Childminder in SalfordOfsted inspection, 30 Mar 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 307287 Inspection date 30 March 2006 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 1996. She lives with her child aged 15-years-old and an adult daughter in Salford. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding a 5-month-old child part time, a 2-year-old during the day, and a 4-year-old and a 9-year-old after school. She walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups. The family

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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 have a dog and a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy helping with small household tasks, such as recycling, sweeping up and tidying. They see the dust that is swept up and are beginning to understand that food dropped on the floor should not be eaten and that germs may make you poorly. Through gentle reminders the childminder prompts children to wash their hands at appropriate times, such as after playing and handling her animals. Very young children use tissues and dispose of them quickly in the bin. Children know how to flush the toilet and are encouraged to wash their hands by the provision of hand pump liquid soap dispensers, which the childminder knows they enjoy using. She provides individual flannels, which are colour coded to prevent the spread of infection and children know their own colour. They understand that they should only use their own things and are learning about remaining healthy at an age appropriate level.

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate equipment is used to encourage children's self help skills, such as a step to enable younger children to reach the toilet and hand washbasin. Toilet provision downstairs enables children to be independent and gives them privacy whilst still being assisted if necessary. A good nappy changing process is in place and children see clean food preparation areas. There is a secure sick child policy, which is shared with parents. The childminder contacts parents and isolates children where possible if a minded child in her care contracts an infectious illness. However, the childminder is flexible and sensible if she is only minding one child and the child is not very ill. She provides information for parents about communicable diseases and knows that food poisoning is now notifiable. The childminder passes on information from school about infectious diseases. She has menu plans for parents to see and discusses what the

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Helping children to be healthy

children have eaten daily. A record of individual dietary needs is kept and is regularly updated as they change. The childminder knows children's likes and dislikes very well and she offers them lots of choices. Juice and fresh drinking water are always available in a selection of feeder cups to encourage younger children to help to feed themselves. Older children are able to self select water. The childminder offers lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. One child particularly enjoys curry, cous cous and pasta and she saves portions of spicy foods made for her own family especially to meet this preference. Babies under 1-year-old bring their own food by arrangement with parents. Older children like crackers and especially enjoy spreading them with a variety of toppings. They enjoy baking activities with the childminder, which encourages them to eat what they have made. Children enjoy mealtimes as they are happy, social occasions. Children

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Helping children to be healthy

willingly discuss their favourite foods at the childminder's home, such as cheese, pizza and jelly. The childminder has a method of sterilising baby equipment. Children enjoy fresh air and exercise on walks to school and in local parks. They discuss fresh air and taking deep breaths with the childminder and she creates

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 opportunities for them to enjoy exercise, such as running through the nearby flats on the way to and from school. She tries to get them out in all weathers, suitably clothed. She takes advantage of naturally occurring events such as the recent snow and children thoroughly enjoyed running through it on a nearby hill. The childminder uses yoga as exercise and relaxation for herself and the minded children, if parents wish.

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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 warm and welcoming environment. They have space to move around in comfort in the well organised and safe surroundings. Children are learning about staying safe through routines, discussion and activities. Children can access the downstairs toilet and bathroom independently and in safety. Children's need for privacy in the bathroom is respected to encourage their self help skills. The childminder has a good balance of child sized and adult furniture, and rooms are well planned. All playrooms are on the ground floor and children do not need to negotiate the stairs. Children stay safe as the childminder has good policies and procedures. Her written risk assessment covers all areas of the provision and the premises inside and out are checked daily for safety. All trips and outings, such as a trip to Heaton Park are also risk assessed. Park equipment and the playground area are checked for hazards and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safety before using the equipment. Toys and equipment are clean, safe and suitable and are purchased to meet recognised safety standards. All age appropriate safety equipment, such as a travel cot and safety gates are in place. Older children consider the needs of babies when playing with small pieces of Lego or puzzles. They help to ensure that they are not dropped on the floor and that safety gates remain shut. Children stay safe as the childminder has a secure and effective policy for emergency evacuation, which is practiced with them. Older children know and understand the procedure and are beginning to take some responsibility for their own safety by participating and through discussion afterwards. The emergency plan was seen during a recent home safety check by Greater Manchester Fire Service, who visited at the childminder's request to advise. The check found the premises and procedures to be safe and she has implemented extra advice given on the visit, such

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

as reminding her family not to use aerosol cans in enclosed spaces. Sleeping children are carefully monitored and times of arrival and departure of children are meticulously recorded. Smoke detectors are electric with battery back up as an extra safeguard. Children understand about road safety at an age appropriate level. Those too young to understand the Green Cross Code can identify the red man and green man and are learning about safe places to cross if the patrol person is not around. They take turns to press the crossing button. The childminder uses Get Across, a road safety package for young children, with them. Children understand about simple rules when outside, such as holding hands and looking and listening. The childminder gives good explanations to children to enable them to remain safe. Inside, they know and understand the rules about safety, such as not to climb on furniture or touch the pets. They know about people who help them in the local area,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

such as the policeman and the crossing patrol. Older children recently helped to plan

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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 a new safe route with the childminder when damaged fencing made the old way hazardous. Children are learning about stranger danger at an age appropriate level to help them to keep safe. The childminder regularly updates her policies and procedures and has a good missing or uncollected child policy, which is shared with parents. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and her policies and procedures are up to date. She has the latest telephone numbers and procedure for reporting concerns. The childminder has read a copy of the 'What to do if you are worried that a child is being abused' summary and ensures that her practice meets current requirements. She records significant incidents. She demonstrates good understanding of signs and symptoms of non-accidental injury to children and knows

