Childminder in Salford

Inspection report for early years provision

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307339 Unique Reference Number 24 October 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 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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and three children aged 18, 15 and 12 years. The family live in the Walkden area of Salford, Greater Manchester.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The property is close to shops, a library and playgroups. Minded children have access to a dedicated playroom and kitchen on the ground floor and four bedrooms and the bathroom on the first floor. Children have access to fully enclosed side and rear gardens and the front garden which are available for outdoor play. There may be a maximum of six minded children under eight years on the premises at any one time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are eight children on roll who attend for a variety of sessions during the week.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder implements good health and hygiene procedures. She sets high standards and the children are learning from her example. The premises are

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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 maintained to high standards of cleanliness and children's toys and equipment are routinely cleaned to help prevent cross contamination. Children are also protected from the spread of infection because the childminder implements an exclusion policy for sick children. The childminder is vigilant regarding children's actions, for example, when they share drinking vessels, she acts quickly to wash them before giving the correct bottle to each child, therefore minimising the risk of cross contamination. All children engage in physical activity on a daily basis, such as walking and playing in the garden which contributes to their overall health and well-being. Quiet times in the day enable children to rest and sleep as required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of a healthy nutritious diet. She offers a varied diet of home cooked meals and toasted snacks with fresh fruit and vegetables mid morning and afternoon. The childminder takes account of the children's individual needs and their preferences when planning and preparing meals and snacks. Children are becoming independent as they are encouraged to access their drinks at any time throughout the day. Positive relationships are established between the childminder and children as they sit together for meals and snacks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder follows safe procedures with regard to the management of accidents and medication. Required records are in place and shared with parents. However, the first aid kit contains several out of date dressings and other items not suitable for use with children.

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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 homely environment where potential hazards are identified and minimised, allowing children to move around safely and play independently. The premises are maintained to high standards of decoration and repair. Children benefit from having access to good quality, safe and developmentally appropriate toys and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is watchful and vigilant, ensuring that children are safe as they play, for example, she reminds them how to use the scissors safely when cutting. The childminder she makes good use of safety equipment such as safety gates and socket covers. She is clear on emergency evacuation procedures and includes children to prepare them in the event of a real emergency situation. However, the smoke alarms are not always maintained in good working order and therefore could put children at risk. Appropriate procedures are in place to keep children safe during outings and children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe through the guidance and support of the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures and informs parents of her role in safeguarding 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 with the childminder. They enjoy a close, warm relationship with each other and the childminder. Children are becoming more confident because they are encouraged to make choices and develop independence at their own pace. Children freely explore the environment and toys and equipment, they are well supported by the childminder. She plays at their level and the children benefit from the close interactions. Children also benefit from routine activities within the wider community where they mix with their peers and extend their learning and play in different environments, such as play group.

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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 enjoy creative activities and are eager to share their efforts with their parents. The childminder supports language and mathematical development through the wide range of activities and daily routines, such as stories, singing and number rhymes. The children interact well each other and the childminder, she dedicates her time and attention to the children while playing with them at their level.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning about sharing and taking turns with the support of the childminder. As a result children are developing kindness towards each other and an understanding of each others needs. Children receive lots of praise and positive encouragement which helps to boost confidence. The childminder has a flexible approach and provides toys and activities based on the children's interest and their stage of development. The childminder knows the children well and ensures they are offered stimulating activities throughout the day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are afforded equal concern and respect by the childminder. She obtains information from parents which helps her to meet the varying needs of children in her care. Children and parents are invited to make several visits to enable everyone to get to know each other and for children to feel comfortable and confident in the childminders home. Children are learning about diversity through a wide range of toys and play equipment and through support from the childminder during daily routine activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the close working relationship that the childminder has established with their parents. Information about children is exchanged regularly ensuring individual needs are being met. Parents are provided with details of the childminders policies and procedures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder implements a range of strategies based on children's ages and stage of development, to manage children's behaviour, for example, she would utilise distraction for younger children and talk to all children to help them to understand right from wrong and the rules of her home. The childminder has a positive approach and is consistent. Children behave well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by an experienced and suitably qualified childminder. She follows required procedures to ensure the welfare of children is safeguarded. She has knowledge and understanding of the National Standards for childminding and understands her responsibilities towards children in her care.

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Organisation

The space is organised well, promoting choice and independence for the children attending. Children benefit from having a dedicated play room which is fully equipped with suitable furniture, toys and equipment. Children are supervised well and never left alone in the presence of others. Records and documentation is in place and meets the required standard which contributes to the continuity of care for the children. These are also readily available for inspection. The childminder has produced several written policies and procedures which are also made available to parents. However, some lack clear information with regard to correct procedures to be followed, for example the procedure regarding uncollected children does not include contacting the appropriate authorities.

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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 Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has provided individual record sheets for each child regarding accidents and medication and receipts are in place following checks on gas appliances, these actions improve the overall safety and well-being of children attending the setting.

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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 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): • check and replenish the contents of the first aid box on a regular basis • make sure that smoke alarms are maintained in working order at all times • review and update policy and procedure for uncollected 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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