Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY364531 Unique Reference Number 04 August 2008 Inspection date Susan Magaret Lyon 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 to care for five children. She lives with her husband and three children in a semi-detached house in Tameside. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the lounge, kitchen, dining room, conservatory, upstairs bathroom and back garden. There are no pets in the household. The childminder provides an out of school service from local primary schools. There are currently three children on roll. The childminder has a child care qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy through hand washing after toileting and before food. They are reminded about good hygiene through posters and singing songs. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. They are protected from infection through a clear exclusion policy being in place which is explained to parents. Effective nappy changing routines, the availability of tissues and separate face cloths and towels all help prevent the spread of germs. Children enjoy physical activities outdoors and experience all kinds of weather. For example, they freely choose

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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 to play football, cricket, hoops and skittles in the garden. Children keep fit and active indoors by partaking in dance and playing musical instruments. They benefit from fresh air and exercise by walking to and from school each day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children rest and sleep according to their needs promoting their good health and well-being. Children are nourished through healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit and wholemeal toast. Their individual dietary needs are met through detailed discussions with parents and the recording of allergies and intolerances. Drinks are provided throughout the day keeping their bodies healthy and hydrated. Children learn about healthy eating in numerous ways. They help prepare fruit for snacks, they write on and display posters about fruit and discussions take place about foods that are good for them. Children respond well to routines which improve their health and well-being, such as sitting at the table and socialising at snack time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Space and resources are organised to allow children to move around freely and safely. Play areas are bright, colourful, child-centred and welcoming to children and parents. Children use suitable toys and equipment due to thorough routines for keeping them safe and clean. Strong emphasis is placed on keeping children safe and secure through several precautions being in place. For example, socket covers and safety gates are in place and a visitors book is used. Daily checks and risk assessments further minimise risks to children. However, the use of certain play equipment on the hard surface in the garden creates a hazard for children. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder ensures safety measures are in place, such as using wrist straps and children holding onto the buggy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe through appropriate discussions regarding stranger danger and road safety. Children's safety needs are met whilst on the premises due to the childminder's awareness of fire precautions. For example, children develop an understanding of fire precautions through being made aware of and practising the emergency evacuation plan. Children are protected because the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection and appropriate procedures to follow if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the childminder giving them lots of praise and encouragement. Children engage well in a broad range of interesting activities to foster their all-round development. For example, they explore dinosaurs frozen in ice, they mould cooked spaghetti and look for mini beasts. Children learn new knowledge and skills through themed blue, yellow and red weeks. An enjoyment of books and stories is encouraged through 'book of the week.' The childminder helps children to learn through skilfully asking them questions, such as 'what colour is it?' when making play dough. Recordings of observations are used to plan the next steps in children's progress and development. The childminder encourages children to make positive relationships as great importance is placed on sharing and taking turns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are freely able to make choices in their play and pursue their interests. For example, by selecting a favourite toy. Organised resources help children to become independent learners. Children are happy and settled. The childminder treats children with great kindness and respect, and as a result children are content, confident and eager to play. Children explore and are

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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 interested in a wide range of natural textures and objects as well as a good range of manufactured toys. For example, young children and babies enjoy examining treasure baskets consisting of fir cones, sponges, wooden objects and bottles of coloured water. This contributes significantly to their learning and sensory development. Through a good range of art and craft materials children develop their imagination and creativity, thus promoting their sense of achievement and enjoyment. For example, they print pictures with bobbins, make bubble paintings and grow cress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. Children are valued and made to feel important by their art work being displayed and new children gradually being introduced to the setting through visits to help them settle. Furthermore, children have boxes for their own belongings and their own place mats at snack time contributing to their sense of worth and inclusion. Children become aware of the wider world through a good range of play resources reflecting equal opportunities. They develop an awareness of the needs of others through discussions about playing carefully around the babies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures all the children are fully involved in the life of the setting by changing or adapting the way play is provided to suit all levels of ability. Children behave well. They understand right from wrong through clear boundaries and explanations. Children are cared for by a childminder who works closely with parents to meet their individual needs. For example, detailed information forms are completed by parents and include a wealth of information. Children's care is enhanced through the daily exchange of lots of written information about how children have been and what they have done.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safe and protected through the childminder's awareness of the vetting of household members. She maintains adequate ratios, thus improving the safety of the children. The childminder organises her time, space and resources well to meet children's needs. Children benefit from visits to facilities in the local community, such as parks, shops and the library.

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Organisation

Children's care and well-being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training. For example, she has attended safeguarding and Early Years Foundation Stage training. All required documentation is in place. A detailed and comprehensive range of written policies is in place and shared with parents. These contribute to children's care and well-being. 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

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 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): • take positive steps to ensure children's safety when providing play equipment in the garden.

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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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