Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY359561 Unique Reference Number 17 April 2008 Inspection date Carla Owen 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 and lives in Salford with her two adult daughters and one teenage daughter. She lives within walking distance of Manchester city centre.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a total of six children under eight. There are currently four children on roll, a one year old, a four year old, a five year old and a seven year old. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. The childminder takes children to the local creches and toddler groups and collects children from the local schools. Her childminding practice is known as 'Minnie Kidz'.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently working towards a National Vocational Qualification level 3 and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Sound procedures are followed to ensure children are protected from the risk of cross infection. For example, children wash their hands at appropriate times of the day, such as before eating and after toileting. Children with any infectious illnesses are excluded and parents are contacted if children should become unwell whilst in the childminder's care. Children are treated appropriately in the event of an accident as the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and a first aid box is within reach.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to appreciate their local environment and benefit from fresh air and exercise as they go on regular trips to the parks, play football, walk to the library, shops and to and from the local school. The childminder also takes the children on regular outings to places, as the zoo and museums. A safe and secure outdoor area is also available to children for outdoor play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a suitable range of snacks and meals which promote their growth and development. These include sandwiches, pasta, stews, fruit and yogurt. Children thoroughly enjoy their healthy snacks and sit together and chat by the dining table as they eat. Children's dietary requirements are recorded and adhered to at all times by the childminder. Fresh drinking water and juice is available to the children throughout the day to keep themselves hydrated and refreshed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in the safe and secure environment of the childminder's home. Children benefit from ample space and rooms are kept at an adequate light and temperature to ensure children's comfort whilst they play. There is a suitable range of toys and resources available to the children which are developmentally appropriate. However, some toys are inaccessible to the children which prevents them independently making choices in their play. Resources are cleaned and checked regularly to ensure they are safe for children's use. Good use is made of safety equipment. A fireguard has been erected in the living room, safety gates are used to restrict access within the home and high chairs are used for babies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder conducts a safety checklist each week in the home to identify potential hazards. All plug sockets are covered and a smoke alarm has been fitted on each level of the home. However, the front door is not kept locked when minded children are present which poses a potential risk. The childminder has devised an emergency evacuation plan, however, this has not been shared with the children which prevents them being clear on how to evacuate the premises in the event of a fire. Children are learning about personal safety as they are reminded to stay close when out walking, and not to climb on furniture indoors. The childminder also speaks to the children about road and traffic safety when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as the childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedure to follow if she should have any concerns about a child's welfare.

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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 satisfactory. Children are very happy and secure within the relaxed environment of the childminder's home. They enjoy a wide range of activities which are planned and provided for them. Older children particularly like arts and crafts, such as model making, painting, gluing and sticking and making cards for different occasions. They gain first hand experiences as they go shopping. Children have their own shopping basket and help to pay for their items at the till. They observe growth as they plant seeds and watch them grow. Children are able to use their imagination as they play with small world toys, engage in role play and dress up in different costumes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's language development is promoted as they read books, sing familiar songs and practise their handwriting skills as they write about their trip to the zoo. Babies' early communication skills are fostered as the childminder responds to their babblings and facial expressions. Young babies enjoy exploring the cause and effect toys and looking at their own reflections in the mirror.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder currently only has a basic knowledge of how to promote children's learning development. She plans to attend training to ensure children make good progress whilst in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are treated with equal respect and concern within the childminder's home. They are beginning to gain an awareness of the wider world as the childminder talks to them about people's differences, however there are limited opportunities for children to learn about cultural diversity and access resources which reflect equal opportunities. There are currently no children in the childminder's care with learning difficulties or disabilities. However, she understands the importance of adapting activities and working closely with parents and outside agencies to ensure children feel included and have their needs fully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved. The childminder adopts appropriate techniques to manage behaviour, such as distraction for younger children and explanations for older children. This allows children to understand the boundaries of acceptable behaviour within the home. Children are also encouraged to share at all times and the childminder uses constant praise and encouragement to promote positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are welcomed into the childminder's home at the beginning and end of the day. Verbal feedback along with the daily diary for babies in her care, keeps them informed about any relevant issues regarding their care. A wealth of information regarding children's home routines and likes and dislikes is obtained when they start to ensure they settle quickly and the childminder knows how best to meet their needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude to improving the quality of care she offers. She has recently undergone training to help develop her childminding practice. The childminder recognises her responsibility to protect children from harm and ensures that children

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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 are well supervised at all times. She organises her time effectively to ensure all children in her care are given equal attention.

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Organisation

All documentation regarding the care of the children is in place, up to date and organised to respect confidentiality. The childminder has compiled some policies and procedures, which she shares with parents to help underpin the level of care she offers.

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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): • ensure the fire evacuation procedure is practised with the children • ensure premises are kept secure at all times and improve the accessibility of toys and resources for the younger children • develop knowledge and understanding of the curriculum for children under five and how they learn • provide more opportunities for children to learn about cultural diversity.

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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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