Childminder in Salford

Inspection report for early years provision

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307397 Unique Reference Number 11 October 2006 Inspection date Glynis Margaret Kite 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 has been providing care for children for thirteen years, and is registered for a maximum of six children. She lives with her adult son and his partner in the Little Hulton area of Salford, Greater Manchester. All of the premises are registered for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed back garden. The childminder makes full use of local amenities such as toddler groups and she also takes the children to the local park and library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are four children on the register.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has achieved the Quality First award.

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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 are protected from the risk of infection because the childminder implements effective hygiene procedures as part of her daily routine. For example, all children have their own cups for drinks and separate bedding is provided for children when sleeping. The premises are clean and maintained to a good standard of decoration and repair, which contributes to the overall protection of children. Children are also protected from the spread of infection because the childminder implements an exclusion policy for sick children. The childminder actually helps the younger children to wash their hands at present and keeps wet wipes near by. She talks to them about washing their hands so that they will learn the importance of this and continue to do it themselves as they get older. The childminder acts as a good role model when changing nappies, as she wears disposable clothing and has a disposal unit for the nappies.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder keeps accurate and up to date records with regard accidents, incidents and the administration of medication. These are shared with parents and their signatures obtained for each entry, thus demonstrating safe practice by the childminder. The welfare of the children is promoted well based on the childminder's written policies and procedures.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder knows the children well and is able to meet their individual dietary requirements, in accordance with parents wishes and the children's likes and dislikes. She offers a balanced diet and is aware that some processed foods may have too much salt and other additives. Children benefit from home cooked meals which include fresh vegetables and lots of fresh fruit. Drinking water is readily available for all children, with younger children being able to access their own cups which are filled with juice or water.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to a good range of equipment in the garden to help them develop physical skills, such as climbing, swinging and balancing. There is a number of sit and ride toys for younger children and multi-gyms for the older children. The equipment promotes independence and confidence as children gain a sense of achievement through negotiating the varying levels of the climbing frames. Children also benefit from the fresh air and freedom of movement within the enclosed garden area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe while in the care of the childminder because she effectively monitors safety in and around the home. For example, children regularly take part in emergency evacuation procedures, which are recorded to enable the childminder to identify and address potential hazards. She also makes good use of safety equipment, such as a fireguard, cupboard locks and baby monitor for when babies are sleeping. During outings children are kept safe because the childminder takes sufficient details with her regarding the individual needs of children and emergency contact numbers. She also has a first aid kit which is kept for outings. Children enjoy play in comfortable surroundings, which provide good natural light, ventilation and maintained to a comfortable temperature.

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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 Children benefit from having freedom of movement within the childminder's home, where they can access a good range of safe and age appropriate toys and equipment. Children use furniture which is suitable for their stage of development and ability, such as a low level table and chairs. Younger children benefit from being able to sleep in comfort as they each have a cot with their own bedding. The childminder ensures babies are safe while sleeping through the use of a baby monitor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded from harm because the childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. She has a written statement which she shares with parents regarding her role and responsibilities in helping to keep children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. She knows the children well and caters for their needs. Children enjoy a variety of toys and activities, including lots of age appropriate creative activities. Children are happy to play alongside each other with toys of their choice. However, children are learning about sharing and taking turns through daily play and some planned activities, such as painting and making things to take home. Their progress is monitored and recorded based on the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children are making good progress as they are given opportunities to feed themselves and are encouraged to interact with other children through play. For example, the childminder organises activities that all children can join in with, such as stories and singing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have formed good relationships with the childminder and respond positively to her guidance and support. They are confident and feel secure in her presence and enjoy close physical contact, such as cuddles. The childminder plans and prepares some activities prior to children arriving, therefore they can begin play as soon as they arrive.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become engaged in activities of their choice and stay focused for sustained periods of time, for example after playing with wooden cars and trucks for approximately twenty minutes, one child begins threading. He concentrates well and manages to thread a long chain of beads, this also takes about twenty minutes. The childminder provides a wide range of toys and equipment which are suitable to the ages and stages of development of the children present.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The needs of individual children are met well because the childminder exchanges information with parents on a regular basis. She also keeps her records up to date and shares them with parents. Children settle quickly because they attend several sessions with their parents while they get to know the childminder and her family. Children have some opportunities to learn about diversity in the community through books and by taking part in some activities within their wider community. The childminder has formed good working relationships with parents. She shares written policies and procedures which provide details of how she operates and cares 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 Appropriate strategies are in place for managing children's behaviour. These are based on a positive approach and take account of the children's ages and their level of understanding. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement from the childminder which helps to boost their self confidence. She is consistent in her approach to behaviour management and as a result children behave well.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder ensures all adults on the premises hold relevant checks. She supervises the children well. Children enjoy play in a comfortable environment where they are able to make choices and move around freely.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps accurate records of children's attendance and the ratios are normally maintained. However, the childminder was found to be in breach of her registration conditions regarding numbers of children on the premises.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps required records and documentation up to date and effectively implements a range of written policies and procedures.

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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

Since the last inspection the childminder has organised the toys and equipment in such a way that they are now easily accessible to younger children. Therefore children are now able to access their own toys and make choices.

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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.

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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

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 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): • improve the range of resources which promote diversity in the community and ensure they are readily available to children • ensure conditions of registration are complied with at all times.

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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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