Price, Mrs Annette

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 301246 Inspection date 01 June 2005 Inspector Marina Anna Howarth

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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 for ten years. She lives with her two children aged 7 and 10 years in Springhead, Oldham. The family room, kitchen and master bedroom are used for childminding. There is a rear, enclosed yard available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five four days a week. The childminder lives close to local shops and schools, she attends local play centres and places of interest.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are healthy because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene routines. Children are encouraged to become aware of their own personal hygiene, for example, by washing their hands after toileting. Children are protected when they are ill as there are clear procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection. Arrangements for first aid and administration of medication meet requirements and protect children. Children enjoy physical activity both within the setting and in the local community. For example they attend the park and indoor activity centre which enables them to develop control of their bodies. The childminder ensures that opportunities are made every day to enable children to go outside. They rest and sleep according to their needs and there is a designated area provided to facilitate this. Individual dietary requirements and preferences are adhered to in accordance with

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Helping children to be healthy

the parent's wishes. Regular drinks are provided and good arrangements are in place for those who cannot ask. Cups and drinks are located within easy visual access and encourage children's independent skills. Meals are healthy and nutritious to meet children's individual dietary needs and requirements, essential for their well being, healthily growth and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment. The childminder takes excellent steps to promote safety and keep children safe. Children have access to safe and well- maintained furniture and equipment that meets their varying individual needs. This enables them the freedom to make choices and access opportunities within an extremely safe environment. The childminder gives a high regard for children's safety both indoors and outdoors. For example she has made extensive alterations to her rear yard and created a sectioned patio area, which children are able to access easily. Children understand how to keep themselves safe through effective boundaries being implemented by the childminder, who talks to them about consequences of their actions. Children benefit from an extensive range of play resources which they can independently select. The childminder ensures they are of good quality. They are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

well-organised in containers and within easy access. Children's safety and protection are assured with the childminder's excellent knowledge of child protection procedures. She is aware of her responsibility to protect children in accordance with the Area Child Protection Committee. She ensures policies and procedures are shared with parents.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and happily engrossed in the interesting and stimulating balance of activities provided for them. There is time for active play and relaxation according the children's individual needs. Younger children benefit from individual routines that are consistent with experiences from home. This results in them being secure and confident in their surroundings. Children receive lots of cuddles and positive attention, there are good levels of interaction both between the childminder and the children and the children and their peers. Resources are readily accessible for children to access. The room is set up attractively with activities prior to the children's arrival. There are opportunities for the children to be engaged with free play activities and structured activities facilitated by the childminder. The children benefit from the good quality play and learning

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

opportunities, they share books together, experiencing sensory activities and having the opportunity to develop their imagination. Children have the opportunity to express themselves through play, by creating their own world with the aid of buildings and people.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are treated with equal concern by the childminder who values their individuality and meets their needs effectively. Children have opportunities to access activities which are appropriate to their needs and abilities. Children benefit from the warm and friendly relationship held with the childminder. There are effective means of communication in place with parents, which enables the childminder to meet individual children's needs in an effective way. The childminder has a positive attitude to treating children differently to treating them equally. Their knowledge of the wider world is highly stimulated through positive images being depicted through play resources. A wealth of educational activities are offered in relation to different cultures, race, religion and disability. For example positive explanations are given by the childminder in response to the children asking questions about a disabled person.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive excellent quality information about the provision. Information is shared effectively on a daily basis. Daily diaries are used and daily verbal communication. Children's well being and development is successfully promoted through the childminder's effective partnership with parents and results in contented, confident children at ease in the surroundings. Children benefit from the childminder's excellent understanding of positive behaviour management. She takes into account the children's level of understanding and maturity. This positive approach establishes clear and realistic boundaries for children and effectively promotes their welfare and development. Children are encouraged to be kind to each other and show care and concern towards their friends.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has an good understanding of child development and a high regard for the well-being of children. She organises the space and resources to enable children and follows individual routines to promote their welfare and development. Lunch time is well organised, however snack time is not a clearly defined routine of the day, leading to less opportunity for further development of their social skills. Required adult: child ratios are met and excellent levels of care and supervision maintained to ensure children are well supported. In response, children are extremely confident and self assured in their surroundings. All documentation is detailed and is reflected in practice to promote the care and welfare of children. The childminder is motivated and actively participates in further training, this is reflected in her enthusiastic approach in providing superb care for children.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has improved safety within the home by ensuring working smoke alarms are fitted on every level of the premises. She has developed fire safety in addition by compiling a check list where equipment is tested on a regular basis. She conducts regular fire drills with the children which are recorded and there is a clear emergency evacuation plan. A safety gate has been fitted to the top of the stairs and she has made the rear, enclosed yard accessible to children by making relevant alterations to reduce the steepness of the steps. The childminder was advised to include children's last names on the register. As she displays the register on a weekly basis, last names are entered when the sheets are completed to maintain confidentiality. She was advised to include procedures when allegations are made when a child is in her care. The childminder demonstrated comprehensive knowledge and

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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

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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): • ensure snack time is developed as a defined routine of the day, enabling children the opportunity for further development of their social skills.

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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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