Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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500463 Unique Reference Number 01 May 2007 Inspection date Shirley Leigh Monks-Meagher 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 registered since 2000. She lives with her two children aged nine and 11 years, in the Moston area of Manchester. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor. This includes a lounge, kitchen and dining area and a secure rear garden which is available for outdoor play. The front bedroom on the first floor is used to facilitate overnight care. Toilets are available on both the ground and first floor of the property.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children and also to care for one child overnight. She is currently minding two children, who attend after school and for holiday care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

With consent from parents the childminder takes children to local amenities such as the park, library and activities at the local recreational centre. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is a qualified social worker and works part-time, term time only in this role.

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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 clean and maintained home. Sensible hygiene policies and procedures help to minimise the risk of cross infection and protect children from illness. For example, children are reminded to wash their hands at appropriate times and an effective sick child and exclusion policy is in operation. Suitable procedures are in place to record medications administered and any accidents sustained. The childminder's current first aid training ensures children receive appropriate treatment in the event of a minor injury.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are recorded and respected. They enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks, such as fresh fruit and sandwiches or toast made from wholemeal bread. This helps them to understand about healthy food options. Children keep themselves refreshed and hydrated. They drink water when they are thirsty and dilute sugar free juice with their snack.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop positive attitudes towards physical exercise because they enjoy lots of activities which contribute towards a healthy lifestyle. They walk from school everyday and play in the childminder's garden where they shoot baskets, dribble footballs and play chasing games. During the holidays, when they attend all day, they swim at the local pool, visit the local park and engage in physical activities, such as football tournaments and tennis, arranged by the local council.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a secure and welcoming environment. There is sufficient play space for children to engage in a variety of activities and resources are organised to allow children safe, independent access. Safety standards are maintained with all toys, equipment and resources. They are washed regularly and broken or incomplete items are repaired or discarded, minimising risks to children's health and safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised by the childminder who spends her time playing and talking with the children. She has taken effective steps to minimise hazards to children indoors and on outings. Children learn about how to keep themselves safe. For example, when walking home from school they know to stay close to the childminder. They understand, when crossing roads, to use the lollipop person, zebra crossing or traffic lights and know to check if anyone is close to them before using equipment, such as swinging bats. Fire precautions are in place and children know how to evacuate the premises safely in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a secure understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of concerns about a child's welfare. She has the relevant contact numbers on file and makes parents aware of her responsibilities to keep children safe from harm or neglect. Children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time with the childminder because she gets down to their level and plays with them, supporting their efforts and achievements. They are settled and secure in her home

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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 and share good relationships with her and her family. The children trust her. She easily comforts children when they are upset, embarrassed or hurt. Hugs and laughs are freely exchanged as she uses kind words and gives them good attention.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children initiate their own ideas, develop their own games and choose from activities and equipment that stimulates their interest. They spend their time purposefully, exploring activities and opportunities which contribute to their overall development. For example, they learn how to cooperate and negotiate in their self-devised water game, practice coordination skills at the game station and widen their understanding of the world through books and celebrations. Children engage in a balance of vigorous, physical activities and quiet, relaxing periods during their time at the childminder's home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children happily explore the opportunities and activities that are available. They learn to respect boundaries and recognise right from wrong in a supportive and caring environment. Good behaviour is rewarded with praise whilst unacceptable behaviour results in children being given time to reflect on the consequences of their actions. This approach stimulates children's understanding and promotes responsibility.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the diversity of our society. Some of their play materials and resources positively reflect similarities and differences in race, gender, culture and ability. Activities, such as celebrating festivals and traditions, planned and unplanned opportunities and experiences are helping the children to develop a positive attitude towards others and promoting their confidence to challenge discrimination.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder discusses the children's needs with parents and records them to ensure she is offering the most appropriate care to their child. Written agreements are in place to protect children's wellbeing. Information is shared verbally, on a daily basis. The majority of information relating to the setting, her responsibilities, policies and procedures are shared with parents via a portfolio approach. Her approach helps children to enjoy continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. The childminder suitably organises her premises to enable them to make choices, safely and independently select toys, equipment and resources and have sufficient play space. The children benefit from a suitably qualified carer who demonstrates a clear understanding of child development and undertakes additional training for her professional development.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her records and documentation effectively and keeps them secure and confidential. The majority of documentation that protects children's safety, welfare and wellbeing are in place. However, because she has not received any complaints she has not yet set up a system to record them.

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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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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to; increase her resources which reflect positive images; make sure that low level glass and the gas boiler are safe and that the bedroom window is secure.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder is steadily increasing her supply of toys and books, some of which positively reflect our diverse society and challenge stereotypes. Activities, opportunities, experiences and discussion help children to develop positive attitudes towards others. The low level glass has been removed, the gas boiler is serviced on an annual contract and the catch on the bedroom window has been replaced. As a result, children's welfare and safety is better protected.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 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.

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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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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): • set up a system to record any complaints, action taken and outcome, and make it available to parents upon request.

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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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