Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360380 Unique Reference Number 12 May 2008 Inspection date Julie Firth 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 has been registered since 2007. She lives in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor, including the dining room and lounge is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed yard at the rear of the house for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for three children under eight years and there is currently one child attending. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a suitable maintained home where temperatures are controlled. They learn the importance of personal care, and they have an understanding of why they must wash their hands after playing outside and using the toilet. There is an effective sick child's policy

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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 in place to prevent the spread of infections and protect children's health. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate to enable her to treat children with minor injuries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a sufficient range of physical activities that enable them to develop control of their bodies. The physical development of older children and children under three years is fostered by the use of a sufficient selection of outdoor play equipment in the childminder's rear garden, and regular visits to the park and local groups. They learn the importance of regular exercise through daily routines. Children are becoming aware of their own needs, such as time for a rest or drink.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's growth and development is promoted by the provision of healthy meals and snacks and written menus are in place. Children have a choice of sandwiches, carrots, cucumber, tuna bake, spaghetti and omelettes. They sit together for meals and snacks and enjoy a relaxed social occasion. The childminder respects parents' wishes and their dietary requirements are met as she works with parents in finding out their child's requirements and respectfully follows these.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have good freedom of movement, with ample space available where they can relax in comfort or take part in more active play. Posters are displayed around the playroom indicating letter and number recognition. Thought is given to making areas used by them safe, with effective risk assessments in place. Their safety is enhanced by the careful monitoring of toys and activities to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children's independence is enhanced by the organisation of resources, which enables them to freely choose what to play with and where. Good storage of labelled equipment enables the childminder to alternate the resources and give children a further choice of toys and crafts.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to accept responsibility for their own safety as they become aware of road safety and recognise the importance of holding on to the childminder's hand when out walking. A health and safety policy ensures that children's safety is promoted and this reflects in her practice. Sleeping children are monitored and there are clear procedures for the collection of children. An effective fire evacuation plan ensures children are aware of what to do in an emergency and they have the opportunity to practice regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has clear and consistent procedures in place. She has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures that are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. She has attended recent training to keep up to date with new legislation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy the company of the childminder who has developed warm caring relationships with them. She offers appropriate physical contact by means of cuddles and hugs, maintains eye contact and smiles. As a result the children are happy, secure, content and relaxed in her home. Children are engaged in some activities such as, arts and crafts, painting and play dough. Their imaginary skills are promoted as they choose the jungle animals, play on the mat with cars and with the small world. Trips to the park, local group and places of interest are planned

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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 enabling children to have experience of their environment and mix with other children. They are developing language and communication skills when the childminder reads to them and asks them to recognise colour and letters.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has begun to plan some activities for children and has recently started a learning journey book indicating children having fun as they settle into their new environment. However, planning, observation and assessment is in the early stages and not fully developed to meet the individual needs of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to some resources to increase their awareness of different cultures. However, few activities are planned to promote children's awareness of diversity. The childminder has an awareness of working with the outside agencies to meet children's needs and children are valued and respected as individuals. They behave well and they are clear about their boundaries and expectations which are explained to them and applied consistently. Their self-esteem and confidence are fostered as the childminder praises them when displaying good behaviour and she encourages them to share toys with her own grandchild. The childminder works closely with the parents on behaviour management.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the relationships the childminder develops with parents and she tries hard to explain the policies and procedures when English is not the first language. They receive verbal feedback on a daily basis about their child's activities and progress, which helps to promote children's welfare and provides consistency and care for all children. There is a written complaints procedure in place and the childminder is aware of recording any concerns or complaints that parents may have.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is committed to improving the quality of care she provides to children, and to support her development she has attended recent training and achieved a high grade at level two in childcare. Future planning indicates her enthusiasm to implement new ideas with the children in a homely environment. Children are encouraged to explore opportunities available in clearly defined areas in the childminder's home. She spends time with all her children to help them feel secure and supports them in their play. She thrives to meet their individual needs as they settle in a new environment helping them to become familiar with herself and daily routines. She works closely with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met.

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Organisation

She has spent time devising a comprehensive booklet of policies and procedures which contributes to the safety and well-being of children being cared for. These are shared and respected by parents. All children's records are up to date and the actual arrivals and departures are recorded. 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 registartion 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): • develop planning and provide stimulating activities for children of all ages • ensure observation and assessment are used effectively to plan for children's next steps of learning • provide children with more opportinities to promote their diversity awareness.

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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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