Inspection report for early years provision Unique Reference Number EY300024 Inspection date 08 August 2005 Inspector Verlyn Ulanda Blake Type of inspection Type of care Childcare Childminding
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. 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. THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection: The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT? The childminder has been registered since January 2005. She lives with her family in a house in the Little Hulton area of Salford, Greater Manchester. The whole of the ground floor which includes the lounge/dining room, kitchen and bathroom are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed back garden available for outdoor play. There are two children on register, who attend for a variety of sessions throughout the week. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local adult and toddler group. She is a member of the
National Childminding Association. (NCMA) THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION Helping children to be healthy Children stay healthy because the childminder has a secure knowledge of and exercises effective hygiene practices. Daily routines ensure that children learn how to keep themselves clean. For example washing their hands before meals and after playing outdoors. Wet wipes are used on the babies and the toys, resources and equipment are kept clean by wiping them down or washing them during water play activities. These practices contribute to the reduction of illnesses and the spread of cross infections. Children are well nourished because the childminder has a good understanding of nutrition. Children are provided with healthy meals such as home cooked pies, pasta dishes, a range of vegetables, salads and fresh fruit. Children are offered plenty of drinks. Their health and dietary needs are fully met because their well being is monitored throughout the day and the good information received from parents enables the childminder to respect children's preferences and parents wishes. Children benefit from daily fresh air and exercise as they go for walks to the local park where they access a range of large fixed equipment. They enjoy physical activity in the home and develop a good sense of control and coordination over their bodies as they learn to ride two wheeled bikes with stabilizers, play on the swing, see saw, swing ball and trampoline developing their large and small muscle skills. They also enjoy planned music and movement sessions. Babies physical development is well stimulated by the childminder. They are able to move freely, which encourages their mobility and muscle skills and enables them to explore their environment. Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe Children are cared for in a clean, well maintained home where risks are identified and minimised by the use of good safety equipment. This means that they are able to move around all registered areas of the home inside and outside, safely, freely and independently. Children are protected from the direct rays of the sun. They know to wear their hats whilst playing outside and to play in the shaded areas so they do not get sun burn or become ill. Children are provided with safe, suitable play equipment. The childminder carefully purchases toys and resources which are suitable to the ages and stages of the development of the children and pose no risk of injury. This includes toys babies can grip easily that do not have small pieces which they could choke on. Accident and medication records are in place. There are no entries to date. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder gives them gentle
reminders to, hold on to the side of the trampoline as they are jumping, or playing on the swing. They are reminded to be careful when riding the bike not bumping into each other or equipment. They learn to keep each other safe as demonstrated as young children pick up small items off the rug which can cause a choking hazard to babies. They also know to hold onto the sides of the pushchair and learn about road safety whilst travelling to and from school. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to be followed in the event of a concern. Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do Babies benefit from the good individual support and close physical proximity given by the childminder which allows them to settle in her care. They quickly become confident as they attempt to pull themselves forward and sit up in their chairs, acquiring new skills. Babies are encouraged to explore and imitate sounds using a range of baby objects. They make sense of their world, become aware of themselves and others, as they learn how to communicate and express themselves. For example looking around the room watching and listening to the keys being tapped on the keyboard. Babies understanding of language is stimulated by constant interaction with the childminder who talks to them all the time. Children's learning and enjoyment are supported and extended well because the childminder plans what she does with them according to their individual needs. Such as messy activities which are completed with the older children, with the same activity repeated with the babies so that good supervision is given and their individual needs are met on a one to one basis. Other activities such as music and movement sessions are completed with all children of different ages taking part. Children share very good relationships with each other, demonstrated as older children gently tickle the babies on their stomach which they respond too with excitement laughing, giggling and gargling. Children play games together and confidently express themselves as they care for their dolls and get toys for the babies, playing peek-a-boo. Children are introduced to group settings and learn how to play together and build friendships. They develop caring skills through sharing in mixed age groups. Children express their imagination and creativity through many different craft activities, such as gluing, painting and making cards. Helping children make a positive contribution Children are valued and respected as individuals and are cared for according to their individual needs. They benefit from the good relationships developed between parents and the childminder. This promotes continuity and consistency of care. All aspects of care are discussed and agreed with parents and they are kept informed
about their children's well being and progress on a day-to-day basis. Children with specific needs are cared for with great sensitivity and concern. Excellent two way communication between parents, other relevant agencies and the childminder ensures that all parties work in consistent ways to promote the welfare and development of all children. Good recording and observations systems ensure that parents receive information which they can pass on to external agencies. Children are actively encouraged to show care and concern for each other and play harmoniously. They develop excellent social skills because good behaviour is praised and encouraged, which raises their confidence and self-esteem. They learn about boundaries in a way which is sensitive to their age and stage of development. Children learn to develop respect for other people. Their awareness and understanding of differences are raised as they access a range of toys and resources which reflect positive images of the immediate and wider world. Organisation The organisation is good. The children's day is well organised by the childminder who has completed several training courses since registering as a childminder. She uses the information and experience gathered from the variety of courses attended to enhance her childminding practices. Such as finding new and creative ways to make paper mache which poses no risk to the children and items that can be added to a treasure basket to enhance babies sensory experiences. Children have access to a wide range of toys and resources, however these are not freely accessible to all children which hindered their levels of choice and the natural resources are not organised to allow babies independent access to them. Children's care is managed in a professional manner. The childminder has devised a portfolio of good detailed policies and procedures which are shared with parents and reviewed regularly to keep them informed of any changes. The documentation in place ensures that from the outset, she has a comprehensive understanding of children's needs and stages of development. These help her to monitor and plan for children's future progress. Records are accessible and stored securely to ensure that confidentiality is maintained. Overall the childminder meets the range of needs of the children attending. Improvements since the last inspection Not applicable. Complaints since the last inspection There are no complaints to report.
THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection: The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT? 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): organise the toys and resources to allow all children independent access to them Any complaints about the inspection or the report should be made following the 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