Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY359348 Unique Reference Number 29 July 2008 Inspection date Kay Margaret Armstrong 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 has been registered since October 2007. She lives with her partner in the Ashton-under-Lyne area of Tameside, close to shops, parks and the library. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Outdoor play is provided by visits to the park. There are toilet facilities on both the ground floor and first floor.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of six children. Currently she cares for six children who attend on either a full or part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she gains support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are supported in their development and become familiar with everyday hygiene routines. They begin to develop independent skills, such as when washing their hands or brushing their teeth. The childminder has clear procedures in place to promote health and prevent

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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. For example, she provides individual face cloths and towels for the children and has a clear sickness policy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy outdoor play as they regularly visit the park, where they state they enjoy playing on the swings and slides and playing football. Such opportunities allow children to gain control of their bodies and develop their gross motor skills. The childminder ensures that the children wear cream to protect them from the sun when they are playing outdoors. Children are encouraged to walk to activities within the local area, promoting their understanding of the importance of exercise for a healthy lifestyle. They are able to rest according to their needs. Children enjoy a warm, supportive relationship with the childminder, helping to promote their emotional well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses and agrees children's dietary requirements with parents. The sample menu clearly demonstrates a good understanding of children's dietary needs. The childminder encourages children to make healthy choices by providing a range of fruit and vegetables for snacks. They help themselves to the snacks when they are hungry. Meals are home made, nutritious and contribute to the children's physical growth and development. Children remain hydrated as they are able to access drinks freely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely environment where they have ample space to move around freely. Examples of children's artwork are displayed in the hallway, giving them a sense of belonging within the setting. A range of play materials is available and these are safe, clean and in good condition, allowing children to acquire new skills and knowledge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder supervises the children well, enabling them to play independently and safely. Children are protected within the home by the provision of safety equipment such as a fire blanket, cupboard locks and covers for plug sockets. Good procedures are in place for the safe collection of children. The entrances and exits to the premises are secure. Children are appropriately restrained when out walking with the childminder and are made aware of the green cross code to raise their awareness of personal safety. However, the emergency evacuation procedure has not been practised with the children and they do not know what to do in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has a good awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse and who to contact if she has professional concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children's welfare is promoted and their individual needs are met through the range of activities that includes opportunities for social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. The relaxed atmosphere enables children to settle quickly. The children are happy and have a very positive relationship with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of children’s developmental needs. She plans and provides activities which interest children and promote the different areas of learning. Children benefit from social experiences as they are taken to different groups, for example, they enjoy the singing and dancing activities provided at the local children's centre. Children enjoy a variety

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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 of creative opportunities, for example, they paint pictures, make cards to celebrate birthdays and Christmas and decorate eggs during Easter celebrations. Young children develop their senses and have fun as they experience various textures such as playing with jelly. They make good progress in the care of the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of equal opportunities and encourages positive attitudes in children. She knows the children well and meets their individual needs effectively. The childminder celebrates festivals and there are some resources available which reflect equality of opportunity, such as ethnic dolls and books. These help to promote children’s understanding of difference. However, resources are not yet fully developed, which limits children's understanding of the world around them. The childminder cares for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She recognises the importance of welcoming children into a sharing and inclusive environment and of working closely with parents, which she does well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a sound awareness of issues relating to behaviour management and children are very well behaved. She ensures that methods for handling children's behaviour are discussed with parents to ensure consistency. Age-appropriate strategies are used to deal with any instances of unacceptable behaviour. Verbal praise is used to celebrate children's efforts and achievements, which promotes children’s confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are happy with the care afforded to their children. Informal chats at the end of the day keep parents informed about how their children spend their day. Regular discussions and the use of a daily journal promote good working relationships with parents. They benefit from an information file, which includes details of activities, routines and childcare policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides stimulating activities and consistent routines. She organises her time and space effectively to meet the children's individual needs. Children are relaxed as they play comfortably in a well organised, child-orientated environment. They benefit from the caring attention of the childminder. The childminder provides a good range of activities to interest the children and they make sound progress in their development. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate in place which enables her to administer treatment if necessary.

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Organisation

Records and documentation are of a good standard, which promotes health, safety and continuity of care for the children. However, the childminder has not obtained prior written consent to administer medication for all the children in her care. The childminder has a good understanding of the childminding regulations and meets the requirements. She attends relevant training sessions to ensure that her childcare knowledge and awareness is up-to-date.

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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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Improvements 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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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 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): • ensure children are aware of what to do in the event of a fire • continue to develop resources which reflect our diverse society • obtain prior written consent to administer medication.

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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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