Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 312080 Inspection date 25 July 2005 Inspector Patricia Graham

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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 was registered in 1990. She lives with her husband and one adult son in Stalybridge, Tameside. The whole ground floor and one bedroom of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five full time and two children under five part time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has two cats.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment where they learn about good health and hygiene practices. They know, for example to wash their hands after using the toilet. They are protected from the risk of cross infection through good hygiene practices adopted by the childminder who cleans toys, equipment and the environment on a regular basis. Children are given medication at the parent's request and recording of medication ensures children do not have the incorrect dosage. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contributes to their good health. They benefit from fresh air and exercise through trips to the park and as they engage in physical outdoor play. They are secure with consistent routines which are in line with home experiences for example, sleep patterns and mealtimes which are discussed with parents. Children are given choices of appropriate drinks which are offered at regular intervals

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Helping children to be healthy

such as milk, water and fruit juice. They are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as they are provided with nutritious meals, such as vegetable dishes, which are freshly prepared and promote children's good health. The childminder takes into account dietary requirements of children and works in partnership with parents to ensure children benefit from a balanced diet.

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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 warm, welcoming environment. They develop a sense of being safe in the home as they confidently move around the setting. Children independently choose activities from a broad range of toys and resources which are stored at child height. They are developing an understanding of keeping themselves and others safe as they tidy toys away when they have finished playing. The childminder regularly checks toys and equipment are safe to use and good supervision ensures children are safe at all times. Children's risk of injury is minimised because the childminder takes necessary steps to keep children safe. For example, on outings appropriate car insurance is in place, suitable car seats used and written parental consent given to transport children in the car. Children are safe and their well being protected because the childminder is aware of her duty to safeguard children. She has relevant documentation in place and has a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

clear understanding of child protection issues.

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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 Children are very settled and confident in the childminder's home. They engage in a good selection of stimulating activities such as action response toys, imaginative play, construction and completing jigsaws which enhances their development. Children spend their time purposefully and develop their knowledge and skills, which includes language and communication, through play. This is promoted by effective language interaction with the childminder who actively listens and talks to the children about their play. As a result, children are confident in language and interact well with their peers and adults. The childminder is aware of children's abilities and provides toys and resources accordingly. Younger children, for example, engage in role play whilst the childminder prepares lunch. They re-enact familiar scenes and make connections as they feed

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the doll and prepare dinner. This is supported by the good range of resources available which allows children to express themselves imaginatively. Children are eager to learn and motivated in their play. They are given many opportunities to pursue their interests and freely select toys and activities which are appealing to them. They form good relationships with the childminder who provides them with good levels of care and attention. Consequently, children develop good self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. A good partnership with parents contributes to children's well being at the childminder's home. Their individual needs are met in accordance with parent's wishes. This is supported by the childminder who actively seeks parent's views about their child's needs at an initial meeting to ensure she meets the expectations of parents. Children are treated with equal regard and their differing needs met well. The childminder gives children meaningful explanations about differences in society, which promotes their understanding of the wider world. They are encouraged to play with all toys and activities regardless of gender. However, children have limited access to resources which reflect positive images of race, culture and disability. Children's good behaviour is encouraged by consistent praise and encouragement given by the childminder. This increases their self esteem and confidence. Children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

achievements are also celebrated for example, a child is rewarded with encouraging words when he independently hangs up his coat. Children have a sense of belonging because they are valued as individuals by the enthusiastic childminder who allows children to initiate their own play and pursue their own interests. Consequently, children are motivated and play harmoniously.

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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 Children have safe and independent access to all areas within the setting. They are able to freely select toys and resources which are well organised in the bright stimulating environment. The childminder cares for children within required ratios which ensures children are safe and supports their learning. Relevant documentation which is in line with the requirements of the national standards is in place. These are clear and comprehensive and shared with parents which keeps them informed of all aspects of the service and contributes to children's care and well being. Overall, children are well cared for and their individual needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder agreed to review records for administering medication and recording accidents. She now has a clear recording system in place which ensures children's details are confidential.

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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): • develop children's awareness of diversity by considering toys which reflect positive images, when building on current resources.

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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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