Hewitt, Bernadette

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 306753 Inspection date 26 October 2005 Inspector Teresa Ann Clark

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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 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 has been registered since 1999. She lives in the Stockport area with her husband and son aged 15 months. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, which includes a designated playroom and bathroom facilities. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder may care for 5 children at any one time. There are currently 4 children on roll who all attend on a part-time basis. With parental permission children are taken to local groups and facilities.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and a member of the accredited Childminder Network. The childminder holds a nationally recognised childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. They have a clear understanding of good hygiene practices. They know by washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet they are preventing the spread of germs. They are provided with individual cloths and towels preventing cross infection and helping them to stay healthy. The spread of infection is minimised through the exclusion of children who may be infectious. This contributes to maintaining a healthy environment for children. The childminder understands the importance of outdoor play for keeping children healthy. Children enjoy a range of physical activities daily, in the childminder's garden or in the local park and fields. Children occasionally bring their own bikes and go for bike rides close by. They participate in a range of play activities using equipment which helps promote their strength and co-ordination. They enjoy playing hopscotch

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Helping children to be healthy

and regular dance sessions indoors, where they exercise and stretch their bodies. Children have a good understanding about healthy eating. They know which foods are good for them and make healthy choices at snack times which promotes their growth and development. They are offered regular drinks, including fresh drinking water, to keep them refreshed. Children develop their independence skills as they are involved in the planning and preparing of nutritious food, such as making sandwiches using brown bread and a choice of healthy fillings and salad. Children's dietary requirements are well met because the childminder has a good understanding about children's dietary requirements. She consults with parents and considers children's likes, dislikes and any special dietary requirements. This ensures children stay healthy and safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children confidently explore the surroundings due to the effective organisation of space. They have access to a well-equipped, stimulating playroom which is decorated with children's work and provides a child friendly environment. This helps children feel valued and welcome in the childminder's home. Toys and equipment are plentiful and are of good quality. They are organised to promote children's independence skills and provide them with a broad range of activities and experiences. Resources and play materials are kept clean and in a good state of repair. Regular checks by the childminder ensure they do not pose a risk to children's safety. She ensures small objects are kept out of the reach of very young children to

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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 prevent them coming to any harm. The childminder considers potential hazards and takes measures to minimise the risk of injuries to children. Safety measures include locks on kitchen drawers and cupboards, socket covers, safety gates and fire evacuation procedures which are practiced with the children. A fire blanket is accessible in the kitchen but there is only one smoke alarm on the premises; this is situated mid-way up the stairs. This could compromise children's safety in the event of a fire. Children learn about keeping safe when they are on outings, because they are given clear boundaries and explanations. They know that they must stay near the childminder when walking home from school and why they must wear their safety helmets when riding bikes. The childminder's sound knowledge of the Area Child Protection Committee

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures promotes children's safety and welfare. She has attended training and understands her role and responsibility with regard to keeping children safe from harm. She has all the relevant documentation and contact numbers if she had any concerns about the safety or welfare of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's opinion is highly valued and they have very good opportunities to develop their choice and independence. They can freely access toys, learn to be independent with their own personal hygiene and are fully encouraged to make decisions regarding activities and menus. They develop high self-esteem because the childminder recognises the individuality of all children and meets their needs successfully. Children are extremely confident, self-assured and build strong relationships with each other. They play harmoniously together, doing a sharing picture and take turns with resources. They are extremely happy, settled and build strong and trusting relationships with the childminder. She is very interested in the children. She spends time playing and talking to all children. She shows an interest in what they are doing and praises their achievements. She encourages children to describe the smell and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

texture of the pumpkin as they prepare it for Halloween. Good planning and preparation provides children with rich, varied and imaginative experiences, which significantly enhance their all round development. They are fully involved in a range of stimulating activities which they enjoy; for example, stories, construction, dance, games, arts and crafts. Children clearly enjoy their time with the childminder and have fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are effectively met. They are highly valued as individuals

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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 and are treated fairly. Children have good opportunities to learn about the wider world through play materials, books and planned activities. This helps them to develop a positive attitude towards others. The childminder takes time to get to know the children in her care which ensures their needs are met. Children behave well and receive lots of praise and encouragement for good behaviour. They show concern for others and understand the consequences of their actions from clear, consistent boundaries. The childminder deals with any minor conflicts in a sensitive manner. She gives clear explanations to children so they understand right from wrong and the reasons for behaviour boundaries. Children's care is enhanced by the strong relationships between the childminder and parents. Detailed registration forms and regular discussions ensure the childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

has all the necessary information to care for children effectively. The use of daily diaries for each child give parents a full picture about how children spend their time, their progress and achievements. Parents are fully involved in their child's learning and development and their views are valued and respected.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from highly effective organisation of rooms and resources which give them very good opportunities to move around the setting freely and safely. Different areas of the home are thoughtfully organised to allow children to relax in comfort or take part in more active, energetic play. She has a recognised childcare qualification and uses her knowledge to provide a variety of enjoyable experiences for children. Excellent use of time, quality interactions and effective support and encouragement from the childminder helps children feel secure and confident. Clear and effective daily routines are fully implemented to ensure children's individual needs are met and they thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminder's home. The childminder actively seeks and regularly attends training, which enhances all aspects of the provision. The childminder fully implements comprehensive records and

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Organisation

policies, which significantly enhance the care of children and contribute to keeping them safe and healthy. She effectively monitors children and plans for their future progress. Daily routines are well planned to offer balance and variety of play. Overall the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection one recommendation was raised. This was to extend the resources which reflect equality of opportunity. The childminder has made good progress in developing play materials to portray positive images. She also plans activities to help raise children's awareness of the wider world. This helps children to develop a positive attitude towards others.

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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 There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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): • make sure there is a smoke alarm on each level of the house.

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The quality and standards of the care

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