Pate, Cheryl

Inspection report for early years provision

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315740 Unique Reference Number 31 August 2006 Inspection date Sheila Iwaskow 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 1998. She lives with her partner and twin daughters, aged 12 years, in Farnworth, near Bolton.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes; this comprises of the lounge and kitchen/dining area. Toilet facilities are available on the first floor. The family have two dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently four children on roll who attend on a variety of placements. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification.

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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. The environment in which the children are cared for is warm and spotlessly clean. Good health and hygiene routines are followed throughout the home to reduce the risk of contamination and cross-infection. Children are encouraged to manage their own personal care and simple explanations, given by the childminder, reinforce their understanding of the underlying concepts of good hygiene practices. The childminder provides appropriate support, encouragement and equipment to ensure children become independent and develop good self-help skills. For example, a step stool is available in the bathroom, which enables children to reach the hands basin to wash their hands. Children's health is protected as the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and an effective sick child policy is in place. The childminder displays great sensitivity to children who do not like dogs and ensures that her pets are restricted to an area

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Helping children to be healthy

of the house not used for childminding purposes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their physical growth and development. Regular visits to the park provide the opportunity for the children to run around, swing, climb and slide. Daily walks in the local environment and visits to the swimming pool help children understand that exercise is an important factor of a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a varied and healthy diet. The childminder holds a food hygiene certificate, which ensures that meals are prepared in accordance with environmental hygiene guidelines. They enjoy choosing from healthy options, such as fruit, pasta, spaghetti bolognese and yoghurts. Fussy eaters are encouraged to try out new tastes and textures. Systems are in place to record children's health and dietary needs. Drinks are readily available to allow children to quench their thirst.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely environment and have sufficient space to move around and play freely. They play mainly in the front room, which is bright and airy. Comfortable sofas and child-sized table and chairs ensure that children eat and rest in comfort. Children attending have access to a good range of resources, which encompass all areas of their learning. Play materials are stored in cupboards, which are at child-height, allowing children to make choices and develop their independence. The childminder carefully monitors children's choice of toys to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder supervises the children well, enabling them to play independently and safely. All reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment. Entrances and exits to the premises are secure and good procedures are in place for the safe collection of children at the end of the day. Safety features, such as smoke alarms, security gates and a fire blanket further contribute towards children's safety. However, cleaning materials in the kitchen are accessible to the children and pose a risk to children's well-being. A detailed

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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 fire evacuation policy is in place, however, it is not practiced with the children, which prevents them being aware of procedures to follow in the event of fire or emergency evacuation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as the childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. A detailed child protection policy is in place and keeps parents fully informed of this aspect of their children's care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Warm and close relationships are established between the childminder and children, which increases children's sense of trust and security. The children are happy and have a really positive relationship with the childminder. Written and flexible play plans are in place, which provide children with a structured and varied day. The childminder maintains a detailed journal for each child with observations of their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a range of age appropriate activities, which they clearly enjoy. They happily look at pictures of themselves as babies and other past events, which helps to develop their sense of time. Language and communication skills are regularly promoted as the childminder listens and responds appropriately to each child. Children enjoy singing nursery rhymes, which further promotes their communication skills. Mathematical concepts are enhanced as part of the daily routine. Whilst playing a game children identify the colour of the plastic ducks and count the cars and birds as they walk home from school. Role play in a variety of situations allows children to develop their own ideas as they dress up as a clown and take part in a pretend shopping activity. Children enjoy exploring the natural textures of sand and water as they play in the back garden. Manipulating play dough and cutting activities enhance children's creativity

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are beginning to learn right from wrong as the childminder gently explains to young children the importance of sharing and not snatching toys. The childminder makes good use of local amenities, such as the local toddler and childminding group to provide a variety of different play and learning environments for the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder ensures that children have access to a range of activities, which develop their awareness of the world around them. For example, they celebrate cultural festivals, such as Chinese New Year and Divali. Travelling to Manchester and Bolton by public transport and regular shopping trips help to develop children's knowledge of their local community and the diversity of the people who work and live there. Children develop a caring attitude towards other living creatures as they gently bottle feed lambs at a local farm and spend time with horses that are kept nearby. All children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children learn about sharing, taking turns and cooperation as they play card games and with small world toys. Sensible house rules ensure that children gradually understand and

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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 respect boundaries in a caring environment. Children are regularly offered praise and reassuring smiles from the childminder. Minor altercations are sensitively handled by the childminder using strategies that are appropriate to the age and development of the child. Children's achievements are celebrated, which promotes their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships that exist between their parents and the childminder. A range of written policies are available, which outline the basis of the childminder's service, promoting children's welfare. Daily informal chats and written information keep parents up-to-date with the children's activities and continuity of care. Letters from parents indicate that they have a high level of satisfaction with the service provided. Comments include that they consider the childminder to be 'conscientious, reliable and trustworthy'. Systems are in place to record complaints or concern expressed by parents in line with recent changes to the National Standards.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared by a motivated and well organised childminder. She has completed a wealth of additional training, which includes the Birth to three matters framework and the Foundation Stage. This ensures that her child care practices are up-to-date and children receive the best possible care. Space available is maximised to its full potential to ensure children participate in a balanced range of activities. All adults with access to the children are suitable and ratios of adults to children are met at all times, helping to keep children safe. The childminder's certificate is clearly displayed, keeping parents fully informed about her conditions of registration.

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Organisation

All the required documentation is in place and well organised to respect confidentiality. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to address issues relating to special needs and equal opportunities. Children now have access to a range of resources, such as books, dolls, disabled figures, which reflect positive images of their diverse society. The childminder has completed a course to give her a greater understanding of the issues involved when caring for children with special needs. These improvements ensure that children have a balanced view of the world and that children with special needs are welcomed into a sharing and inclusive environment.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since April 2004. 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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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): • practise fire evacuation procedures with the children and make cleaning materials in the kitchen inaccessible to the children.

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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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