Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360998 Unique Reference Number 10 April 2008 Inspection date Joan Isabel Madden 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 good. 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 with her husband and two children, aged six years and three years. They live in a house in the Padgate, Warrington close to shops, parks, schools and pre-schools. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding. This includes the front room, dining room, study and kitchen. Additionally the rear bedroom and the bathroom on the first floor are used. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and there are currently three children on roll, aged from five months to six years. Of these, two children attend on a full time basis and one on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a qualified and experienced nursery nurse. She attends pre-school groups on a regular basis 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 good. Children are cared for in a very clean house, where there are effective procedures to help the children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day. Sensible practices, such as children eating at the table help to prevent food from becoming cross-contaminated and thereby protect the children from infections. There is an effective nappy changing routine in place. The childminder is suitably qualified in first aid to enable her to appropriately treat children with minor injuries. All documentation relating to medical emergencies, administration of medication and accidents is correctly maintained ensuring children are dealt with appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Nutritious food and discussion promotes the children’s good health. The children enjoy a balanced range of nutritious and healthy meals and snacks that are provided in agreement with the parents. On inspection day the children enjoy flapjacks and milk for snack, and pasta for lunch. There are good procedures in place to record the children's dietary needs, likes and dislikes and the parent's preferences as regards food and drink. Parents of the very young are well informed of their children's daily intake of food. Drinking water is made available to children giving them the opportunity to appreciate water as a healthy way of remaining hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Daily routines include activities to help children develop physical skills, widen their boundaries, and develop a healthy lifestyle. They play in the garden whenever possible with a range of equipment to develop their physical skills. As part of the routine, children walk to and from nursery and school. They enjoy regular trips to parks where they are able to run around and develop physical skills on large equipment. Children go on outings in the school holidays that encourage them to enjoy the outdoor life. They go to parks around Warrington and other places of interest. Children enjoy a warm and highly supportive relationship with their childminder helping to promote their emotional well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel welcome in a clean, organised, nicely decorated, child friendly house, which is very presentable. Space is well organised to meet children's needs. The main area used for childminding is the conservatory which is very welcoming and inviting to children. The childminder is well equipped to cater for the wide range of children who attend and to promote all areas of learning. The toys and resources are safe, well maintained and regularly cleaned. Toys are invitingly displayed on a stepped unit, making appropriate resources available to different ages. This helps them to make decisions and manage resources for themselves as well as keeping children safe. High quality baby equipment supports the good care of the very young.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a secure and safe indoor environment that is suitable for children. There are sensible preventative measures in place to keep children safe. The house and garden are secure. Cupboards containing hazards are inaccessible to children and sharp knives are out of reach. There is a stair gate at the bottom of stairs, electrical sockets are covered and utility meters are inaccessible to children. The childminder has devised and practised an emergency escape plan, there are smoke alarms on each floor of the house and a fire blanket in the kitchen.

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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 Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder clearly understands her role in safeguarding children, and is fully aware of the procedures to follow should a concern arise. The written policy includes procedures for reporting concerns about children’s welfare that is in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are very happy and settled. They benefit from being cared for by a qualified and experienced nursery nurse who provides them with a balanced, worthwhile and varied day. She is introducing the 'Early Years foundation Stage' framework to adapt activities to promote the children’s learning. As a result, they experience stimulating activities that are challenging and enable them to acquire new knowledge and skills. The children experience both adult led and child initiated activities that enable them to discover. Together the children explore materials and textures, take part in creative activities, look at books, discover different shapes and engage in small world play and role play. The childminder keeps developmental records on minded children and a scrap book containing photographs of activities. They take part in, including their reactions to the activities and how they coped with them. The children have a very good

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

relationship with the childminder helping to promote their confidence. She spends a lot of time interacting with them, successfully meeting their individual needs. They are supported in their play and as they settle down to sleep.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are conscientiously cared for by the childminder who works well with parents to ensure they are included fully in the life of the setting. Children have very good relationships with the childminder helping to promote their confidence. The childminder ensures she is aware of children's individual needs by liaising with parents and recording any relevant information. She is able to spend plenty of time playing with children ensuring she meets their individual needs. The children are learning to make choices and decisions as they choose from a wide range of toys and equipment. However, insufficient emphasis is put upon promoting the children's understanding of the wider world through resources and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are well behaved. The childminder has a secure knowledge of how to promote positive behaviour that successfully underpins her management of behaviour. She provides the children with a comprehensive framework, and as a result they are clear about her expectations for behaviour. The children are reminded of the rules and have the reasons for them explained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has built up good relationships with parents, helping to provide continuity of care for the children. She has formed a friendly, but businesslike relationship with them and provides a welcoming atmosphere. Parents are provided with comprehensive information on the provision to ensure they are kept up to date with happenings and events. They are able to view their children's developmental records at any time.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Thorough vetting procedures ensure children are well protected and cared for by the childminder, who has a good knowledge and understanding of child development. Her qualifications and

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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 experience underpin the good care of the children. She is conscientious, committed, organised and has a high regard for the well-being of all children. The children feel at home and at ease with the well organised environment. The children benefit from a well planned and structured week that includes attending pre-school groups and recreational facilities. They take part in adult-led and child-initiated activities. The comprehensive range of policies and procedures is used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the provision and their children's experiences. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. 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 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 good. 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 the children with opportunities and resources that enable them to understand and respect that people have different needs, views, cultures and beliefs.

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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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