Marshall, Carol Wendy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 307414 Inspection date 17 May 2005 Inspector Susan Janet Lee

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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 was registered in 1987. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 14 and 18 in a terraced property in Little Hulton. The lounge and kitchen/dining room on the ground floor and the bathroom and front bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding purposes. There is a rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for five children (four of whom are aged under eight years).

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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 They attend on a variety of placements. She is able to take and collect children from the local primary school. Minded children are taken on regular trips out to parent toddler group, childminder groups, to the park, and the library. The childminder holds a childcare qualification and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment that is well maintained, warm and welcoming. The childminder exercises good hygiene practices. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through daily activities such as washing hands at appropriate times of the day, minimising the risk of cross infection. The childminder provides meals and snacks that are healthy and nutritious, as a result children's growth and development are well promoted. Younger children are becoming increasingly independent, for example, they are able to take their drinks outside when they play in the garden. Older children are able to help themselves to a drink when they are thirsty, consequently, they are confident and independent. Younger children make choices about where they play and they are able to move around freely indoors and outdoors, for example they extend their play from the lounge into the garden. Play in the garden and regular visits to the park and woods

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Helping children to be healthy

ensure that children enjoy a variety of activities that contribute to their good health and improve all children's physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised, as a result children are able to move around freely, safely and independently. The childminder actively encourages children to become aware of safety, for example, sitting down when eating, how to cross the road and use a pelican crossing and staying together when playing in the park; consequently children become aware of safety in the home and on outings. Older children are involved in practicing fire evacuation in the home, younger children are not involved in this procedure, so they are not aware of what to do in the event of a fire. Children confidently select resources of their choice from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which conform to safety requirements, minimising risks to children. The childminder has all the required documentation and knowledge to ensure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child

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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 Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. The children relate well to each other and have opportunities to socialise with other children through regular attendance at local amenities such as play group, music sessions and story time at the library. The childminder uses her awareness of the aspects of the Birth to three matters framework to promote younger children's learning. She sits on the same level as the children as they play, maintaining lots of eye contact and interacting with them at every opportunity, as a result the children are happy, secure and confident in her care. Younger children are able to express themselves imaginatively. For example, a child dresses as a pirate and then goes to play outside in the sand, where he looks for buried treasure. All children are purposefully engaged in an interesting variety of activities, for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

example, imaginative play, creative activities, construction and outdoor play, consequently children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder forges good working relationships with parents at an early stage and works closely with them, as a result children's individual needs are recognised and promoted. There is a good selection of resources that reflect diversity available, helping to raise children's awareness of the world around them. The childminder values and respects children as individuals, as a result children develop self assurance. Younger children are beginning to show care and concern for their peers. Older children help to support the younger children, for example, by helping them to put their coats on and by playing with them. Children share warm relationships with each other and play together in harmony. The childminder praises and encourages positive behaviour and celebrates children's achievements, raising their confidence and self esteem, as a result children respond and behave well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and secure in the well organised environment,

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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 consequently they use and explore their surroundings with confidence. In the last twelve months, the childminder has attended training to further develop her childminding practice and as a result, children are well cared for and they are afforded stimulating opportunities and experiences. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare and care of children. All appropriate records and documentation are in place, these are updated on a regular basis, which contributes to the continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder should attend first aid training. The childminder has improved children's safety and welfare by attending first aid training. She now has a valid first aid certificate and up to date knowledge of what to do in the event of a child having an accident.

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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 younger children aware of what to do in the event of a fire by involving them in emergency evacuation practices

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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:

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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 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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