Childminder in Salford

Inspection report for early years provision

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504113 Unique Reference Number 13 March 2008 Inspection date Carla Owen 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 January 2001. She lives with her husband and five children in a semi detached house in Eccles. The house is within walking distance of parks, schools, and Eccles town centre. Good transport links are also within walking distance. The childminder takes and collects children from the local schools and runs a parent toddler group in the area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years. She is currently minding one nine month old child. The family have four pet cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home, where good health and hygiene routines are followed to protect children and minimise the risk of contamination and cross-infection. For example, children wash their hands at appropriate times of the day, such as before eating and after toileting. They also have their own 'wash box' where they access

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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 individual flannels and toothbrushes to further reduce the risk of cross contamination. Children's minor injuries are treated appropriately as the childminder has a valid first aid certificate and a fully stocked first aid box is readily available. An effective sick child policy is in place which excludes children who are ill from the setting, thus reducing the risk of cross infection. If children become ill whilst in the childminder's care, they are comforted in an appropriate manner and parents are contacted straight away.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with an environment which is consistent with home, as the childminder recognises the importance of respecting children's routines with regards to meal and sleep times. All administered medication has been clearly recorded and acknowledged by parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a good balance of hot and cold, healthy homemade meals, which include pasta and stews, followed by yogurt and fresh fruit. The childminder tries to involve children in the cooking process wherever possible to provide first hand experiences. Children are provided with a choice of juice or water to keep themselves hydrated throughout the day. Children benefit from regular exercise and are able to gain control of their bodies as they play a variety of team games, such as football or basketball at the local park and play with bats and balls, bikes and trikes. The childminder also takes children swimming at the local baths with permission from parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a safe and secure environment for children to play in comfort enabling them to move freely around the ground floor of the house. There is a good range of play materials, which are safe and meet the needs of all the children who attend. However, resources are not well maintained. Toys and resources are well organised to ensure children have free access and can independently choose what they wish to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe as most hazards within the home have been identified and eliminated, for example cushioned corners have been placed on tables and cabinets around the home. The childminder understands the importance of using safety equipment, such as safety gates when babies become more mobile within the home. There is a clear emergency evacuation procedure displayed which has been practised with the children. As a result, children gain a clear understanding of how to exit the premises in the event of a fire or emergency. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about 'stranger danger' and teaches them about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She is clear on the procedure to follow should she have any concerns about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are very happy and secure within the childminder's care. Babies enjoy investigating the range of toys available. They thrive on the interaction from the childminder. She responds enthusiastically to babies' babblings and facial expressions which helps to develop early communication skills. A sound range of age and developmentally appropriate activities are planned and provided for the children. They develop their language skills as they spell out their names using magnetic letters and read books. Number and counting is incorporated into

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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 everyday routines, such as identifying the numbers on a birthday card, looking at number books and singing number songs. Children have recently been learning colours. The childminder has created a 'colour day' where children are asked to wear an item of clothing of a particular colour.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's creativity is promoted as they enjoy baking cakes and biscuits and take part in activities, such as painting and gluing and sticking, and are developing hand movements as they manipulate textures, such as play dough. The childminder has an awareness of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, however, this is not yet fully implemented in practice. Children attend local playgroups and toddler groups, which helps to extend their play experiences and develop their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are taken into account as the childminder ensures she gains any relevant information from parents that need to be considered when caring for the children. Children are beginning to develop an awareness of cultural diversity. There are some resources available which reflect equality of opportunity, but these are limited. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards the care of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She understands the importance of working closely with parents and other agencies to ensure children's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Strategies that are relevant to the age and maturity of the children are used in respect of behaviour management. Distraction techniques are employed for younger children and older children are given simple and clear explanations for unacceptable behaviour. Consistent praise along with the rewards chart encourages positive behaviour from the children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home at the beginning and end of each day. Regular informal chats ensure parents are kept fully informed of their children's care. A scrap book is currently being developed to provide parents with photographs and information about how children have spent their time with the childminder. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of the procedure for dealing with complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children express themselves freely within the childminder's home. Space is organised to provide children with a balanced range of activities. The childminder understands her responsibility to ensure that any persons over 16 living on the premises are checked and has notified Ofsted of any changes. She has made a conscious decision to mind a very small number of children to ensure they receive high levels of care and attention.

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Organisation

All documentation for childminding purposes is in place and of a high standard. They are stored securely and effectively support the care of the children. The childminder provides a range of written policies and procedures, made available within the parents information booklet, which help underpin the level of care she offers.

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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

During the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the following; a first aid qualification; minimise hazards to children indoors and outdoors; the notification to Ofsted of any serious injury; the play materials that reflect positive images of disability and her awareness of the child protection procedure. Good progress has been made. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate. She has moved house since the last inspection and is no longer using the outdoor area. However, she does ensure that all hazards indoors are minimised. All significant incidents are notified to Ofsted. There are some resources which reflect positive images however these are limited. The childminder has researched child protection procedures and is clear on the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow when reporting concerns. These improvements help to improve outcomes for children.

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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): • ensure the 'Birth to three matters' framework is fully implemented in practice • ensure toys and resources are well maintained • develop resources and opportunities for children to learn about cultural diversity and the wider world.

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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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