Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY359736 Unique Reference Number 18 August 2008 Inspection date Anne Drinkwater Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2007. She lives with her husband and three children aged three, four and five in the Didsbury area of Manchester. Children have access to the ground floor of the home and there is a secure rear garden available for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for three children and currently there are three children on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and well maintained environment. Each child is encouraged to develop independence in their self-help skills as they gradually learn to look after their own personal care, with discreet prompts and support from the childminder. They understand why they need to wash their hands before eating or handling food. The children's health and well-being is further promoted through a clear sickness policy. The childminder does not care

p.2

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 for children with an infectious illness and contacts parents if children become unwell. The children are able to rest and sleep in accordance with their own routines and parental wishes.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children's healthy lifestyles are supported as they benefit from a range of healthy foods to promote their growth and development. They are encouraged to eat their five a day portions, which they do with relish then proudly fill in their food sticker charts. The childminder plans a weekly menu and prepares homemade snacks, with fresh fruits and vegetables offered daily. Mealtimes are a relaxed and social occasion. Children eagerly choose where they would like to sit at the table. Drinks are readily accessible at all times.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and fitness is promoted very well through a good range of activities to support their physical development. They benefit from fresh air and exercise everyday.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children spend their day playing in the playroom diner which is bright, airy and safe. They can easily access the interesting resources which ensure that they are interested and involved. Displays of children's art work and the well presented toys create a welcoming and inviting environment for children. Space is creatively used to provide busy, messy and quiet areas to play.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is assured through an effective combination of supervision and the provision of a safe and secure environment. The children practise the evacuation procedure on a regular basis to help them develop an awareness of what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. Appropriate practices and measures prevent accidental injury to children. For example, children are well supervised by the childminder. There are socket covers in place and a safety gate to prevent children gaining unsupervised access to the kitchen. However, procedures are not in place in the event a child is lost or not collected.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is protected because the childminder has a good understanding of the Local Safe Guarding Children Board procedures. She has attended recent child protection training, records existing injuries and discusses her written child protection policy with parents.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and well settled in the childminder's care. The familiar routines and the relaxed, supportive environment contribute strongly to them feeling at ease. As a result they are confident, good humoured and self-assured. Children enjoy a warm and supportive relationship with the childminder, which promotes their emotional well-being.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder makes learning fun and uses everyday opportunities to enhance their play and development. Many creative and imaginative activities, which are fun experiences, are undertaken. For example, children's imaginative play is well fostered as they have access to a range of resources such as the carpenters bench, home corner and play house. However, toddlers have limited access to natural materials and resources to help them use their senses to explore.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a fully inclusive environment and helps the children to make a positive contribution and to reach their potential. The children learn about their local community through trips out to local amenities. The childminder records the children's individual needs, which parents discuss when completing contracts.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is consistent in her approach to managing children's behaviour, giving the children a clear message. She acts as a positive role model to the children. She is calm and sensitive, uses 'please' and 'thank you' and encourages the children to share, helping them to develop an understanding of what is expected of them.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed a portfolio which includes some written policies and procedures. This is shown and discussed with parents at the initial meeting, helping to forge good working relationships and a shared understanding from an early stage. However, parents do not have access to the latest contact details of the regulator. Parents are reassured of their children's wellbeing, as the childminder, when requested, will make frequent contact throughout the day to allay any worries they may have.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a supportive environment. The childminder divides her attention well so children feel reassured and well cared for. The day is well planned for children's enjoyment with consistent routines to ensure their well-being. There is a good balance of activities both in the childminder's home and the local community to appeal to children's interests. For example, children benefit from regular attendance at toddler groups and visits to the local parks. This extends their learning experiences and helps them to become sociable as they meet other children.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder's records and documentation are well-organised and stored in separate files and books to maintain confidentiality. A range of written and verbal policies and procedures, based on the National Standards, support the childminder in her work to ensure her business runs smoothly. A complaints procedure and record has been established and the registration certificate is displayed for parents to view. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection since registration.

p.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • further develop play experiences by providing natural materials for babies and toddlers • ensure a procedure for lost and uncollected children is in place and discussed with parents • ensure parents are provided with the updated details of the regulator.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5