Ashburn, Diane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 318208 Inspection date 19 July 2005 Inspector Mary Kilroy

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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 1991. She lives with her husband, one child aged 13 and an adult son in Flixton, Manchester. The whole of the downstairs area is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children. She takes and collects children from local schools. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups.

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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 know and understand about the importance of having good personal hygiene routines to keep themselves healthy. They understand that germs can get from your hands to your mouth and may make you poorly. Older children know that tissues should be used when sneezing to catch germs and prevent them spreading. There are good routines for sterilising baby utensils and this further develops children's understanding of how to prevent the spread of infection. Children are provided with a choice of healthy and nutritious main meals and snacks to help them to grow. Children enjoy completing healthy eating activities with fruit and vegetable stickers/characters which can then be stuck on to a fairground picture. They are seen enjoying the rides because they are healthy. Children can identify the fruits and vegetables. They know that broccoli is "like a tree" and that healthy choices

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Helping children to be healthy

make you big and strong. Children are beginning to understand healthy eating. They select healthy options from a range of snacks and main meals that promote good health. Older children understand that they need to drink more in hot weather and that plain water is more refreshing and healthy than cordials. Babies and children too young to ask are regularly offered drinks and children enjoy their meals and snacks and eat well. Children remain healthy as the childminder has an effective policy for children who are ill and this is shared with parents. Other policies and practices protect children's health by preventing the spread of infection and keeping the premises clean. Children enjoy outside play and physical exercise through playing on large apparatus in local parks and the garden. They walk wherever possible and visit under fives groups to develop their strength, confidence and co-ordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are gaining understanding of safety around the home. They respond to gentle reminders from the childminder such as not to climb on the furniture, with an explanation of the consequences of their actions. Children understand that babies are kept safe by not dropping small items on the floor. They understand about the dangers of choking on small objects. They gain independence and a sense of belonging from helping to care for younger ones. Children have lots of space to play in comfort and move around freely and access toys with confidence. Children are cared for in a well maintained and safe home and gain a sense of belonging from having their work displayed. Regular risk assessments of the premises, toys, equipment and outings ensures that children stay safe. The childminder's good understanding of safety issues in the home and whilst on outings ensures that the children stay safe. Through regular discussions with the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder and walking in the local area they are beginning to understand road

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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 safety and the green cross code. The childminder has recently accessed training on child protection procedures and has a good understanding of them, thus ensuring the safety of children. The childminder and parents work together. They understand their responsibilities to pass on information about accidents at the childminder's or at home and this works well in practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children progress in their development and enjoy the stimulating activities provided through planned activities. Older children are beginning to understand colours and numbers from singing songs and counting on fingers. They know right from left. They are developing fine motor skills and hand eye co-ordination from manipulating interlocking fence pieces, small world play and building blocks. They sort animals into groups of farm, zoo and museum/the past (dinosaurs) from their recollection of visits to local places of interest. Children happily discuss outings to parks, Stockley Farm and the museum. They have a good understanding of the local area and the wider world and walk wherever possible. Children are beginning to identify numbers from playing with old, real mobile phones which they have chosen in preference to the toy phones. Children have their interests and choices met as the childminder plans

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

around and builds on them. One child enjoys beaches and seaside pictures and they have visited the local travel agents and enjoy looking through brochures and comparing the beaches. Children benefit from a wide range of age appropriate toys and equipment that meet all their individual and developmental needs. The children are developing good language as the childminder talks to and plays with them constantly. She introduces new and descriptive words and extends their vocabulary and their language is rich. Older children are adept at playing 'I spy' and are developing communication and reading skills. The children benefit from spending individual time with the childminder. Children can access toys and equipment freely and confidently. The use of birth to three matters would further enhance practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain knowledge and understanding of the local community from visits to places of interest and walking in the local area wherever possible. They watch appropriate children's television programmes to gain an understanding of diversity and the wider world. They are developing good attitudes to diversity and valuing differences from seeing only positive images in all aspects of play and the setting, from books, toys and creative materials. Children show a good understanding of recycling from sorting items into appropriate bins and boxes with the childminder and are beginning to understand the benefits. Older children know that saving paper saves trees from being cut down and why this is important.

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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 The childminder has previously cared for children who have special needs. All children are valued as individuals and their achievements in the setting and at home are celebrated. This gives them confidence and a sense of where they fit into the wider society. They are supported and encouraged to do well and join in every area of play. Children feel secure and safe in the home, they respect the needs of babies and other children and are comfortable when discussing their needs and feelings. Children are well behaved. They understand about boundaries and expectations through discussion with the childminder and her gentle reminders. They show concern for younger children and their needs. They respect the needs and feelings of others and take turns. The childminder exchanges verbal information with parents daily. She includes them

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Helping children make a positive contribution

in the routine where possible by offering effective feedback on all aspects of the care provided. This helps children to settle well into the childminder's home. Children benefit from the warm and friendly relationships that have built up between their childminder and parents. The childminder knows all about the children's backgrounds, their likes and dislikes and their interests. She builds on what they do at home. They are settled and stimulated and a good understanding of and matching their home routines gives them a sense of belonging and being acknowledged.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. All adults on the premises are suitable to be with children. Children are confident and settled in the well organised home environment. They are provided with a variety of activities to promote their development and enjoyment. They play happily in warm and comfortable surroundings. Space is well organised inside and out. Children benefit from individual time with the childminder at appropriate times of the day to ensure that their individual needs are met. Children's care is enhanced by effective and efficient organisation. The childminder keeps comprehensive records and written policies that are up-to-date and shared with parents. All children make good progress and have their needs met through effective planning of activities. The childminder develops her practice through attending courses which help her understanding of child development, child protection and current legislation and improves the service that she offers.

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Organisation

Overall, the setting meets the needs of the children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices. She has increased her range and this improves children's understanding of diversity and positive images.

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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 The childminder was asked to inform Ofsted and carry out checks on persons aged 16 years and over. All persons on the premises have been vetted and this keeps children safe. The childminder was asked to provide opportunities for children to explore natural materials within the range of activities and resources. She has increased her range and this creates a stimulating environment for children.

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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): • develop a suitable range of activities for younger children by using the birth to three framework

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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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