Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360027 Unique Reference Number 08 May 2008 Inspection date Jeanne Lesley Walsh 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 three children aged eight, six and two years in the Gee Cross area of Hyde. The whole of the ground floor, with the exception of the kitchen, is used for childminding purposes. Bathroom facilities are on the first floor and a secure rear garden is available for outdoor play. The family have two pet cats. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a clean, well maintained and hygienic environment. They enjoy regular physical activity because they walk to school daily; they climb on the climbing frame, jump on the trampoline, visit physical activity groups and enjoy regular walks to the park. They are beginning to understand simple good health and hygiene practices as they follow positive daily routines. They are helped to wash their hands before snack and they use clean towels, which are washed daily. They also wash their hands after playing in the garden, touching pets

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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 and at other appropriate times of the day, which helps to reduce the risk of cross infection. However, there is no sick children policy in place to ensure their full protection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Written consent is obtained from parents to enable the childminder to seek emergency advice or treatment for children. There is a first aid box available and the childminder has completed first aid training, which means she is able to provide appropriate care for children in the event of an accident. Accident records are signed by parents and include details of any injuries a child may have on arrival at the setting and records are also kept of any medication given.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are becoming aware of healthy eating through the daily menus for meals and snacks. Discussion confirms that the childminder prefers to provide mostly fresh foods and plenty of fruit and vegetables. At snack time the children are observed to have a choice of what they eat and happily tuck into apples and grapes with water to drink. Some parents choose to bring their own child’s food, although the childminder is willing to provide meals as required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure environment. All areas are made suitable for their purpose and good space is available for children to play. The setting has suitable child size furniture and appropriate equipment to assist with children's safety and learning. A variety of good quality toys and activities is available to meet the needs of all the children who attend. It is all easily accessible in low level storage and the children are encouraged to make independent choices of what they wish to do. Some of their work is displayed, which helps to boost their self-esteem and promote a sense of belonging in the setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are protected because procedures are in place to ensure that risks are reduced. There is an emergency evacuation procedure available, which is practised regularly and general risk assessments take place and are recorded monthly. Smoke detectors are appropriately placed, plug sockets are protected and there is a fire blanket available in the kitchen. Children are secure and well supervised and they cannot let themselves out of the premises. The childminder has taken steps to minimise most hazards, however, there is a trailing wire in the bathroom, which is potentially hazardous to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because the childminder understands her role with regard to child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into place when necessary. She is aware of procedures to follow if she should have concerns and there is supporting documentation available for reference, if required. Children are also starting to learn about their own safety on the road and they know that they have to stop when they reach the kerb. There are also clearly defined procedures available, to be followed in the event of a child being lost or not collected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children follow a flexible daily routine, which ensures that their individual care needs are met, such as nappy changing, eating and sleeping. They are happy and settled in the childminders home. They become involved in a range of opportunities that help them to develop and progress as individuals. The childminder encourages them to make independent choices of what they wish to do throughout the day and ensures that toys and activities are rotated regularly to maintain interest and enthusiasm.

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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 The children explore the activity toys, pressing buttons, stacking shapes and listening to the musical instruments. They love the doll and dress and undress it, they change the dolls nappy and strap it securely in its seat. Story time is often spontaneous, occurring as a child picks up a book and takes

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

it to sit on the childminders knee. They cuddle up together and as the childminder reads the words, the children point to the pictures and try to copy the sounds. The childminder encourages further communication skills throughout the day as she constantly talks and explains things to the children. She responds to their needs and they respond to her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder describes how she has started to introduce the younger children to messy play activities, such as gloop, water and sand. The childminder is very supportive and encourages the children by praising and celebrating their achievements. The children are happy and curious and confidently move around the setting exploring and discovering. They are developing warm relationships with the childminder, who is observed to be very patient and caring and gives them lots of time and attention. They are settled and content in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder discusses children’s individual needs with the parents during their initial introductions. This helps her to provide appropriate care for children. She is beginning to introduce the children to diversity through simple activities and resources, such as celebrating different religious and cultural festivals. They visit the library for information books and extend activities that the children do at school. They have regular access to a range of resources including books, small world play, games, dolls and puzzles that form part of their everyday activities and raise their awareness of difference. Good use is made of local amenities, such as their visits to local toddler groups, children’s activity groups, the local parks and the shops. They walk to most places and this is helping children to develop a sense of belonging and start to become aware of their local community and the wider society we live in. All children are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

helped to join in, take responsibility and play a productive part in the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are starting to learn about right and wrong. There is a policy available that is shared with parents to promote a positive and consistent approach to behaviour management. Simple house rules set realistic limits according to children’s age and stage of development and ensure children’s safety. Children’s home-made certificates displayed on the wall show how the children are rewarded for good behaviour and for being kind and helpful. This helps to boost children’s confidence and self-esteem. The children are encouraged to treat each other with respect and they are observed to be happy and settled in the setting and they behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are kept informed of their child's progress through daily discussion. The childminder always makes herself available to the parents and always tries to be flexible and supportive. She is very aware of the importance of confidentiality and this is promoted through her policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a warm and homely environment. They are in the direct care of the childminder at all times and all persons in the household over sixteen years of age have

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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 completed a criminal records check. The childminder has completed required training and shows interest in continuing her own development through attending additional training courses that may become available.

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Organisation

The daily register is kept in good order and demonstrates that the childminder maintains appropriate adult to child ratios, according to her registration requirements. The children’s care is agreed with parents through regular discussions and written contracts. Documentation is in good order and is appropriately available for parents information. All required documentation is available for inspection. The children are cared for in a safe environment where they are happy and settled. 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 complaint 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): • provide a sick children policy • ensure safety in bathroom in relation to the loose wiring

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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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