Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY367683 Unique Reference Number 14 July 2008 Inspection date Patricia Graham 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 2008. She lives with her husband and two children aged four years and one year in the Denton area of Tameside. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years, part-time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler groups. The childminder has a cat and a rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health within the home is totally supported by the childminder who takes positive steps to reduce the risk of cross infection. She ensures the toys and resources are cleaned weekly with anti-bacterial spray and cloths are washed daily at a high temperature. The childminder is also careful to ensure that the family pets are not hazardous to children's health.

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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 For example, feeding bowls are not accessible to children and rabbit shavings are swept up before children play outdoors. Children are protected when they are ill because the childminder is aware to exclude children who have an infectious illness and a sick child policy is shared with parents. The childminder has good systems in place for recording accidents and administering medication. This promotes children's health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy snacks and meals provided for them, such as fresh fruit, home-made soup and wholemeal sandwiches. A healthy eating chart is displayed, which actively encourages children to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Children develop good manners and social skills as they sit together at lunchtime and they are supported as the childminder is close by to offer help if needed. Children are kept well hydrated because they are provided with fresh drinking water, in their own cups, which is available at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contributes to their good health. They benefit from fresh air and exercise as they walk to and from school. A particular favourite is walks to feed the horses and regular outings to the park. At other times children refine their physical skills as they partake in a wide range of activities in the well resourced back garden. For example, children develop their coordination as they play ball games, ascend the outdoor apparatus and climb through the tunnel. They are able to relax according to their individual needs and make good use of the comfortable sofa to unwind and rest their bodies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home which is bright, warm and welcoming. Attractive displays of children's art work, such as self portraits and flowers, create a child focused environment, which increases children's sense of belonging. They are entirely settled as they confidently move around the home. They freely select from a broad range of toys which stimulate their interest and promote their global development. Toys are organised reasonably well to meet the needs of different age groups. For example, the childminder pre-sets large toys and imaginative resources for younger children and a well stocked jigsaw cupboard is accessible to all children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

An effective arrivals procedure ensure all visitors are immediately informed of the fire escape route. This is further complemented with good systems the childminder has in place to raise children's awareness of fire safety. For example, all smoke detectors are tested with the children each week and monthly fire drills are practised. As a result, children have a very good awareness of keeping themselves safe in the event of a fire. Children are also developing a good awareness of hazards in the home as the childminder gives children gentle reminders about running indoors and encourages them to be careful as they use scissors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because clear guidelines and procedures are in place. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She is fully aware of possible signs and symptoms of abuse through relevant training and understands her duty to liaise with child protection agencies if required. The childminder has relevant documentation readily available, which means she can respond to any concerns promptly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and confident in the childminder's home. They participate in a good selection of stimulating play, which keeps them engrossed. For example, children engage in role play as

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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 they play imaginatively with the tea-set and giggle with excitement as they totter around the room in dressing up shoes. The childminder offers a good range of continuous provision, such as mark making. Consequently, children are able to refine their fine motor skills as they draw beautiful pictures and patterns using a good selection of writing implements. The childminder is intuitive to children's needs and builds on their curiosity and interests. For example, children's interest in nature is sustained as they nurture their sunflowers seeds in the garden and they thoroughly enjoy exploring mini-beasts, including snakes, through planned activities in the community.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children go on regular outings to places of interest. They enjoy outings to toddler groups and trips to Reddish Vale, which widens their experiences. At other times, children take part in activities at the local library. This helps children develop a love of books and a designated book area in the home provides a tranquil atmosphere, which children adore. They sit on the comfortable seating as they share books and read stories together. The childminder is skilled at extending their learning as she helps them make their own books. As a result, children are beginning to understand the concept of word and how stories are structured. Children have good opportunities to develop their senses as they explore textures, such as sand, water and corn flour. However, they have limited opportunities to explore natural materials.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met as the childminder is attentive to their needs and has a detailed portfolio for each child, which outlines their interests and favourite activities. As a result, children are extremely happy and settled. They learn to value and respect the experiences and ways of life of others through meaningful discussions. For example, they talk about disability with the childminder and watch relevant television programmes which reinforces their awareness of disability. Children develop a very good understanding of diversity as they take part in exciting activities. For example, they practise Japanese writing and explore the customs and lifestyles of different countries, such as India.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the home because they are given lots of meaningful praise and encouragement. They share toys and resources with each other and respond well to distraction techniques as the childminder puts her behaviour management policy into practice. The childminder is attentive to their needs and extremely nurturing in her approach. This contributes significantly to their good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnership the childminder has developed with parents. Parents are provided with a prospectus, which ensures they are fully aware of the care provided. Relevant information, such as menus and weekly activities, are clearly displayed on a notice board for parents in the hallway. This is complemented with verbal updates relating to all aspects of care offered. As a result, parents are kept up-to-date on their child's care and progress. The childminder has a sound understanding of the complaints procedure and endeavours to care for children according to parents' wishes. She actively seeks their views via questionnaires and parents' comments are extremely complimentary.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiasm and commitment to improve the quality of childcare provided. For example, she undertakes regular training to enhance her good practice

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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 and continually looks at areas to develop further, such as storage for toys. This promotes positive outcomes for children. Children's welfare is enhanced as the childminder is qualified to administer first aid. She has a well stocked first aid box in place and a health manual is also accessible for reference if needed.

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Organisation

The childminder has all required documents in place, which are in line with the requirements of the National Standards. For example, her certificate of registration is clearly displayed. Children's records are stored in a secure manner to ensure their confidentiality at all times. The childminder is aware of her duty to inform the regulator of significant events. 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.

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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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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): • increase opportunities for children to explore natural materials.

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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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