Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362677 Unique Reference Number 14 August 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 one year old son in the Romiley area of Stockport, close to local schools and amenities. The whole of the ground floor of the property and the converted basement is used for childminding purposes. There is also access to an enclosed rear garden. The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years at any one time and there are currently two children on roll. The registration does not include overnight care. The childminder attends local children's activity groups, the park and the library. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder discusses children's individual dietary needs with their parents, such as any likes or dislikes and any particular allergies. She provides food in conjunction with parent’s wishes, to ensure that children’s diet is appropriate. The children eat their meals together at the dining room table and are developing positive routines and social skills. Babies are beginning to feed themselves and older children become involved in the simple preparation of snacks and

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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 meals, such as preparing fresh fruits, baking muffins or decorating biscuits. The childminder provides mainly organic, home cooked foods, whenever possible, and regularly introduces the children to new tastes. Parents may choose to bring their child's own food if they prefer. Children have free access to fresh drinking water throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is also protected through discussion with parents. The childminder obtains information relating to children's individual needs and provides care accordingly. The children are cared for in a spotlessly clean, well-maintained home environment. The childminder makes every effort to reduce any risk of cross-infection as she follows careful daily routines. These ensure that all work and play areas are kept hygienically clean and tidy. All the children have their own bed linen, cups, towels and face cloths and these are stored in individual containers to reduce cross-infection. Hygienic nappy changing procedures are followed. Signs and pictures are displayed in the bathroom to remind the children to wash their hands before eating, after visiting the toilet and after playing outside and at other appropriate times of the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are protected because there is a sick children policy in place and the childminder maintains accident and medication records. She holds a valid first aid certificate and she obtains written consent from parents to enable her to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for children. This means that children can be cared for appropriately in the event of an emergency arising. Children enjoy regular healthy exercise and fresh air daily, as they visit local country parks for walks, attend activity groups for physical exercise or play outside in the garden.

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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 warm, clean environment that is well maintained. General safety in the home is good and the childminder has taken steps to reduce risks for children. Fire evacuation procedures are in place with a fire blanket available in the kitchen. Smoke alarms are fitted according to advice from the fire officer. Children cannot leave the premises without supervision and hazardous products are stored out of reach of children. However, the pond and the patio steps pose a hazard to children in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good dedicated space is available for children but this is not used to its best advantage so that children can freely explore and make individual choices for themselves. The children have good access to a range of toys and equipment. However, there are few resources available that help them to develop their imaginative and role play skills or their understanding and awareness of equal opportunities, through everyday play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a child protection policy available, which she shares with parents. She demonstrates an awareness of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and is well aware of procedures to follow should she have concerns. Parents are asked to sign a form confirming their understanding of her role, with regard to the protection of children. She is well aware of the need for confidentiality and she has information available to share with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are well cared for and their individual care needs are discussed with parents. These are then carefully incorporated into the flexible daily routine. The children are taken out on most days, either to visit the local country parks or to children's activity groups, where they

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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 have the opportunity to develop their social skills. Photographic evidence shows the children watching the ducks and birds in the park and exploring the nature room and the stuffed animals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The older children particularly enjoy baking and photographs show them looking very proud of their achievements. During the inspection they decorated ginger bread men with buttons and icing sugar sprinkles, before enjoying them for their snack.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The younger children become fascinated by the sounds that come from the activity centre as they press the buttons. They concentrate as they try to post the shapes into the shape sorter and then cuddle the soft toys. At rest time the childminder talks gently to the younger children, reassuring them and helping them to settle, until eventually they fall asleep. The older children are confident in the setting and the childminder encourages them to socialise and join in with the other children. However, they want to be independent and choose to play with the action figures and the road track. The childminder has started to keep a record of the activities the children do and these include photographs, dates and a written explanation of the activity and they are shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are provided for because the childminder discusses these with the parents to ensure a consistent approach to their care. Children are starting to learn about difference and the wider world through organised activities. The children dress up in a giant sombrero and want to check the world map to find out where Mexico is. One child wants to see how near it is to Canada, following a recent visit there. The festival calendar is displayed ready to celebrate some of the annual religious and cultural festivals. Children are introduced to different foods from the book of 'recipes from around the world' and they experiment with chop sticks. All the children are encouraged to play together with all the activities and there is no stereotyping. Children are also becoming aware of their local community as they visit the local country parks, shops, libraries and activity groups and other places of interest. The

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder has previous experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She demonstrates a clear awareness of issues surrounding their care and a willingness to work closely with parents to meet their individual needs. She is also aware of how to seek help or advice, to assist their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is keen to work with parents to operate a consistent approach to children's behaviour management. There is a policy in place, which is shared with parents and simple boundaries are set for children appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder has high expectations of children's behaviour and helps them too understand the simple house rules. Children behave well and are starting to learn about right and wrong. They respond to the childminder who is a good positive role model for them. She uses positive strategies including lots of praise and encouragement, distraction, redirection and time out when necessary. She tries to organise her day to ensure that children receive individual time and attention. She maintains consistent routines so that children do not receive confusing signals and can feel safe and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are starting to benefit from the positive relationships the childminder is building with parents. She encourages all parents to take advantage of the initial settling in period and shares details of the settings policies and procedures. Daily discussion keeps parents informed of their child's progress in the setting and the childminder is starting to keep individual records of children's time in the setting to share with parents.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The minded children are starting to settle in a happy and friendly environment where they follow a flexible daily routine. Effective procedures keep children safe and protect them from persons who are not vetted. The childminder supervises the children at all times and never leaves them in any other persons care. All members of the household over sixteen years of age have completed appropriate vetting procedures.

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Organisation

Documentation is in good order and records confirm that the children are cared for in accordance with the conditions of registration. The childminder has prepared a set of policies and procedures that ensure the safe and efficient management of the provision. These are shared with parents who sign a form to confirm their understanding and awareness of the procedures. The childminder has completed all required training and is committed to developing her own knowledge and skills through additional, already planned, training. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of 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): • organise indoor space so that children can play freely and make independent choices of what they do • further develop the range of toys and equipment to promote opportunities to develop children's imaginative skills and awareness of equal opportunities

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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 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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