Childminder in Salford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 307256 Inspection date 08 June 2005 Inspector Glynis Margaret Kite

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 9 and 11 years. They live in Swinton, Salford. The childminder's husband supports her in the role of a named assistant. All of the property is registered except for the loft bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden at the back, available for outside play. The local area offers a variety of shops, library and a park all within walking distance. There is also a good bus and train service. There is access to a childminder support group and a parent/toddler group. There may be a maximum of six children on the premises at any one time. There are

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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 nine children on the register at present. The children attend a variety of full and part time places. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and regularly attends various group care facilities in the area. The childminder holds an NVQ level 3 qualification in childcare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy opportunities to view and discuss the menus which are displayed in written and picture form to help them to learn about healthy eating. Children are provided with cups and cutlery which are appropriate to their ages and stages of development. This promotes independence and individual development. Children benefit from opportunities to sit together for meals and snacks and engage in the social aspect of meal time. Good hygiene practices with regard to the premises and play areas ensure they are kept clean and tidy making them safe and suitable for children to play. Children confidently follow hand washing routines before meals/snacks they are supported by the use of posters in written and picture form. The childminder helps the younger children ensuring they will also learn the importance of washing hands. She also reinforces the importance of good hygiene through the use of story books, games

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Helping children to be healthy

and verbal prompts and reminders. As a result children know and understand the importance of good hygiene. Children have good opportunities to develop physical skills by accessing toys and equipment in the garden. Older children freely choose between playing indoors or outdoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a homely environment where potential hazards are identified and minimised enabling them to move around freely and in comfort. The childminder actively supports children in helping them to stay safe both on and off the premises. The childminder makes good use of the available space which enhances the play opportunities for children. Children are confident and readily make choices from the wide range of toys and equipment provided. They are closely supervised by the childminder ensuring they are accessing toys which are appropriate to their ages and stage of development. The range of furniture and equipment is appropriate to the ages of children being cared for and includes comfortable soft furnishings where children can relax and rest. The childminder recognises her role in keeping children safe and protecting them

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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 harm. She involves them in numerous activities which contribute to their safety. She has good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relate well to one another and the childminder. They are happy and settled and enjoy the freedom to choose their play and activities. The childminder supports the children well by talking and listening to them. Children are motivated and engage in purposeful play. They have access to an extensive range of toys and equipment which promotes physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. However, there are limited natural materials available for younger children. Children benefit from the many opportunities to explore and visit local attractions and places of interest. They travel by using various forms of public transport which adds further interest to their outings. Younger children are able to broaden their experiences through visits to toddler groups. The childminder implements daily routines which ensures the individual needs of children, such as meal times and sleep patterns, are catered for. Children's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

experiences and opportunities are further enhanced by the effective use of the childminders' skills and knowledge.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. An effective settling in procedure helps children to feel secure and gives a sense of belonging. Children are settled and happy, they demonstrate this by helping and caring for each other. All children are encouraged to make choices about what they play with and if they need help/support, this promotes independence and confidence. The range of resources promotes positive images of our diverse society, enabling children to learn about other cultures. Parents have access to the individual files, which are kept for each child. This ensures they are kept informed of their children's progress. Children benefit from the positive relationship between their parents and the childminder. The childminder knows the children well and is able to meet their needs through the daily communications which take place with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The care and well being of children is enhanced by the good organisation of the setting. Children are welcomed in to the family home, as a result children are happy and relaxed. Space is organised well to provide extensive play opportunities for children.

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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 The childminder keeps detailed records for children to enable her to meet their individual needs and provide continuity of care. Written policies and procedures further enhance the care and well being of children. The childminder holds a valid first aid qualification and is currently working towards other relevant qualifications. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain written permission to transport children in the car and for the named assistant to collect children from school. The above issues have been addressed and written consent is in place. This action further enhances the overall safety of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns in relation to National Standard 6.3, ensuring the safety and the supervision of minded children. Ofsted investigated the concerns by visiting the premises on 21 February 2005. The investigation included; observation of the care practises of children present at the time of the visit; examination of details of children in the childminder’s care and the registers of children’s attendances at the time the incident took place and discussions with the childminder regarding the concerns. The investigating officer established that National Standard 6.3 had not been met at the time of the incident, but through discussion, the childminder demonstrated she now meets the standard as minded children would not be left unsupervised at any time in the future. Ofsted is satisfied that the provider remains qualified for registration.

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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):

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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 • develop a range of natural materials to promote sensory development for children under 3 years.

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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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