Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 500537 Inspection date 12 May 2005 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 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 has been registered since 1997. She works with another registered childminder in the Burnage area of Manchester. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, including a dedicated playroom. Bathroom facilities are situated on the first floor. A large rear garden is available for outdoor play. An all-round service is offered including before and after school care for children attending local Primary Schools. There are 19 children on roll, who all attend on a 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 With parental permission children are taken to local adult/toddler sessions and childminder drop in sessions.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. They benefit from regular exercise and fresh air as they play in the childminder's garden, walk to and from school and play in the park close by. They develop their physical skills as they use climbing equipment, wheeled toys, throw and chase balls. Children learn about keeping healthy through consistent daily routines such as washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Their personal care needs are well met, for example; a young child's wet bib is changed to make her comfortable and another is helped to wipe their nose. The risk of infection is minimised by hygienic, nappy changing routines and an effective sick child policy which excludes children who are infectious. Children benefit from healthy, nutritious snacks and meals which help promote their growth and development. Children access regular drinks including milk and water.

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Helping children to be healthy

They are developing an understanding about healthy eating as they make choices about what they want to eat from a healthy buffet tea. Fresh fruit is provided daily. Children's individual dietary needs are met because the childminder uses information from parents well when planning the menus, including children's preferences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe as they move around freely in a spacious well maintained home, which includes a newly refurbished playroom. They use a varied range of good quality play materials and equipment which are safe and suitable to minimise risks. These are organised to encourage children's independent access. Children are learning about keeping themselves safe as they practice the fire evacuation procedure. Close supervision and effective safety measures in the home such as safety gates and smoke alarms contribute to keeping children safe. The rear garden is secure but low-level fencing to the raised patio poses a risk to children's safety. Children develop a good sense of road safety as they learn about dangers outside and how to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. They learn when it is safe to cross the road and to follow simple instructions such as not going too far in front when

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

walking to and from school so they do not come to any harm. Children are well protected as the childminder has a good understanding about her role and responsibility with regard to child protection issues. She has all relevant information and contact details to safeguard the welfare of children.

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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 are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They make choices from a varied range of activities and play materials which promotes their independence. Children benefit from regular visits to local groups where they play and mix with other adults and children. Although children have access to a broad range of activities and initiate their own play, activities are not based on children's needs to promote their individual learning and development. Children have warm and affectionate relationships with the childminder. They receive lots of hugs and cuddles which helps them feel secure. Children are gaining good levels of self-esteem and confidence which encourages them to become increasingly independent. They are learning what they can do and when to ask for help. A child is given lots of support and encouragement to complete a puzzle. He is encouraged to think about where the pieces might fit and shows delight and pleasure when he fits all

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the pieces and is praised for his efforts. The children ask for help when they want to wear the dressing up clothes. They play well together, taking turns in wearing the different animal costumes and playing imaginatively. The children thoroughly enjoy themselves as they decide to take off their shoes and socks and run around in bare feet, laughing and giggling. One child runs up and tickles the childminder under the chin. The children then spend time playing with the doctors set; bandaging the childminder and administering injections. Older children make choices about what they want to do when they return from school. They look forward to playing with the younger children which helps develop close and caring relationships between the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing a positive view of the world through planned activities and a good range of resources and play materials. Awareness of their own environment is developed through visits within the community, for example local adult/toddler groups and the park. They recognise their own individuality and show respect for each other. Children are all valued and included as the childminder provides a caring and nurturing environment where each child feels a sense of belonging. Young children play well together, they share and take turns with encouragement from the childminder. One child passes a ball to another so she can join in throwing and chasing the ball in the garden. Older children understand that if they bring their own toys they must share them. Children are learning about good manners as they say 'Thank you' for their drink. Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder develops with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A handbook is given to parents which clearly informs them about the effective policies and procedures which promote the safety and welfare of children. Regular

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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 exchange of information about children's progress and development including a daily diary for young babies, ensures parents are involved in their child's care and that the needs of children are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder complies with the conditions of her registration and maintains all the required records and documentation. These contribute to the safety and well-being of children being cared for. Information is displayed for parents including certificates, menus and the complaints procedure. This keeps parents informed about the provision and ensures children are protected. The children are relaxed and comfortable in the childminder's home. They benefit from the effective organisation of space and stimulating environment, which they confidently explore making choices about their play. They are well cared for because the childminder spends time playing with them providing good levels of individual support and attention which helps them feel secure. There are very good relationships between the two childminders. They work well together to ensure children are happy and secure in a relaxed and warm environment. Overall the

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Organisation

provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection recommended that the childminder update her knowledge of first aid and inform parents about child protection issues and the procedures to follow if they have a complaint. The childminder has successfully addressed the recommendations. She has a current first aid certificate in place and parents have been informed about the procedures to follow if they have a complaint about the provision. These improvements contribute towards the safety and well-being of children.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • make the low-level fencing to patio area safe • improve the planning of activities to take into account children's individual needs, for example through the use of Birth to three framework.

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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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