Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY361209 Unique Reference Number 12 August 2008 Inspection date Barbara Christine Wearing 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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and children aged nine and five in the Cheadle area of Stockport. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

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 three children under five all day, and two children over five before and after school or in school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept healthy and protected from the spread of infection and cross contamination as the childminder follows appropriate hygiene procedures and an effective sick child and administration of medication policy. Children develop independence in, and an understanding of, personal hygiene routines. They reach the washbasin using a step-up, wash their hands using liquid soap and posters remind children when and why to wash their hands.

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 Children are offered a choice of fruit for snacks and most meals are home-cooked. Thereby, promoting their growth and development. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that she is aware of and meets the children's individual dietary and health needs and follows their routine in relation to feeding and sleeping.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular opportunities to develop their large muscle skills and coordination indoors and out. They visit local parks, the library and enjoy trips to a farm.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home provides children with a safe and homely environment in which they become confident, happy and secure. Children move safely around the house and choose from a good range of toys and resources. These provide stimulation and challenges for the children being cared for and cover all areas of development. The majority of the toys are on view to the children but some are difficult for them to access independently.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a high regard for children's safety at all times therefore minimising the risk of accidental injury. Children develop skills which enable them to keep themselves safe, such as learning to climb safely with the childminder's support and following rules regarding road safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder has a good understanding of the procedures for safeguarding children and of her role within them.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder spends time playing with the children and supporting them in their chosen activity. She responds quickly to their non-verbal and verbal communications. When a young child points to a car the childminder says 'car' and brings it to her. The childminder has an understanding of each child's stage of development and next steps in their learning. She takes some opportunities to further extend their learning as she chats to children to encourage their language development, names colours of objects and encourages a child to add more bricks to their tower. Children benefit from taking part in a range of activities in and out of the home, including shopping, baking and freely choosing activities that interest them. However, there are few natural resources available for children to explore that stimulate their senses. Children develop a strong relationship with the childminder, enjoying cuddles and giggling as she tickles

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder values children as individuals. Children demonstrate an awareness of strangers, gradually becoming confident within the familiarity of the childminding environment. The childminder uses a positive approach to behaviour management and has realistic expectations of children's behaviour. She effectively avoids possible conflict by ensuring that there are sufficient toys and resources for children and uses distraction techniques to manage unwanted behaviour. Children generally behave well and enjoy each other's company.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

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 childminder has a high regard for parents, is sensitive to their needs and has good relationships with them. Her comprehensive policies and procedures are set out in a parents and carers handbook. The childminder obtains information which enables her to meet children's individual needs and develop consistency of care through the use of child record forms, daily diaries, text and photographic messaging.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children become aware of diversity and develop their understanding of others as many toys, books and resources reflect positive images of race, gender and disability. The childminder interacts with the children in a way that promotes equality of opportunity, talking about differences that the children observe. She demonstrates a commitment to providing an environment that meets children's individual and diverse needs.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organizes her time and home well and is flexible in order to meet children's individual needs. She shows a commitment to the continuing development of her childcare practice, regularly attending relevant training and accessing information from the internet. She organises her home in a way that offers children of different ages space and opportunity to engage in a variety of activities. Policies and procedures are comprehensive and shared with parents. All necessary records and documentation is in place. Therefore promoting children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution.

p.4

Organisation

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 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.

p.4

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.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.4

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.4

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):

p.4

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 • review the organisation and storage of toys and equipment to make resources easier for children to access • further develop skills in enhancing children's learning and development through the toys and activities that you provide • develop a suitable range of natural materials to promote sensory development for younger children.

p.4

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