Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY358611 Unique Reference Number 16 April 2008 Inspection date Susan Janet Lee 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 two children aged three and six years in a semi-detached property in Eccles, Salford.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The hall, family room, kitchen and toilet on the ground floor and one bedroom with ensuite bathroom facilities on the first floor are used for childminding purposes. There is a rear garden available for outdoor play. The family have a cat and two rabbits as pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for one child. She is able to take and collect children from the local primary school and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children stay healthy because they are cared for in well maintained and clean premises. The childminder actively promotes good health and hygiene practices to minimise the risk of

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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 cross infection. The children develop an awareness of hygiene practices and learn about personal care routines as they wash their hands at appropriate times of the day. The written sick children's policy ensures effective measures are in place when children are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

The food and drink policy works well in practice. The children are well nourished and develop an awareness of healthy options. The childminder provides a menu that is well balanced and nutritious to aid children's growth and development. Snacks include lots of fresh fruit and toast and meals are home cooked and include a variety of dishes, such as fish pie, macaroni cheese and lasagne. The children also have opportunities to try different tastes and textures as they regularly try foods from other countries and cultures. The children are able to access drinks to independently quench their thirst. Snack time is a relaxed enjoyable occasion. The children sit with the childminder and they chat whilst eating at their own pace.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder follows very young children's individual daily routines and this helps to provide a secure and familiar environment. The children have lots of opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise in the outdoor environment. They play in the garden each day and visit the park; all of which contributes to their good health and physical development. The children have access to a lovely outdoor play area in the garden. They have access to a wide range of outdoor play equipment, allowing them to learn about their bodies and develop control and coordination. The children have fun playing in the sand pit and riding trucks. They play football with the childminder and are able to steer and control the ball well with their feet. The children move their bodies to create intended movements as they move backwards and forwards to make the seesaw move to and fro.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and homely environment. There is lots of space available allowing the children to move around freely and explore their surroundings. The childminder uses the space well to accommodate active and more restful activities. There is a good selection of furniture available enabling children to play, rest and eat in comfort. The childminder provides a wide range of resources to meet the needs of the children being cared for. She also uses the library and a toy library to further enhance children's activities and experiences. The childminder cleans and checks resources on a regular basis to minimise risks to children. All items are of good quality and appear in a safe and clean condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of safety. She has developed a written risk assessment of the indoor and outdoor environment to ensure they are safe and secure. The childminder supervises the children well enabling them to play safely and independently. She encourages the children's understanding in keeping themselves safe through daily routines and the use of age appropriate explanation and distraction techniques. The childminder has developed an emergency evacuation procedure. This is practised each month with the children and helps the youngest children to be familiar with this routine, should they need to leave the premises quickly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All required documentation is in place and the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection matters and procedures. As a result, children are well protected and their welfare is effectively safeguarded.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a clear understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the new 'Early years foundation stage'. She plans a wide range of interesting and stimulating play activities based on a thematic approach to help children develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. The childminder observes the children at play and uses this information to chart their progress and plan future activities to aid children's next stages in development. The childminder has developed children's individual records of development. These include written observations and photographs to illustrate the children's progress and enjoyment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are happily engaged and occupied and the emphasis is very much on them having fun through play. The children also benefit from activities outside the home as the childminder utilises local amenities, such as the park, story time at the library and parent toddler group, helping to widen children's experiences and give them opportunities to socialise with their peers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder dedicates time playing with the children. She sits at the same level as the children as they play. The childminder shares warm close relationships with the children, who are content, relaxed and secure in her care. The childminder provides lots of positive physical contact by means of hugs and cuddles. The children openly seek a cuddle when they need a little reassurance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are able to freely choose what they want to play with, helping them to initiate their own ideas and develop choice and independence. The children enjoy a game of hide and seek with the childminder and then they go on a bear hunt. The children enjoy listening to a story and the childminder uses puppets to act the story out. The children have fun playing imaginatively with a wide range of imaginative play resources and small world activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children develop a good sense of belong. On arrival, they enter with ease and go happily to play. The children are able to make decisions as they choose what to play with and what they would like for their snack. They learn about caring for other living things as they help to feed the pet rabbit. The children clearly enjoy their time with the childminder and they thrive on her interaction and attention.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder gathers a wealth of information from parents about their children's individual needs to enable her to be in a position to best meet these needs. The childminder works closely with parents and she values and respects children's cultural backgrounds. The children develop an awareness of their local community through trips out to local amenities. They have access to a good range of toys that promote positive images of our diverse society, helping them to develop a positive social attitude and respect for others. The childminder provides an inclusive environment enabling the children to make a positive contribution and reach their potential. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder acts as a positive role model to the children. She treats them with care and concern, is calm and sensitive and encourages the children to share and take turns. As a result, the children receive a clear message of what is expected of them. The childminder is able to

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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 skilfully observe and manage minor altercations and she uses age appropriate distraction techniques to divert the children's attention. The children receive lots of encouragement and praise for positive behaviour and their achievements, helping them to feel valued and developing their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed a portfolio that includes detailed polices and procedures. This is shown and discussed with parents at the introduction meeting. Parents sign to confirm they have understood, helping to forge good working relationships and a shared understanding from an early stage. The childminder shares good working relationships with parents. She greets them warmly on arrival and takes time to chat with them. Effective systems are in place to keep parents informed about their children's daily activities and developmental progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is an enthusiastic and committed childcare practitioner. She has a high regard for children's well-being as she attends training to further develop her childcare practices. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate ensuring she has up to date knowledge of what to do in the event of an accident or minor injury. The childminder has developed long and short term plans to further develop the service she provides.

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Organisation

The record of children's attendance is up to date and shows ratios are maintained to promote children's care, learning and play. Children's care is enhanced as the childminder organises space, time and resources well to effectively meet their needs.

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Organisation

The childminder has developed a full range of written policies and procedures and these work well in practice to positively promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Most required documentation is in place. This is well organised for easy reference and stored securely to maintain confidentiality. However, written parental consent for emergency medical attention is not in place.

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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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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 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): • request written parental consent for emergency medical attention.

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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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