Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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311936 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2006 Inspection date Anne Drinkwater Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and daughter in the Droylsden area of Manchester. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear yard for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children on a full and part time basis.

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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. Children are cared for in a warm and well maintained home. They are beginning to learn the importance of hygiene and personal care through gentle reminders to wash their hands after stroking the cat, however hand washing before and after meals was not observed and the cat food and bowl was accessible to the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's medical and dietary needs are recorded and the childminder understands the issues surrounding the safe storage and administration of medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. Regular walks to and from school promotes healthy exercise for children and encourages them to understand how exercise helps them to stay healthy. Visits to the local park and activities in the yard provide opportunities for physical play and enable children to make progress in their physical development. They gain confidence and learn how to use their bodies in different ways as they play. Children are encouraged to become independent, for example potty training, the childminder offers flexibility in this if a child does not want to go on the potty, efforts are valued with praise and star charts.

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Helping children to be healthy

Presently parents provide the child's meals which the childminder prepares. Regular drinks are provided to keep them refreshed. However, children do not develop healthy eating habits because the childminder provides snacks and treats, such as chocolate and jam.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the ability to move around the ground floor freely. There is a satisfactory range of toys and equipment which are well organised and stored within easy reach. The children have sufficient space to play comfortably indoors and have access to a safe and well enclosed yard for outdoor play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The risk of accidental injury is minimised by the regular checking of play materials and risk assessments of the premises. Children are kept generally safe because the childminder has requested a fire safety visit and acted upon most of the recommendations, effective measures, such as smoke alarms, fire blanket and public liability insurance, are in place, however; children's safety is not met because a fire evacuation drill has not been practised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's are kept safe on trips to the local school and park with the effective use of walking reins.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder is clear about her role and responsibilities in relation to child protection. She has copies of the relevant procedures and contact numbers; she also ensures parents are aware of the procedures and her responsibilities.

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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 comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home. The sharing of experiences as they play and laugh together helps develop warm and caring relationships between the childminder and the children. They are given appropriate attention as the childminder is aware of their likes and needs. For example, she gets the favourite jigsaws out for the children; she gives support when needed to place the pieces. The childminder and children sit together on the floor smiling at each other as they play with the jigsaws and animals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children develop independence as they explore the environment confidently. They pick out their favourite films and toys and interact well with the childminder. However, children's progress is hindered as she does not plan ahead and consider what the child needs to learn next.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's needs are mostly met since the childminder obtains all the relevant information, she works closely with parents. However, the childminder lacks resources and an understanding of equal opportunity issue's and how this impacts on her practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well as the childminder adopts effective consistent strategies, gives constant praise and builds their self-esteem with the use of star charts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents which gives her a good knowledge of the children. This enables her to develop consistency of care. Daily verbal exchange of information lets parents know how their children are progressing and ensures children's individual needs are being carried out. Parents are verbally informed of the childminder's policies and procedures and give positive written feedback about the care their children receive. However, the childminder does not have the current procedures to follow if parents have a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Continuity of care is achieved by sharing information between parents and the childminder.

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Organisation

Most required documentation and records are maintained. These contribute to the safety and well-being of children in her care.

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Organisation

Records and documentation are in place, thus contributing to the continuity of care of the children. First aid training is kept up to date. As a result, children's safety, security and the childminder's partnership with parents is enhanced.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort. She organises play materials to promote children's independence and encourages choices about their play

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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 and learning. Children are at home in the comfortable and welcoming surroundings and have settled in well.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection one recommendation was made to further develop the range of resources and opportunities for promoting positive images to children. The childminder has started to develop her resources, however as the children are not given sufficient opportunities or resources to learn and develop an awareness of the world the recommendation has been carried over.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received a complaint relating to National Standard 1 - Suitable Person, Standard 6 - Safety and Standard 11 - Behaviour. A childcare inspector visited the provision on 10 March 2006. Actions were raised and satisfactorily met by the registered provider. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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): • ensure the cat bowl and food is made inaccessible to children, promote good hygiene routines, such as hand washing before and after meals • ensure snacks and meals provided are healthy and nutritious • ensure minded children know the emergency evacuation route and practise fire drills • gain knowledge and understanding of the Birth to 3 matters publication to plan ahead and develop children's learning • ensure parents are informed of a complaints procedure in line with the recent changes to regulations.

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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 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

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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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