Childminder in Salford

Inspection report for early years provision

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307432 Unique Reference Number 30 August 2007 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 registered since July 1998. She lives with two children aged 18 and 19 years; the family live in the Walkden area of Salford. The property is within walking distance of local shops, parks, a library and play groups. The whole of the ground floor, the bathroom and rear bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding purposes. There is a rear garden available for outdoor play. The family have a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are five children on roll. Children may attend a variety of full and part time sessions. There may be a maximum of six minded children on the premises at any one time.

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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 premises which are maintained to satisfactory standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Children benefit from daily routines which promote their health and well-being.

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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 For example, they engage in a variety of activities, both indoors and outdoors. Older children know and understand the importance of washing their hands, particularly after handling pets and when engaging in activities, such as baking. Procedures for managing the family pets are sufficient to prevent the spread of infection. Children's health is further promoted because the childminder implements an exclusion policy for sick children. Systems are in place for recording accidents and the administration of medication; these are shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy snacks which consist of a variety of fresh fruits. Some parents choose to provide midday meals for their children. Meals provided by the childminder include sandwiches, cold meats and pasta. Children are offered choices at lunch time and enjoy their food. Children's dietary needs are met appropriately because the childminder keeps records of what children can and cannot have. Children are encouraged to ask for drinks at any time and are also offered drinks at regular intervals throughout the day to ensure younger children do not get too thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children particularly enjoy lots of outdoor activity, either in the garden or the wider community. For example, local walks, trips to the park and other facilities where they can engage in physical activity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a warm and friendly environment. The space is organised appropriately to enable children to have freedom of movement and to play in comfort. Children make choices from a suitable and safe range of toys and play materials. Although the range of toys to promote diversity and understanding of the wider world is limited.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on the premises because the childminder makes appropriate use of safety equipment, such as gates, smoke alarms and socket covers. Children's safety, both on and off the premises, is promoted well and takes account of the varying ages of children present. Children are learning about keeping themselves safe through discussion and activities with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and procedures. She verbally shares information with parents regarding her role and responsibilities towards the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's home. Children select what they want to do from a suitable range of toys and play materials. Children are confident and are becoming increasingly independent as they select games and toys that they want to play with. Children particularly enjoy outdoor activities and creative play, such as baking and making masks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are focused when playing games which they have chosen and concentrate for long periods of time, for example, with word search games. Children have sufficient confidence to ask questions and share information about what they are doing, for example, baking a cake. Children are learning about sharing, taking turns and being kind towards each other, with support from the childminder. Children interact well with the childminder, members of her family and with each other. Children benefit from good firsthand experiences and are gaining

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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 a wider knowledge of mathematical concepts, science and language through play. For example, while weighing, measuring and mixing ingredients together to make a cake.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision of play equipment for babies is good. Activities for promoting social and emotional development are included in the daily routine, thus enabling children to become competent learners. For example, babies and younger children have opportunities to mix with the older children, which promotes a sense of belonging for all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met adequately. The childminder records relevant information from parents in order to best meet the needs of their children. Children are helped to settle in through making several visits with their parents and by bringing familiar objects with them from home. Individual routines for babies are incorporated in to the daily routine, for example, their sleep and feed times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure a consistent approach. As a result, children are happy and settled. They behave well, are polite towards each other and adults, and have good manners. Parents have access to the written policies and procedures implemented by the childminder and countersign any entries in the accident and medication records for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are supervised by a suitably qualified and experienced adult. Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder and interact well with other members of her family.

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Organisation

Children enjoy play in a comfortable environment, where they receive close supervision from the childminder. They have freedom to move around and select their own activities. The space is sufficient and organised appropriately.

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Organisation

Children's individual needs are met well because the childminder keeps written details of their individual needs. Other required records are also in place, such as an attendance register. However, some records compromise issues of confidentiality. All records are up to date and available for inspection.

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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 put a system in place for recording incidents and has increased resources that reflect diversity. However, the range is still limited and an additional recommendation has been raised. These actions improve the overall enjoyment, learning and care of children attending this provision.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has been one complaint made to Ofsted that required the provider to take action to meet the National Standards. The complaint related to National Standard 6: safety. Ofsted visited the provider on 13 December 2004 and raised an action in relation to National Standard 14: documentation. Ofsted were satisfied that the childminder responded

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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 appropriately to the action raised and therefore remained qualified for registration at the time the investigation was closed.

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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): • continue to extend resources to promote diversity and the wider world, including disability • improve record keeping systems to take account of confidentiality, particularly regarding individual 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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