Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

311945 Unique Reference Number 28 September 2006 Inspection date Jeanne Lesley Walsh Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and two young children. They live in the Dukinfield area of Tameside. Children are cared for on the ground floor of the house in the lounge / dining room, kitchen and playroom. There is access to the family bathroom, also on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under eight years. The registration does not include overnight care. Children may be taken to and from school, and on outings to the local park, shops and library, with parental consent. There are currently nine children on roll, all attending on a part time basis.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is carefully considered by the childminder. She discusses children’s individual needs with their parents and she provides care accordingly. She provides a warm, clean environment for children and she promotes good standards of hygiene and personal care. Children routinely wash their hands before and after visiting the toilet, after playing outside and at other appropriate times of the day. They are introduced to good practice from a very early age, for example, during a nappy change. The children are clearly aware of the changing routine as they wait for the childminder to wash her hands and then hold their own hands up to be washed.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Discussion with parents ensures that the childminder is aware of children's individual dietary needs. She organises meals well so that the children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet from the choice of foods available to them. These include fresh foods, fruit and vegetables, and a choice of healthy drinks. The older children help to prepare simple snacks, such as making scotch pancakes and crackers and toast. They enjoy doing it for themselves as they say that it tastes better.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

During the inspection the children are enjoying a fruit snack of bananas and a choice of water or sugar free juice to drink. They watch a short children’s television programme about healthy eating. It is about growing and preparing food and it reminds them of hygienic procedures, such as washing hands and cleaning work surfaces. The children are already learning good practice.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she is able to ensure children’s well-being in the event of an accident. She maintains good accident records and she obtains written consent for any emergency medical advice or treatment from parents. The administration of medication is discussed with parents, but some of the records lack written detail.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children benefit from regular exercise as the childminder ensures that they take part in physical activities most days. She takes the children to the park regularly and photographic evidence shows them dancing, jumping on the trampoline and on the bouncy castle. The childminder talks about older children enjoying games, such as musical statues and musical bumps.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming, child centred environment. Their work and their photographs are displayed in the dedicated playroom. This helps them to feel a good sense of belonging in the setting. Children are able to participate freely in a range of play activities. The equipment is of good quality, clean and conforms to safety standards. Space is well organised so that they can play safely and comfortably. Security is good and children are not able to leave

p.3

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 the premises unsupervised. They remain under the direct supervision of the childminder at all times.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has made every effort to minimise the risk of accident and injury, both in the home and on outings. For example, she obtains all relevant consent forms from parents and insurances are up to date. She protects children from the risk of fire because there is an emergency evacuation procedure in place and smoke alarms are fitted on all levels of the house. There is a fire blanket in the kitchen, plugs are protected and wiring is secure, and there is a carbon monoxide detector in place. Information is available for children to help them in an emergency, such as what to do if the childminder does not arrive to pick them up at school or if she becomes ill. This information is shared with parents and children.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because clear guidelines and procedures are in place to actively safeguard and promote their welfare. The childminder is fully aware of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and her responsibility to implement them. She has recently completed additional training to further develop her own knowledge so that she can protect the children in her care. She demonstrates that she is able to recognise possible signs and symptoms of abuse. She records all accidents and incidents that happen to children and she is aware of procedures to follow should she have concerns.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and busy in the childminder’s home. Photographic evidence shows that they also enjoy regular outings to various places of interest, such as feeding the animals at the local farm and climbing and playing swing ball at the park. Children of all age groups confidently explore the activities and are engaged in a good range of opportunities.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children develop their creativity through painting, making finger puppets, badges, paper flowers and much more. They feed their imagination when they put on a show with the puppets they have made. They are busy taking orders in the cafe and they listen and make music with the musical instruments. There are many opportunities for children to explore and engage in role play, but there are some limitations, as there are few dressing up clothes available.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The younger children are exploring the Noah’s ark, watching as the childminder moves the animals inside. The childminder talks about the different animals and the sounds they make, and they all join in making the animal noises. They quickly move on to the small construction equipment and the children are fascinated as the childminder starts to stick them together to make a person. One child picks it up and really enjoys pulling it to pieces again.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is plenty of opportunity for the children to explore. They freely choose what they want to do and access a good range of equipment. They are learning to share as they each take turns to listen to the rainmaker, play with the dolls and the pull along toys. The children are content to wait their turn. They are only young, but already they are getting the idea of tidying up as the childminder helps them to put the right toys in the right boxes.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 knows the children well as individuals. She challenges them to recognise their colours and supports their learning by providing appropriate toys and games. She is helping them to develop good communication skills by talking to them, asking them questions and explaining things as they play. She is conscious of giving children space to develop their independence and she knows when it is appropriate for her to step back and allow the children time to try things out for themselves.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates good skills and she has the tools to help children to achieve and to progress. Children are happy and learning and they are developing socially, physically and intellectually. Their individual needs are being met.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern because the childminder ensures a consistent approach to their care. She works with parents to ensure continuity of care and to ensure that children's individual needs are met.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are becoming aware of the wider and diverse society we live in through access to resources and activities that promote positive images. These include books, jigsaw puzzles, games and dolls. The childminder provides opportunities to celebrate different festivals, which all the children take part in. They are starting to become aware of the wider world because they enjoy regular outings when they visit the library, shops, the local park, and other minders. In the car the children are beginning to recognise the different buildings they pass on the way to school or the park. They point out each others home and they know who lives where. They are becoming familiar with their local community.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the positive environment created by the childminder, who presents as a good role model for them. They are able to share, take turns and they respond well to the praise and encouragement they receive. The older children help to negotiate simple rules, for example, they learn to take turns when they decide who will go first on the games console. They show consideration for others as the older children let the younger ones have their turn at baking first. The childminder encourages them to be polite and they are learning to respect each other's feelings by saying sorry. The children are learning about their own behaviour and the effect it has on those around them, as the childminder encourages the children to consider and care for each other.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are kept informed of their child’s progress through daily discussion. Information provided by parents confirms that they are very pleased with the quality of care their children receive and their children are happy and content.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in the setting. Space is well organised so that they can play in comfort and enjoy a good range of activities. Children of all ages benefit from a well planned

p.5

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 day and they receive lots of encouragement, time and attention from the childminder, which promotes their independence and helps to develop their self-esteem.

p.5

Organisation

The children’s care is agreed with parents through regular discussions and written contracts. The childminder has good policy documents in place and her records are appropriately maintained and kept confidentially. Effective procedures keep children safe from persons who are not vetted. The childminder also ensures that children are under her supervision at all times. She holds appropriate qualifications and demonstrates a willingness to further develop her knowledge and skills by attending additional training. The children are cared for in a secure environment where they can develop and achieve at their own pace. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has now completed a safeguarding children training course. This means that she is now able to protect children from possible abuse, as she is aware of the procedures to follow should she have concerns.

p.6

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 more detailed written instructions from parents regarding the administration of medication • further develop resources for children to enjoy imaginative play activities, such as dressing up.

p.6

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 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.6

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

p.7