Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY365622 Unique Reference Number 21 May 2008 Inspection date Janice Shaw 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 was registered in 2007. The childminder lives in the Stretford area of Trafford with her partner, her mother and one child aged three years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom. There is a rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and there are two children currently on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and well-being is successfully promoted by the childminder's clear policies and procedures for accidents, sickness and good hygiene. The childminder has also adopted good practices for nappy changing and she encourages young children learn to wash their

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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 hands before they eat their snacks and meals. Parents are asked to provide a full range of consents which ensures the childminder is able to seek further medical advice if required. The childminder adheres to a healthy eating regime within the home by ensuring children are provided with nutritious snacks and meals, such as pureed vegetables for babies and pasta, yogurt and fresh fruit.

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Helping children to be healthy

A well structured routine ensures children rest, eat and sleep according to their individual needs. They benefit from opportunities to go outdoors in the fresh air as the childminder ensures they frequently access the garden, take daily walks to and visit the local park. Opportunities for social interaction and a broader range of physical play experiences are available during the weekly visits to toddler groups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for in a warm, welcoming and clean home. Space inside the home is suitably organised to promote a child friendly play environment. For example, an appealing play environment is provided for them where toys are interestingly displayed and allow for children's ease of access. Young children have developed a sense of belonging in the home which allows them to move from room to room with a sense of confidence, for example, babies who are not yet walking were gently encouraged to follow the childminder around the house at their own pace. The childminder demonstrates a reasonably secure knowledge of current safeguarding procedures which ensures she is able to protect children in her care by taking appropriate action.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are provided with a varied selection of good quality toys and equipment which represent their needs and interests. However, there are insufficient natural resources available for them to handle and experience. Babies are placed on the floor with a suitable range of toys around them for them to reach. Children are protected by some suitable safety and security measures within the home. For example, external doors are kept locked to ensure good security and electrical sockets are made inaccessible to children. Furthermore, hazardous objects and substances are stored out of reach of children, and a safety gate is available to be used on the top of the stairs. However, children are not sufficiently protected as there is no safety gate at the bottom of the stairs and the banister rails have large gaps between them, which may present as a hazard to children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children make positive relationships with the childminder which encourages them to be confident and settle quickly within the home. Children enjoy the company of the childminder because she spends time talking and playing with them. For example, she builds up three blocks for them and encourages then to knock them down, and the babies show great interest in this. They actively seek her attention when they require support or comfort. For example, a young child seek cuddles and reassurance when feeling unsettled.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children are relaxed and happy in the childminder's home and they are well occupied in a suitable range of interesting activities which they enjoy. The childminder supports children in their play and learning by talking to them about what they are doing or what they can see. Babies particularly enjoy musical toys, and learn to press the buttons down watching with keen interest as the childminder demonstrates how they work.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met within the setting as arrangements for their care reflects their cultural needs as well as their stage of development. Children become familiar with their surroundings because they frequently visit places within their local community, such as the local park, school and childminder groups. The childminder takes some steps to ensure that children develop an awareness of the world around them and has a suitable range of resources and activities to support this.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to play harmoniously with others, as they are reminded of the necessity to play nicely together and share. Minor conflict issues occur due to children's current stage of development but, this is appropriately managed by the childminder who gently removes babies away from contentious situations and distracts them with something of interest. Through discussion, a sound awareness of inclusion was demonstrated.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership with parents has been established, which ensures children's needs are discussed and agreed at the time of placement. Parental wishes are sought and respected to involve and include them in all child care related decisions, for example, when negotiating dietary requirements and patterns of feeding.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has established relevant policies and procedures which work in practice to promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. They are well cared for by the childminder. Children respond well to her calm manner and clear direction. Her well organised daily routine ensures the day is purposeful for the children. This ensures children are provided with a suitable range of activities both inside and outside the home to suit their needs and curiosity. Children are, therefore, contented and happy.

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Organisation

All documentation is in place as required and the registration certificate is displayed for parents to view. Children's records are kept and shared with regard to confidentiality and they contain relevant detail and parental consents. The childminder has developed effective systems for keeping documentation which ensures they are kept securely. Overall, the provision meets the needs 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 complaint 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 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 children with a range of natural materials and equipment • ensure that children cannot access the staircase independently.

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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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