Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360356 Unique Reference Number 02 July 2008 Inspection date Angela Cuffe 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 two children aged 11 years old and eight months old in Heaton Moor, Stockport. The whole of the ground floor and the spare bedroom on the first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day, and one child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a pet hamster.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and homely environment. They use wet wipes or wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating to prevent the spread of germs. The babies' equipment and changing area are kept clean, as are the worktops in the kitchen and eating area. The children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. They have unlimited use of the garden and are taken out on a daily basis to socialise with other children and benefit from fresh air and exercise. The childminder understands the issues surrounding the safe storage and administration of medication and seeks appropriate written consent from parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet from the meals and snacks available to them. These include fresh fruit and vegetables and a choice of healthy drinks. All meals are home cooked using fresh ingredients. The childminder is aware of the need to consider parents' wishes when providing food for the children in her care. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents on induction and information about the food they have eaten is shared verbally on a daily basis. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks. They either help themselves or ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the ability to move around and freely choose from the toys and activities available. There is a good range of toys and equipment which is well organised and stored within easy reach. Safety and suitability are maintained by the regular checking and cleaning of the toys. The children have sufficient space to play comfortably indoors and have access to a safe and secure garden for outdoor play. The risk of accidental injury is minimised by the regular risk assessments of the premises. However, there are some hazardous plants in the garden and a broken metal grill covering a steep drop to the cellar window, which pose risks to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children enjoy outdoor play in the garden. They are taken out on a regular basis to local parks, parent and toddler groups and libraries, where they socialise with other children. The childminder uses strict routines to ensure safety whilst on outings. Discussions about road safety and stranger danger give the children a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe. Fire safety is enhanced by the regular practise of fire drills and clear procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home. The warm and homely environment and appropriate interaction from the childminder help develop warm and caring relationships. They are given appropriate attention as the childminder is aware of their needs and meets them well. For example, when one of the younger children is tired because he has missed his usual morning nap, she comforts him as he sits on her knee for a cuddle and then shows him the birds and the trees through the window. Children are motivated and interested in the range of activities available. They move around and freely choose from the toys available. Children have unlimited access to the garden for outdoor play and are taken out on a regular basis where they socialise with other children and benefit from fresh air and exercise.

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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 Children develop independence as they help themselves to cars, musical instruments and wheelie toys. They know which buttons to press to make them work and how banging the instruments makes a good sound. Children are praised for their efforts and are proud of their achievements. One child is confidently talking about starting school in September and he is very excited. Children talk about their favourite toys and books and interact well with the childminder as she talks cheerfully to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children value each other as individuals. They learn about different cultures through the activities provided and the equipment available to them. They are made aware of the wider world through regular discussions and information in books. Children express their needs naturally to enable the childminder to gain a better understanding and build routines. As a consequence, the children are happy and settled in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's efforts, achievements and good behaviour are acknowledged, recognised and praised appropriately. Consequently, children are confident and have high self-esteem. The childminder speaks positively to the children. She supports and helps them to understand simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. As a result, the children behave well. They understand their boundaries and respond well to discussions and occasional reminders from the childminder. Information about the children's progress is shared with the parents verbally on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and caring home. The childminder has good relationships with the children and organises her day to enable her to give them lots of support, encouragement and attention. The home routine is followed to help new children settle and to ensure continuity of care.

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Organisation

Most of the required childminding records and documentation are in place and stored appropriately. However, a register of children's attendance including the times of arrival and departure of each child has not been kept. This has a negative impact on the care of children. The childminder has attended all the required training courses to help her develop her childminding skills. This enhances the continuity of care of the children. As a result, children's safety and security and the childminder's partnership with parents are enhanced.

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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 all 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 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 cellar grate and hazardous plants do not pose risks to children • ensure a register is kept at all times and includes the times of arrival and departure of each child.

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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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