Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 312265 Inspection date 02 August 2005 Inspector Patricia Graham

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Stalybridge, Tameside. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five full time and one child under five part time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy playing together in the setting. They are happy and interested in their play which promotes good health. Children enjoy physical activity and have access to an enclosed outdoor play area which is very child focused. They also benefit from fresh air and daily exercise through regular trips to the park and walks along the canal side. Children have a secure awareness of their bodies and know when they need to rest and have a drink. They independently help themselves to drinks of juice and water which are readily available and sit together at meal and snack times. Children are given choices of healthy foods and snacks which include fruit, yoghurt and homemade meals. This is supported by the childminder who fully takes into account dietary requirements of children when offering healthy nutritious foods. Children are cared for in a clean and homely environment. They are becoming

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

increasingly aware of good personal hygiene, for example, they know to wash their hands before meal times because they could be dirty. The childminder promotes good hygiene practices in the home by ensuring that the toys and the setting are cleaned effectively. As a result, children are cared for in a well maintained environment which reduces the risk of cross infection. Children are sufficiently protected when they are ill because the childminder takes appropriate measures to ensure children are comforted and contacts parents if needed. Medication given to children is recorded and signed by the parent. However, written parental consent giving permission for administering medication is not in place.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming setting where positive steps have been taken to ensure they are safe at all times. They have a good sense of belonging in the home and independently select toys and resources that are of good quality and well maintained. This is supported by the childminder who is watchful and vigilant, for example, children have good supervision whilst they play and children are encouraged to care for themselves and others. They know, for example, to tidy toys away when they have finished playing in case others fall over them and to walk carefully down the garden steps. Consequently, children become increasingly aware of safety as they learn to keep themselves and others safe. The childminder has most relevant documentation in place such as emergency contact numbers, consent for transporting children by car and appropriate car insurance which promotes children's welfare. They are also protected because the

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder has a sound understanding of child protection procedures and fully understands her duty to safeguard children.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle extremely well and form positive relationships with the childminder. They interact well with their peers and play co-operatively together. Their social skills are further enhanced as they mix with other children through regular attendance at the local toddler groups and through planned trips to the park with other groups. A broad range of activities and play opportunities both indoors and outdoors such as physical games, imaginative play, creative activities and music time supports all areas of children's development. They spend their time purposefully and enjoy the good range of activities offered by the childminder. Children develop their creativity and express themselves well through music and dance sessions. They are able to freely make choices in their play and pursue their interests. They confidently engage in chosen activities such as physical play which includes rough and tumble and ball

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

games which fosters their gross motor development. Children make good progress in all areas of their development because the childminder offers challenges and allows children to discover for themselves. They become independent and receive good support and reassurance from the childminder.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are recognised as individuals and their differing needs are met well. The childminder provides children with a good range of play opportunities and meaningful explanations about differences which promote positive images of society. As a result, children are developing good self esteem and respect for others. Children's individual needs are met in accordance with parents wishes. Positive verbal feedback on children activities and routines are shared with parents which contributes significantly to their care and well being. Children's good behaviour is encouraged by positive praise and encouragement given by the childminder. They increase in confidence and self esteem as their achievements are recognised, for example, a child who catches a ball beams with pride when she is told, 'well done'. All children have a sense of belonging and are extremely contented in the setting. This is supported by the childminder who gives

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

her full attention and listens to their contributions which makes them feel valued.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have independent and safe access to all areas with in the setting. They are able to freely select toys and activities that are in well organised storage containers and easily accessible. Children are cared for in required ratios which ensures they are kept safe and allows them to make good progress in all areas of their

p.4

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 development. The childminder has most relevant documentation in place which is in line with the national standards. However, minor detail is required to ensure children's records are effectively organised to maintain confidentiality. Overall, children are well cared for and their individual needs are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to review the contents of the first aid box and ensure parents sign a record of medication administered to children. The childminder sought advice on the contents and the first aid box now contains items appropriate for childminding practice. This promotes children's health and well being. Parents also give verbal consent and sign records after medication has been given to children. However, children are not fully protected when they are ill since written consent is not given prior to medication being administered.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children • ensure accident details and medication administered are recorded in a confidential manner which ensures the privacy of children.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5