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

when not to discuss a concern before reporting. Parents are aware of the procedures and of their responsibility to notify the childminder of injuries sustained at home. Good relationships built between the childminder and parents ensure that sensitive issues can be discussed more easily and parents are good at passing on relevant information that may affect their child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder uses lots of natural materials, such as wooden bricks to enhance children's tactile experiences. A treasure basket has been created for the baby and the childminder will review her tactile play activities for older children when Birth to three training is completed in the near future. She uses 'Grumpy' as a resource for purchasing good creative and imaginary play materials. The childminder has an excellent range of age appropriate toys. Toddlers enjoy a painting and shape activity and very young children know quite a few colours. They enjoy creative and threading play and are learning to handle tools well and develop hand-eye coordination skills. The Birth to three matters chart is displayed on the wall for parents to see and this encourages them to discuss their child's progress. The childminder uses Birth to three matters well and has previously helped to run a parent and toddler group two

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

days a week. She is experienced in providing stimulating activities for a wide age range of children. Toys are accessible and children move around confidently to self select toys and equipment. They are absorbed in their activities and play well together, alone or with the childminder. She devotes all her time to talking and playing with them and is interested in what they say and do. She introduces new words and rich language to extend children's vocabulary. Children are clear are enthusiastic talkers and take turns to listen and respond. Very young children enjoy activities on shape, number and colour and they are learning well. Children are familiar with each other and enjoy playing together. Toddlers show concern for the needs of the baby and are prepared to wait or take turns until the baby's needs are met. The individual needs of all the children are met well and the childminder has good understanding of their likes and dislikes. She gives lots of one-to-one attention

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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 provision is good. Children access toys and activities that promote anti-discriminatory play and equality of opportunity in every area. They watch appropriate television programmes showing positive images and all children are encouraged to try all areas of play regardless of gender, race or ability. Girls especially enjoyed a trip to the East Lancashire railway. Children have good opportunities to meet a wide range of people with varying abilities in the local community, including a family of elderly people. They are learning to value and celebrate differences and develop positive attitudes to others. Children observe and know about people who help them, such as the lollipop lady in the local community. They enjoy watching the firemen and engine and the firemen put the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

engine lights on for them and talk to the children about what they do. The childminder has a positive attitude to all areas of equality, which she tries to foster in children by presenting only positive images of others in the equipment and toys provided. The childminder has a secure settling in policy, which is tailored to each child's individual needs. Children are prepared for visitors and new children and consequently feel secure and confident to chat. They have opportunities to visit the museum and facilities, such as the Sea Life Centre, farms and local parks to observe nature and animals first hand. Very young children show concern for the needs of the baby when she cries. The childminder presently has no children who have special needs, although she has minded children with a variety of special needs in the past. Babies' individual requirements for rest and feeding are met and the daily routine is fitted around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates good understanding of children's development and of planning for the next stages. Inclusive play activities are planned with each child supported at a level according to their need. Children have access to all areas of play and are encouraged and supported to try everything. The childminder is prepared to adapt play activities and room setting to meet children's individual needs. She would be sympathetic and sensitive to the needs of parents should she be the first to identify a concern. The childminder has up to date information on the new code of practice and she values individuality. She provides parents with information on local services. The premises are designed to provide wheelchair access and the childminder is able to access the sensory room at a nearby children's centre with the children. The childminder provides a good role model for positive behaviour. Children are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

confident because the childminder is consistent in her approach to managing behaviour. They know the boundaries and understand the few simple rules. They always sit down together to eat with the childminder. The childminder uses only positive strategies for managing behaviour, such as distraction to another activity for younger children and lots of praise for wanted behaviour as it naturally occurs. Her stimulating and varied activities and skilful intervention ensures that children are never bored or restless. The childminder previously helped to run a parent and toddler group and is experienced in managing children's behaviour within a large group. She never discusses issues in front of the child and always encourages children to express their feelings and emotions in a safe environment. Yoga is offered as an aid to relaxation, if parents wish. Parents are positive about the childminder's provision. They are happy with the twice

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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 daily, comprehensive exchange of information. Children benefit from the good relationships built up between parents and the childminder. The childminder always considers parents' views and values their opinions.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting and activities are well organised. The childminder has good routines and clear expectations, and children are confident learners. They enjoy the play activities and are provided with good experiences indoors and in the wider environment. Children enjoy relating their experiences and making choices and decisions on their play as well as helping to prepare healthy food. They are settled and happy. The childminder involves the children in small daily tasks around the home, such as tidying and sweeping up, preparing toast and buttering crackers. This provides children with a secure homely atmosphere where they can achieve and grow in confidence. They have a good sense of belonging. The childminder has undertaken regular training to enhance all areas of her provision and has recently applied to join the Childminding Network. She uses Birth to three matters to good effect and

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Organisation

demonstrates good understanding of the National Standards. The childminder ensures that the children are always in her sole care and that everyone living on the premises is suitable. Children benefit from her vigilance and close supervision. She is proactive in ensuring that anyone with significant access is quickly cleared before being on the premises. The childminder attends training to ensure that her practice is current and meets all the individual needs of children in her care. She records significant incidents and keeps a log of parents' complaints. Records are securely stored and are kept confidential. The childminder demonstrates good understanding of data protection requirements for records kept electronically and the lengths of time that the regulator (Ofsted) requires written records to be kept. Written records are kept to a high standard with a minor omission. The childminder has agreed to display her registration certificate in a more prominent position so that

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Organisation

parents can see it without needing to ask. Records are shared with parents. They are up to date and are regularly reviewed as needs and children change. There is a twice daily verbal exchange of information with parents to ensure that they are kept informed and involved in the care of their child. Overall the provision meets the needs of all children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice regarding disability. The childminder has increased this and all other areas of equal opportunities provision to enable children to see positive images and to learn to value and celebrate differences and individuality.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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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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 that the registration certificate is displayed in a more prominent position to enable parents to see it.

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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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