Mannion, Kim

Inspection report for early years provision

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318213 Unique Reference Number 07 August 2007 Inspection date Julie Firth 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 1992.She lives with her husband and adult daughter and son in the Flixton area of Trafford. The whole of the ground floor including the rear play room and kitchen area are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under eight years. There is currently three children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects children from the local primary schools. She attends the local childminding group and is the group coordinator. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well-maintained home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must

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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 wash their hands after playing outside and using the toilet reduces the risk of cross-contamination. There is an effective sick child's policy in place to prevent the spread of infections and protect children's health. Children have their own face cloths and towels and the childminder speaks to the children about how germs spread. Their allergies and dietary requirements are obtained and parents give written permission to administer medication and sign for emergency medical consent. The childminder has a valid fist aid certificate which ensures she can treat children with minor injuries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They have the opportunity to develop control of their bodies, for example, as they peddle small bicycles .A good selection of indoor and outdoor play equipment in the childminder's home and garden foster under threes and older children's physical development. Children also benefit from regular visits to the park in the fresh air and have use of the large equipment at the local group. They are becoming aware of their own needs, such as time for a rest or drink.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well hydrated and are offered drinks at frequent intervals throughout the day. Meals and snacks provided by the childminder are well balanced, healthy and nutritious, aiding children's physical growth and development. There are written menus in place that indicate a balance of hot and cold foods and children are introduced to a variety of fruits and vegetables at an early age. Meal times are relaxed, social occasions where everyone sits together.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have good freedom of movement, with ample space available where they can relax in comfort or take part in more active play. Thought is given to making areas used by them safe, with effective risk assessments in place. Their safety is enhanced by the careful monitoring of toys and activities to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children's independence is enhanced by the organisation of resources, which enables them to freely choose what to play with and where. Good storage of equipment enables the childminder to alternate the resources and give children a further choice of toys and crafts.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised at all times. They are learning to accept responsibility for their own safety as they become aware of road safety and recognise the importance of holding on to the childminder's hand when out walking. A health and safety policy ensures that children's safety is promoted and this reflects in her practice. Sleeping children are monitored and an effective fire evacuation plan ensures that children are aware of what to do in an emergency. There is a lost child's policy in place and clear procedures for the collection of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has clear and consistent procedures in place. She has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures that are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy the company of the childminder who has developed warm, caring relationships with them and, as a result, the children are happy, content and relaxed in her home. They benefit from familiar routines which help them feel secure. The childminder fosters early communication skills by responding to young children's facial expressions, giving cuddles and attending to their individual needs. They are engaged in a sufficient range of activities which

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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 they enjoy, such as crafts, board games, sticking, painting, dressing up, baking cakes and bread, sand and water, singing and dancing. Their imaginative skills are enhanced as they push a doll in the buggy and play with small world figures. Sensory and sound action toys are readily available for exploratory play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a variety of opportunities to go out and about exploring their local environment. For example, they visit the park and socialise at the local groups with other adults and children. The childminder reads to the children and asks them questions about the book, to develop their language and communication skills. She has an awareness of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and she has just started to record children's progress in their own individual files. Planning is in place. However, this is not fully developed which limits children's opportunities to natural materials and stimulating activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder sets herself as a positive role model and treats all children with individual care and respect. A good settling in policy enables children to become familiar with their surroundings. She gets to know their likes and dislikes and works closely with the parents to meet their individual needs. A wide range of experiences, such as celebrating religious festivals and accessing resources which reflect equality of opportunity allow children to appreciate the diverse society in which they live. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards the care of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Children enjoy each other's company and relate well to each other and to the childminder. They are well behaved and considerate towards each other, happily sharing and taking turns as they play. Minor altercations are dealt with in a calm and consistent manner and each child is treated with individual care

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and respect. Children's efforts are praised and their contributions valued, promoting their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the warm and friendly relationships that the childminder develops with parents. She regularly shares information with parents regarding routines and developmental progress to provide consistency and care for all children. The complaints procedure is in place in line with the new legislation. Positive feedback from parents indicate their satisfaction regarding the care that she provides for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is committed to improving the quality of care she provides to children and she keeps up to date with regular training. She has recently undertaken training in the 'Birth to three matters', Every Child Matters, The Smoke Free Home and the introduction to the new early years foundation training. All of which support her professional development. She has started to evaluate her practice to ensure good quality care. Children are encouraged to explore opportunities available in clearly defined and organised areas in the childminder's home. She spends time with the children to help them feel safe and secure and support them in their play.

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Organisation

Most children's records are in place and she has written policies in place. However, there are some omissions; there are no written procedures to record medication administered. This is a breach of regulation. This restricts the safety and well-being of children being cared for. Further more the registration certificate is not displayed on her premises. This is a breach of regulation. 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

On the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that any person over the age of 16 is vetted and to ensure the child's name and address is recorded on the contracts. Also to understand the process for recording medication.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has vetted all persons over the age of 16 on the premises and continually monitors vetting procedures. The records contain children's address and relevant details. This ensures the safety of children at all times. She has some procedures in place to administer medication. However, there are still some omissions in recording medication.

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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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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): • further develop planning to ensure children of all ages have access to stimulating activities and natural materials • ensure procedures are in place to record all medication administered • ensure the registration certificate is displayed at all times.

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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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