Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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500379 Unique Reference Number 01 May 2007 Inspection date Angela Cuffe 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 1989. She lives with her husband and adult daughter in Chorlton, Manchester. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden 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 all day and one child under five on a part time basis. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups. The family have a pet parrot.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. The reasons they need to wash their hands are explained to the children and they are reminded to do this if needed. The babies equipment and changing area are kept clean

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 as well as the worktops in the kitchen and eating area. The children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. They have unlimited use of the garden and are taken out on a daily basis to socialise with other children and benefit from fresh air and exercise. The childminder understands the issues surrounding the safe storage and administration of medication. However, the childminder does not have written permission to administer medication or to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet from the snacks available to them. This consists of fresh fruit, breadsticks and fresh drinking water. All meals are provided by the parents. The childminder is aware of the need to consider parents' wishes when providing food for the children in her care. Children's individual needs are discussed on induction and any allergies are recorded in the child detail form. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks; They either help themselves or ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children benefit from a homely, welcoming environment where their work is displayed. Toys and equipment are set out for children to clearly see. Steps are taken to ensure potential risks to children are minimised. However, there is a lock on the bathroom door and sharp knives are stored within easy reach of children. The children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about dangers within the home and on outings. She has an emergency evacuation procedure which she practises with children on a regular basis; this ensures that they are clear on what to do in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a good range of resources available to meet the needs of the children. Toys and equipment are clean, well maintained and comply with safety standards. Resources are effectively organised to promote choice and independence, which enhances children's play and learning. Babies and younger children are stimulated by the range of natural materials.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection, in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home. The warm and comforting environment and appropriate interaction, helps develop warm and caring relationships with the childminder and each other. They are given appropriate attention as the childminder is aware of their needs. She gives them support and cuddles when needed and watches as they happily play together. Children are motivated and interested in the activities available. The children have unlimited access to the garden for outdoor play and are taken out on a regular basis where they socialise with other children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children confidently engage in their self chosen activities, they play happily together as they choose from the broad range of toys and equipment available to them; which they can access easily. They are playing with a range of cars and cartoon figures; which they talk about confidently and relate them to films they have seen, or have at home. One child independently sings incey-wincey-spider and then talks about all the other songs he knows; songs about pirates and other fictional characters he is familiar with. Babies and young children are stimulated

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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 as they play with the contents of a treasure basket, wooden toys and percussion instruments. They move around and freely choose what they would like to play with.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children value each other as individuals. They are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met. There is a good range of toys, equipment and books that reflect positive images of differing cultures. Various cultural activities are incorporated in to the planning; to help children gain a better understanding of the world around them. The childminder has a good understanding of the children's individual needs and meets them well. As a result, the children are happy and settled in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good behaviour, children's efforts and achievements are acknowledged, recognised and praised appropriately. Consequently, children are confident and have high self esteem. The childminder speaks positively to the children. She supports and helps them to understand simple house rules; such as sharing and taking turns. Therefore, the children behave well and interact with each other in a positive manner. Information about the children's progress is shared with the parents verbally on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's organisation. The daily routine offers a good balance of adult-led activities, free play and quiet times. The childminder ensures children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort. She organises play materials to promote children's independence and encourage choices about their play. Children are at home in the comfortable and welcoming surroundings and have settled in well.

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Organisation

The majority of records and documentation are in place. This contributes to the continuity of care of the children. First aid and other relevant 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

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to provide a range of natural resources for babies and young children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There is a range of natural materials available and a treasure basket is used to encourage babies to use their senses naturally. The childminder has also attended training in sensory play.

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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): • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency advice or treatment and to administer medication • ensure the bathroom lock and sharp knives do not pose a hazard to the children.

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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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