Childminder in Salford

Inspection report for early years provision

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307353 Unique Reference Number 26 October 2006 Inspection date Judith Anne Kerr 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 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 1994. She lives with her two adult children in Irlam O'the Heights, Salford, Manchester. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed yard for outside 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 two children under five and three children before and after school. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the park and library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a National Nursery Nursing qualification and 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 good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They have the opportunity to develop control of their bodies. For example, young babies who are just trying to turn over are encouraged to reach for toys, developing coordination and balance. A selection of outdoor play equipment and regular visits to the park promote children's physical development as they crawl through tunnels, feed the ducks and persevere with the assault course.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are beginning to learn about good hygiene habits, such as washing their hands at appropriate times of the day. The childminder implements effective hygiene procedures, which minimises the risks to children of cross infection. She shares her sick child policy and detailed records of accidents and medication with parents. However, she does not request consent for emergency medication and this may put children's health at risk.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's fine understanding of a healthy diet. Meals provided are well balanced and nutritious. They support children's physical well being and development; for example, children have poached salmon and sweet potato wedges, or for snacks they have mango and banana. The childminder records children's dietary needs, respects them at all times and thereby ensures that their individual needs are continually met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in well maintained home where the childminder prioritises safety. Most reasonable steps have been taken by the childminder to ensure that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where they are able to move around freely and confidently. Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder explains boundaries. For example, she explains to the children that they must not climb on furniture in the house in case they fall and hurt themselves or speak to strangers when they are outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and resources are varied, suitable, clean and easily accessible and thus allow older children to make choices and develop their independence. The childminder monitors children's choices of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has the required documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she has a valid first aid certificate and a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. In the event of having concerns about a child in her care she is aware of the appropriate 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 good. Children share warm, caring relationships with the childminder. She spends time talking and playing with them to encourage their development. She offers children appropriate physical contact in the form of cuddles, speaks in gentle tones and smiles. As a result, the children are happy confident and secure in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder makes good use of local amenities to provide various different play environments for the children. This increases their awareness of the world around them as they gather conkers and leaves in the park, try the hands on experiments at Eureka, make spiders and skeletons at the library and feed the baby animals at the farm. The opportunity for children to socialise in the wider sense is provided by regular visits to the local toddler group where they can play, learn and access a different range of resources.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a wide range of age appropriate activities which they clearly enjoy. Young children benefit from sleeping and eating routines which are consistent with their experiences at home. The childminder promotes early communication skills by responding to the babies expressions and reinforcing speech patterns by repeating words for older children. Children's mathematical skills are enhanced through daily activities, such as cutting the play dough pizza into slices one per person or chopping and pouring the ingredients for making banana smoothies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the wider community through discussions and the range of resources available that reflect our diverse society, such as books, puzzles and dolls. Children celebrate lots of festivals including Diwali, Chinese New Year and Christmas. They enjoy trying foods from around the world and using different eating implements, such as chopsticks. This helps children to become aware of differences and develop a positive attitude towards others. The childminder shows due regard towards special needs and works in close liaison with parents to ensure their needs are fully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and respond to the boundaries set by the childminder. Minor disagreements are dealt with in a calm and sensitive manner. For example, the childminder explains quietly to two young children why it is important to share their toys. Children cooperate and take turns as they make pumpkin faces for Halloween. Their efforts and achievements are celebrated; this promotes their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good quality relationships that the childminder has developed with parents. A daily diary and informal discussions at the end of the day keep parents informed about the provision and their children's activities. Questionnaires and verbal feedback from parents demonstrate how highly they value the childminder as they say she is 'everything you would want in a person to look after your child' and provides the 'best care possible'.

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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 good. The childminder organises her home to ensure children feel comfortable and at ease in a well arranged environment in which their needs are prioritised. All adults with access to the children are suitable. The ratios are maintained at all times to ensure children receive consistent levels of care.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to improving the quality of care that she provides for the children. In order to support her professional development, she has completed a number of courses relevant to her childcare practice. She ensures that the children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort and organises her resources to promote children's independence, encouraging them to make choices about their play and learning.

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Organisation

Most records and documentation are in place and of a good standard, which contributes to the continuity of care for the children.

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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 the childminder agreed to complete an appropriate first aid course, ensure all persons in the household over 16 are vetted and make sharp knives in the kitchen inaccessible to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which includes paediatric first aid, and all adults in the household have been vetted. Sharp knives in the kitchen have been made inaccessible to children. As a result, children's health and safety are prioritised.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 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 complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints 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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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 cleaning materials in the kitchen do not pose a hazard • request written parental permission to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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