Progress Schools - Gorton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 148542 Inspection date 09 January 2006 Inspector Claudia Padfield

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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 a registered childminder for 10 years. She lives with her husband and two adult children, in a detached house on the outskirts of town. They have five cats. It is a non smoking household. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under 8 years of age, of which no more than 3 may be under 5 and no more than 1 under a year. She is currently caring for 7 children, 4 of whom are under 5 years of age. The childminder uses her husband as an assistant.

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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 Minded children have access to the ground floor with toilet and sleeping facilities provided within this area. There is also a large fully enclosed garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their own physical health. They are developing an understanding of the importance to keep clean and protect themselves from germs by washing their hands. Children are able to move freely and visit the bathroom alone. Older children present complete daily care tasks such as blowing noses and washing hands. The childminder acts as a good role model and follows effective procedures when changing nappies. Daily opportunities to develop physical control of their bodies inside and out of the home are planned at an appropriate levels. Children enjoy visits to the local park and going for walks. Inside they have space to move freely, closely supervised by the childminder at all times. Meals are eaten in a sociable environment, giving children many opportunities to relax and socialise. They eat a healthy diet currently provided by the parents. These

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Helping children to be healthy

are stored in the fridge to ensure each child's dietary requirements are met. Children have access drinks throughout the minded day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from space and safety systems in place which enables them to move and play freely. They have a range of developmentally suitable toys and equipment which are easily accessed and maintained to ensure safety is a priority at all times. The children have a choice from a wide range of developmentally suitable toys. They help tidy up before selecting new toys, understanding that this prevents anyone falling over. The childminder identifies and minimises risks to the children in her care by close supervision and regular visual checks. Daily verbal updates with the parents ensures good communication is valued and informative. The childminder is completing an update first aid course to ensure she acts in the children's best interests. However the childminder lacks the up to date information regarding child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very much at home and play freely with a range of developmentally appropriate toys and equipment. The childminder knows the children well and warm

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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 relationships are evident. Children seek comfort and reassurance during their play from the childminder who uses praise and skilful questioning to extend the children's play. Children can make independent and free choices, confidently asking if a toy is not easily accessible and the childminder will then provide. Children have lots of adult interaction, talking with them about the activities and toys they choose. She provides a range of equipment to stimulate and interest the children attending. Children are happy to play alongside each other for sustained periods of time. They enjoy each other's company and interact confidently with adults, asking the inspector to join in the play with the stickers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are respected and valued by the childminder who knows each child and ensures their needs are met. The children settle quickly and play happily for extended periods of time. Good relationships are evident as the childminder ensures she updates parents verbally about their child's day, sharing any achievements and activities they have completed. Children co-operate and spend time happily playing alongside each other, with support and praise from the childminder. She acts as a good role model encouraging children to take turns and share the toys and resources. The children behave well and strategies are in place to ensure methods are consistent with those at home. Children will eagerly tidy up before starting a new game. Each child is confident and able to make their needs and wishes known, this is developing their sense of independence.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children benefit from the childminders good use of space available within the home. They are settled and comfortable moving freely to select activities of choice. Children have a well planned week that considers time for rest and time for physical activity. The childminder's good knowledge of the children she is caring for ensures each child's personal needs are fostered. Daily verbal updates ensures that parents share in the achievements and events through out the minded week. The childminder has updated her documentation since the last inspection but still lacks some of the required consents. She also lacks up to date changes regarding regulatory changes in her registration such as a complaints log. Her care and nurturing of the children contributes to their continuity of care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to implement and ensure documentation is completed in

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Improvements 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 detail and respects confidentiality; this has been done but still some documentation is not in place and updates have not been implemented. Children's health is now protected by clear accident forms that respect each child's confidentiality.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • update knowledge of child protection procedures • ensure documentation reflects changes to regulatory requirements.

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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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