Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY358406 Unique Reference Number 28 May 2008 Inspection date Janice Linsdell 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 and two year old daughter in Widnes, Cheshire. Most areas of the property are used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed rear yard available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and she is currently minding one child aged three years who attends on a part-time basis. There are no pets kept on the premises. 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 kept healthy because the childminder follows suitable hygiene procedures and keeps the premises clean and reasonably tidy. She takes appropriate measures to reduce the spread of germs, for example, by wiping the children's hands before they eat their food, using tissues to keep their noses clean, and providing individual blankets and flannels. Children have

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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 daily opportunities to be outside in the fresh air, for example, as they play in the rear yard or visit the local park. This helps to promote their physical health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are sufficiently nourished and have their dietary needs met. The childminder is trying to promote healthy eating by encouraging the children to choose more healthier options, such as fresh fruit and brown bread, but this is sometimes a struggle. Children sit together at the small table to eat their lunch and the childminder keeps a record of what they have to eat each day. Children have access to their own cup of juice and they are reminded to take regular drinks throughout the day to stay refreshed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe in the childminder's care because she takes appropriate steps to reduce hazards and keeps the children in her sight at all times. She checks areas prior to children's arrival and has standard safety equipment in place, such as stair gates and smoke alarms. The premises are quite small, which means available play space for children is restricted. Nevertheless, the childminder tries to organise children's play by limiting the amount of resources set out at any one time and rotating toys boxes to give children some variety. Toys are cleaned and checked regularly to ensure they are safe for the children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder highlights general hazards to children and minimises the risk of accidents, for example, by reminding children to sit down when they are eating. However, the procedures for fire safety and evacuation are not fully developed and the back door is blocked with the pram. This impacts on children's ability to escape quickly in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has sufficient knowledge of child protection issues. She has access to guidance and information leaflets to assist her in taking appropriate action to protect children from harm. Detailed written procedures in relation to safeguarding children are also available and shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and happy in the childminder's care because she interacts appropriately with them and becomes involved in their play, such as drawing together with the 'magic pens'. The childminder takes an informal approach to organising the children's day, which depends on the weather and the children's general mood. Children can play with the toys and take part in activities, such as drawing, reading, singing and dancing. They also enjoy outings, for example, to the shops and the local library. At the moment, younger children do not attend any toddler groups, but they have some opportunities to mix and play with other children of similar age when they meet up with the childminder's friends.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have fun with the childminder, for example, they giggle when she wraps them up in the blanket and lifts them up so they can see themselves in the mirror. Children enjoy some role play activities, such as ironing the dolls clothes and gently rocking the pram to get the baby to sleep. However, the television is continually on in the background, which can be distracting for children as they play.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder treats children with equal concern and obtains relevant information from parents about their individual needs. Children are learning about their own community as they visit some local amenities and they have access to a selection of resources to help raise their awareness of diversity, such as Spanish books and play materials promoting disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn how to take turns and share the toys. Disputes over resources are dealt with calmly by the childminder. Children are praised for their efforts and thanked for being helpful, which helps to reinforce positive behaviour. The childminder is developing sound relationships with parents and she keeps them informed about the children's day. Relevant parental consent is in place for various aspects relating to the children's care and parents receive a copy of all the childminder's policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder offers a welcoming environment, where children receive appropriate care and support. She only cares for a small number of children, which means required adult-child ratios are met at all times. She has completed required basic training in childminding and first aid, and has attended a briefing regarding the new Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Organisation

All required documentation to promote the children's care and welfare is accessible, well organised and well maintained. Parents receive a detailed and informative pack containing some good information about the childminder's policies and procedures. 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. 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 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 the procedures for fire safety and ensure exits are kept clear at all times • review the use of the television during children's play.

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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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