atmosphere created in her home. Children are familiar with the daily routines as they take off their shoes and hang up their coats.

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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 They know each other well and quickly settle down with crafts and games while they wait for their tea.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Creative opportunities allow children to develop their imagination as they paint, make a collage picture or mould the play dough. These activities encourage the children's creativity and allow them to explore colours and textures. Activities reflect children's choices and they particularly enjoy making snowmen with cotton wool. Trips out to toddler groups and the park provide children with opportunities to socialise with other children and appreciate the wider environment. The childminder encourages early language skills as she sings songs, such as 'The wheels on the bus' and 'Wind the bobbin' which reinforces early speech patterns. The childminder has a basic understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to further younger children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are well met. All children, regardless of gender, are able to access all resources and activities. However, they are learning little about diversity as there are few play materials to promote a positive view of differences in our society and no activities to help increase their awareness of others. The childminder welcomes children with disabilities into her home and ensures they are fully included in activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and are considerate towards adults and other children. Age-appropriate strategies are used in respect of behaviour management with older children being encouraged, in the first instance, to talk and resolve their disputes. The childminder ensures children are reminded of simple rules, such as advising her of any spillages so others do not fall on a wet floor. Children are praised and encouraged on a regular basis which helps promote their confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships established between their parents and the childminder. Informal discussions at the end of the day keep parents informed about all aspects of their children's care. These procedures promote security and consistency in children's lives. Written feedback from parents recognises 'the love, care and attention that you and your family have shown'.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children express themselves freely in the childminder's home. They are familiar with the routines, know where they are allowed to go and know how they are expected to behave. All adults living in the house have been vetted. The childminder recognises her responsibility to ensure the children are under her direct supervision at all times. A gradual settling-in procedure is implemented to make sure that all children are happy and confident in the childminder's care. There is a clear timetable in place which facilitates taking and collecting children from the local school.

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Organisation

The required documentation relating to the continuity of care for the children is for the most part in place and up-to-date. However, not all the required written consents from parents are in place to ensure they are fully informed about the service. The childminder displays her certificate of registration clearly in order to give confidence to parents.

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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 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): • minimise hazards from low level sockets and ensure the second floor is inaccessible • further develop activities and resources which promote anti-discriminatory practice • request written permission for all children for outings and travel in a vehicle and for seeking emergency medical treatment.

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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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