Oldfield, Alison Victoria

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY103342 Inspection date 19 December 2005 Inspector Angela Cuffe

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged 7 and 3. They live in a house in the Trafford area of Manchester. It is a residential area within walking distance of local shops, schools and park. The dining/kitchen, computer/playroom, living room and conservatory on the ground floor, and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are five children on roll at present who are cared for on a part-time basis. The childminder regularly attends the local carer and toddler group, and she is a member

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 of the National Childminding Association. The family have a pet cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They talk about the need to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating to prevent the spread of germs. The baby's equipment and changing area are kept clean as well as the worktops in the kitchen and eating area. The children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. They have unlimited use of the garden and are taken out on a daily basis to socialise with other children and benefit from fresh air and exercise. The childminder understands the issues surrounding the safe storage and administration of medication. However the childminder does not have written permission to administer medication. Children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet from the choice of meals and snacks available to them. These include fresh fruit and vegetables and a choice

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Helping children to be healthy

of healthy drinks. All meals are provided by the childminder. The childminder is aware of the need to consider parents' wishes when providing food for the children in her care. Children's individual needs are discussed on induction. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks. They either help themselves or ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children benefit from a homely environment. Some steps are taken to ensure potential risks to children are minimised. However children's safety is compromised as there is no banister on the stairs, the childminder does not have a fire blanket, some cleaning materials are stored within easy reach of the children, and there are some safety issues in the rear garden. The childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure in place. This ensures that she is clear about what to do in the event of a fire. The children are beginning to learn about how to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about dangers within the home and on outings. There is a satisfactory range of resources available to meet the needs of the children. Toys and equipment are clean, well maintained and comply with safety standards. Resources are effectively organised to promote choice and independence, which

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

enhances children's play and learning. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection, in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home. The warm and comforting environment and appropriate interaction helps develop warm and caring relationships with the childminder and each other. They are given appropriate attention as the childminder is aware of their needs. She gives them support when needed as she sits on the floor supporting the children if necessary. Children are motivated and interested in the age-appropriate activities. The children have unlimited access to the garden for outdoor play and are taken out on a regular basis where they socialise with other children. Children develop independence as they play on the floor and explore the environment. They move around and freely choose what they would like to play with;

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they freely make choices from the planned activities and range of toys available. The childminder gives them the necessary support when needed. Children are happy and secure as they confidently play together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children value each other as individuals. They learn about different cultures through the activities provided and the equipment available to them. They are made aware of the wider world through regular outings and information in books. Children express their needs naturally to enable the childminder to gain a better understanding and build routines. As a consequence the children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Good behaviour and children's efforts and achievements are acknowledged, recognised and praised appropriately. Consequently children are confident and have high self esteem. The childminder speaks positively to the children although some negative words are used. She supports and helps them to understand simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. As a result, the children behave well. They interact with each other in a positive manner; they understand their boundaries and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

respond well to discussions and occasional reminders from the childminder. Information about the children's progress is shared with the parents verbally on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's organisation. The daily routine offers a good balance of adult-led activities, free play and quiet times. The childminder ensures children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort. She organises play materials to promote children's independence and encourage choices about their play and learning. Children are at home in the comfortable and welcoming surroundings and have settled in well. The majority of records and documentation are in place. This contributes to the

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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 continuity of care of the children. First aid and other relevant training is kept up to date; as a result children's safety, security and partnership with parents is enhanced. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to make low level plug sockets safe, make the meter cupboard safe, the pet feeding bowls safe, the stairs safe and obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has covered some plug sockets, she has put a lock on the meter cupboard door, The pet feeding bowls are kept out of reach of children, she has obtained written permission to seek emergency advice or treatment. However the stairs have not been made safe and further recommendations have been made.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 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): • ensure that hazards to children on the premises, both inside and outside are minimised • obtain written permission from parents before administering medication • ensure children's behaviour is managed in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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