Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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311983 Unique Reference Number 29 January 2008 Inspection date Kay Margaret Armstrong 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 1999. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 16 and 14 years. The family lives in the Hollingworth area of Tameside. Shops, a park, a school and a playgroup are within walking distance. All of the ground floor and first floor bathroom are used for childminding purposes. The rear garden is available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children. Currently there are six children on roll, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder gains support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, reasonably clean home where they are beginning to learn about the benefits of personal hygiene as part of their daily routine. The childminder encourages them to wash their hands after using the toilet. However, the childminder does not adequately support them in washing their hands before they eat, which increases the risk of cross-infection.

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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 Children’s welfare is promoted as the childminder has completed a relevant first aid course. She has procedures in place to respond appropriately in emergency situations, for example, she has a first aid box within easy access and keeps parents’ contact details to hand.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their physical growth and development. They have plenty of fresh air and exercise as they walk to and from school daily. The children are taken to parks regularly where they are able to be active, run around and use large equipment. The children state the swings and see-saws are their favourite. These experiences help children to develop physical strength and gain control of their bodies whilst having fun.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses and agrees children's dietary requirements with parents. She provides the children with a range of foods throughout the day, which contributes to their physical growth and development. Children are beginning to develop a positive attitude towards healthy eating as the childminder encourages them to try new foods. Children are able to independently help themselves to easily accessible drinks, keeping them well hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children benefit from a homely environment where the childminder has ensured safety features are in place. For example, the premises are secure, smoke alarms are present on each level of the home and a fire blanket is in place. There is an emergency evacuation procedure in place. However, this has not been practised with the children who do not know what to do in the event of a fire. The childminder is vigilant and offers appropriate supervision. As a result, children are able to move freely and play in comfort. Children are beginning to learn about some aspects of keeping themselves safe when outdoors, as the childminder ensures that they practise the green cross code when crossing roads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a range of resources and equipment available to meet the needs of children attending. Resources are organised and easily accessible to the children, which enhances their choice and promotes their independence. Resources are reasonably clean and comply with safety regulations, minimising the risks to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has the required documentation and knowledge in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder demonstrates she has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and of her responsibility with regard to keeping children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The relaxed atmosphere enables children to settle quickly. Children form positive attachments to the childminder who spends time playing and talking with them. They have support and attention from the childminder, as she offers them appropriate levels of warmth and affection in the form of cuddles and smiles, which increases their sense of security and belonging.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which is incorporated into daily activities. Babies enjoy the textures, colours and sounds of manufactured toys, which they explore with interest. They bounce, move their bodies and wave their arms around in time to the music and pulsating lights of the toys. Babies' understanding, language

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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 and vocabulary are extended as the childminder talks to them as they play, echoing their early speech patterns and fostering their communication skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to access a range of resources, promoting their choice and independence. They are motivated and interested in the activities available and they confidently help themselves to resources. The older children express themselves creatively with a felt picture making activity and play together making a picture. They enjoy playing imaginatively with dolls, tea sets and play food as they set up a picnic on a blanket. The children are happy and have a positive and trusting relationship with the childminder. Children independently hug the childminder and are keen to tell her about what they have been doing in nursery during the morning. The childminder listens attentively to what the children are saying, promoting their self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the positive relationships that the childminder has established with their parents as their individual needs are recognised and met. Informal discussions keep parents and the childminder up to date with the children's routines and any changes that may have occurred, ensuring that children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder speaks positively to the children. She supports and helps them to understand simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. Minor altercations are dealt with in a positive and calm manner. As a result, the children are beginning to understand their boundaries, they behave well and interact with each other in a positive way. Good behaviour is acknowledged and praised appropriately, consequently children are becoming confident and beginning to develop positive self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory play. There is an adequate range of resources that reflect diversity available, which help to promote children's understanding of the world around them. Respect and positive attitudes towards others are promoted as children are encouraged to listen to each other, take turns and share equipment.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the care of the childminder. They are welcomed into a warm and homely environment. Children benefit from the caring attention of the childminder. Routines which are familiar and consistent with children's life at home ensure that they feel secure. Space is suitably organised and used appropriately for the children's activities. The childminder provides a sufficient range of activities to interest the children and they make sound progress in their development.

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Organisation

Most records and documentation are appropriately maintained, which contributes to the health, safety and welfare of the children. However, the records of accidents to children are not maintained in a confidential manner and are not countersigned by parents. This impacts on children's overall well-being. The childminder cares for children within the required adult to child ratios, which ensures that they are safe and she is able to support their play and learning. 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

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop resources which reflect positive images of physical disabilities. The childminder has purchased some books which show positive images of children with physical disabilities. These books promote children's understanding of the world around them and differences.

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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 minimise the risk of cross-infection by ensuring children wash their hands at appropriate times • ensure children know what to do in the event of a fire • develop a system in order to keep accident records confidential and request parents countersign all accident records.

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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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