Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360936 Unique Reference Number 24 July 2008 Inspection date Sylvia Cornock 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. He lives with his wife and their three children, two aged 12 and one aged 11 years in the Orrell, Wigan. The childminder's wife is also a registered childminder. The whole of the downstairs areas of their home is used to care for children. In addition a summer house in the garden are used as a play space for older children and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children, which includes three under five years, but when working with his wife this is increased to six under fives. He currently has nine children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for within a well maintained and hygienic environment and good procedures are in place in relation to the personal hygiene and hand washing procedures of the childminder and minded children. The children understand the purpose and need to keep themselves healthy

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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 and are actively encouraged to wash their hands before meals, after using the toilet and after certain activities, for example, children know they need to wash their hands after playing outside or after messy activity. Younger children are supported in these tasks by the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a system for the recording of accidents and medication which are appropriately detailed. A sickness policy which is shared with parents and carers ensures all children are cared for within a very safe environment. Parents give written permission for the childminder to administer medication and obtain emergency treatment or advice. This enhances children's health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children access drinks on a regular basis throughout the day. They enjoy a range of very healthy and nutritious meals and drinks throughout the day. The childminder liaises closely with parents and carers, regarding meal provision, allergies, preferences or needs on religious grounds. The childminder provides nutritious meals which are suitably stored and served.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical, nutritional and health needs are well met as a result of effective procedures and practices employed by the childminder. Children enjoy a good range of activities and experiences indoors and away from the childminding setting. They are developing competent physical skills and abilities which are particularly well promoted through access to good opportunities which actively contribute to their health and well-being. Children develop a range of small physical skills as they competently use a variety of construction equipment, programmable toys and art and craft materials. This develops children's hand to eye coordination and finger control. Large physical activities are very well provided for and as a result, children's physical skills and abilities are developing well. Children practise climbing and balancing skills as they use apparatus and equipment in the garden and on visits to the park and other places

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment where the childminder ensures that toys and equipment are accessible and safe. The available space is used well enabling children to freely move from one activity to another within the lounge and playroom. Children show a level of independence as they select toys and activities from a suitable range of toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder is effective in his observations, and carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has assessed the potential risks and taken steps to ensure children's safety. However, the childminder has not practised evacuations in the event of an emergency. Children are safe when taken on outings because the childminder ensures children are strapped into their buggies or appropriate car seats. He encourages children to learn how to keep themselves safe outside through discussion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder good knowledge of child protection and is fully aware of his responsibilities to promote children's safety and well-being at all times.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled due to the positive interaction of the childminder. They respond well because the childminder encourages them in their play. Younger children and babies show interest in what they do because the childminder joins in with their play and helps them to gain from it. Toys and equipment provided are suitable and situated at their level enabling them to freely choose as they move from one activity to another.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s enjoyment and learning is promoted through the provision of planned activities and experiences, such as visits to local places of interest, walks into the community to feed the ducks on the pond. Children have many and varied opportunities to enhance and further develop their creative skills as they choose from the art and craft activities on offer.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident and self-assured because of the good support and encouragement they receive from the childminder. Children relate very well to each other and adults. The childminder interacts with children effectively and at appropriate moments. This enables children to develop skills through the childminder's understanding of appropriate activities for their age and stage of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder encourages children's behaviour and achievements through the use of positive praise and encouragement. He uses positive language to actively encourage children's enjoyment, pride in their achievements and confidence. This positive praise encourages children to persevere and practise skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop good large and small physical skills through planned activities, both within and away from the childminding setting. They practise climbing and balancing skills during outdoor activities in the garden and visits to the park and other activity centres. Children show good movement and hand to eye coordination skills during indoor activities, such as building with various construction kits which are freely available.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a sense of belonging as the childminder ensures their emotional needs are adequately met because the childminder is caring and attentive to each child. He has an understanding of equal opportunities and the need to work in partnership with parents. He treats children with equal concern and takes into account their home situations which he knows well. He gives children one to one care and devotes his time to them. For example, he is aware of their attention span and ensures there is sufficient enjoyable activities to keep their interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are welcomed and have equal access to all activities and experiences offered which are stimulating and age appropriate. Children access a range of resources that reflect multicultural and disability issues. Children's understanding of others is encouraged through spontaneous activities and projects.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very happy and content in their play and their self-confidence is evident and is very well promoted as they receive lots of positive praise and encouragement from the childminder, resulting in their enjoyment and contentment. Children's behaviour is very good, which is a result of the childminder's support and encouragement. The childminder is clear

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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 about the need to promote children's positive behaviour and self-esteem. The childminder discusses behaviour management with parents and carers to ensure consistency.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnership with parents and carers. Children's individual needs and requirements are discussed carefully with parents and carers prior to placement and on an ongoing basis as they develop new skills and achieve milestones in their development. Verbal discussion on the child's day is fed back to parents and carers informally as they collect their children at the end of their minded day. Parents and carers have been given information about Ofsted in relation to complaints but the childminder is not fully conversant with the timescales required for dealing with them.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for within a planned and organised environment. The childminder is clear about his role and responsibility in providing a service to the children and their families.

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Organisation

Children access toys, equipment and activities which are well planned and prepared prior to the children arriving, enabling children to feel welcome, confident and happy. Children confidently access and are involved in a range of interesting and age appropriate activities both within and away from the childminding setting. Children's other commitments are considered by the childminder who carefully plans activities around these.

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Organisation

Some legally required documentation and records relating to the minded children are retained. The childminder holds a current first aid qualification helping to ensure that children are cared for safely and that any incidents or accidents are dealt with in an efficient and prompt manner. At the time of the inspection the childminder was unable to provide evidence to show that he has secured a place on an approved childminding course. The childminder obtains information on children's individual needs and requirements prior to the child starting and ensures their individual needs are well addressed and provided for. Children's safety and enjoyment is given priority as the childminder obtains parental consent for several aspects of his care.

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Organisation

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.

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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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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 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): • further develop knowledge of the timescales relating to dealing with complaints • complete a local authority approved childminder's course within six months of caring for children.

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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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