Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY320275 Inspection date 07 June 2006 Inspector Teresa Ann Clark

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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 satisfactory. 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 2006. She lives with her partner in the Blackley area of Manchester. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is a rear yard for outside play. The childminder may care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There is currently one child on roll. With parental permission the childminder takes children to the park, library and local community groups. The childminder has a cat. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Daily routines raise children's awareness of appropriate hygiene practices and help to reduce the risk of cross-infection. For example, children learn to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Effective measures regarding the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious ensure the childminder acts in their best interests. The childminder maintains accident and medication records which promotes children's safety and welfare. Children take part in activities which contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Visits to local parks helps children to develop control over their bodies and build their muscular strength. Children eagerly play ball games and hopscotch. They confidently use equipment, such as swings and climbing frames. Children benefit from healthy options at snack and mealtimes to promote their growth and development. For example, they enjoy cheese salad and fresh fruit. Regular

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Helping children to be healthy

drinks, which include water, keep them well refreshed. Parents' wishes are discussed and taken into account to meet children's specific dietary requirements. Children develop good social skills as they sit at the table to eat their snacks and meals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play comfortably and safely. The layout of the furniture is effectively organised so they have space to move around without the worry of injuring themselves. Toys and equipment are of good quality and there is a satisfactory amount to maintain children's interests. However, there are limited resources to promote children's imagination, such as dressing up clothes and domestic style equipment. The organisation of resources does not promote children's independence skills. Although they are stored in low-level chests and storage containers, it is not always easy for children to see what is available. Positive steps are taken by the childminder to ensure there are appropriate measures to minimise the risk of accidental injury. For example, suitable fire safety equipment is in place to keep children free from harm. There is a fire blanket located in the kitchen and the childminder checks smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are in working

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

order. However, emergency evacuation procedures are not practised with children so they understand how to keep safe if there was an emergency. Children avoid dangers when outdoors as they comply with the childminder's instructions and consistent practices. They know they must keep their seatbelt fastened when travelling in the car and stay close by when walking with the childminder. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her role with regard to child protection and has the necessary information regarding the procedures to follow.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and well settled in the childminder's home. They show interest and good concentration skills when they are enjoying activities. For example, completing a large floor puzzle. Children are confident to make their needs known, such as telling the childminder when they need the toilet and when they have had enough of an activity. Children have comfortable and relaxed relationships with the childminder. They ask the childminder to play with them. For example, with the magnetic fishing game and soft toys. The childminder responds well to children's requests which ensures they are occupied and happy in their play. Children are learning about shape, number and colour through activities, such as puzzles, counting the number of stairs and using the computer. The childminder plans an interesting range of activities for children including planting seeds in containers, which helps them learn plants need water and sunshine to grow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy visits to the library for storytelling sessions. Visits to community groups provide children with different learning experiences, such as sand and water play. They also have opportunities to meet and play alongside other children. This helps to extend their learning and encourages them to make new friends.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel at ease in their surroundings and freely chat to the childminder about what they are doing. They are confident in asking for help and support. They learn to develop a positive attitude towards others through visits in the local community and through books and activities. The childminder continues to increase resources which promote equality of opportunity to help children learn about the wider world. She demonstrates a commitment towards providing an inclusive service and recognises the importance of working closely with parents to meet children's individual requirements. Children are well behaved. The childminder sets clear and realistic expectations for children, which they understand. Children are learning to respect the toys and equipment, they know to put away toys when they have finished playing. Appropriate methods are used to manage children's behaviour based on their maturity and level

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Helping children make a positive contribution

of understanding. The use of praise and encouragement fosters children's self-esteem and confidence. Friendly relationships with parents contribute to establishing a positive partnership. Parents are provided with good information about the childminding service, which includes written policies and procedures. Parents are informed about their children through daily verbal exchange and through a journal. This includes information about activities, photographs and children's progress and achievements. This keeps parents informed and provides consistency of care for children.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The day is suitably organised so children have time to rest as well as be active. They move around the childminder's home confidently and freely express themselves as they play. The childminder is well organised to provide children with consistent routines. This helps children feel settled and secure. Children enjoy a good balance of activities both in the childminder's home and within the community. They benefit from the positive adult support which fosters their confidence and learning. The childminder maintains most records and documents relating to the care of children. These are well organised and easily accessible in the event of an emergency. The childminder holds a first aid certificate so is in a position to administer treatment if necessary, to ensure children's welfare. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice

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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 • improve resources to develop children's imaginative play • improve the organisation of toys and equipment to promote children's independence skills • practise fire evacuation procedures with the children.

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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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