Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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312004 Unique Reference Number 16 October 2007 Inspection date Barbara Law 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 1987. She runs her business from her home in the Fairfield area of Droylsden, Tameside. She shares her home with her husband and their two adult children. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding activities. Toilet facilities are on this floor. There is a secure back garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

As part of her service she uses local amenities, such as the library, recreational park and the parent and tots group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The registration is for six children. There are currently five children on roll. This registration does not include overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and welcoming environment. They are provided with healthy, balanced and freshly prepared homemade meals and snacks. These include plenty of

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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 fresh fruits, such as apples and grapes and a variety of different meats, fish and vegetables. Drinks of diluted juice or water are freely available and frequently offered in familiar beakers. This ensures children are well hydrated, are well nourished and their appetites satisfied.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy access to a range of indoor and outdoor toys and activities which contribute to their physical development and independence. The childminder's understanding of the physical needs of young children enables her to provide a range of suitable and appropriate outdoor activities to support children's development and co-ordination. Children are taken outdoors everyday for walks to the local recreational park and other places of interest. They are able to run, jump, swing, skip and slide and have fun developing their physical skills whilst enjoying healthy exercise and the benefits of fresh air.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from some risk of infection and helped to maintain good health because the childminder is meticulous in her cleaning procedures. For example, she follows her own cleaning routine and ensures she thoroughly cleans equipment, such as toys, high chairs and changing areas, with antibacterial solutions. However, she does not wear protective clothing. Children's physical needs and well-being are met by the childminder who recognises when they are tired and provides opportunities for them to rest as they need to, to meet their individual needs.

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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 child-centred home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they can move around freely, safely and independently. Children are beginning to understand about personal and road safety as the childminder always gives clear explanations regarding the results of their actions. There are routines in place to ensure children's health and general welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose their own activities from a range of toys and equipment that the childminder ensures are safe, in good condition and appropriate for the children's ages and stages of development. A visual risk assessment and regular cleaning schedule are completed and daily checks on toys are carried out. This ensures that children are safe and well protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has the required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Outings are planned to ensure the children's safety and consents from the parents are recorded. Parents' contact details are always available ensuring the childminder can contact the parents at the earliest opportunity should an accident occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to keep children safe; the children's welfare is paramount. She has a clear understanding of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled with the childminder. They are given lots of individual attention and are stimulated by eye contact, cuddles and questions which encourages their development and language skills. Children's development is fostered by the childminder's knowledge of children's individual needs and stages of development.

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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 able to select their toys from a good range of age-appropriate equipment provided to develop their play and imaginary skills. They thoroughly enjoy playing with building blocks, musical toys, role play, singing and story telling, drawing and crayoning. They interact happily with the childminder and cooperate well in their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are valued. The childminder listens to what they are saying and responds positively to them at all times. Children demonstrate their confidence as they freely approach the childminder, making known their needs for nappy changes, snacks and a drink. Children feel good about themselves when the childminder praises them for being so good and a pleasure to look after. She talks kindly to children and responds quickly to their requests for assistance and support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed into the home and are treated with equal regard, which increases their sense of belonging. Their favourite toys are readily available and children are totally assured as they are provided with lots of smiles, cuddles and kind words from the childminder. As a result, children are happy and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to participate in all activities regardless of their gender, which promotes equality. They gain a good understanding of the wider world because they have free access to a good range of resources which reflect positive images of gender, race, religion and culture. This helps to promote their understanding of diversity whilst increasing their self-esteem and respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. Children feel valued as individuals and develop a sense of belonging through the childminder offering praise and encouragement of their social skills and good manners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met well by the childminder due to the good relationships she has established with parents. Children settle well because she is aware of their individual needs through pre-placement meetings and the use of contracts. There are good systems in place for the regular exchange of information and parents are regularly updated on the children's activities and achievements. This keeps parents fully informed, ensures consistency for children and involves parents in their child's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for. Their development is enhanced by the individual support they receive from the childminder in the warm and homely environment. Children are taken to the park and other places of interest which gives them a wider range of experiences and opportunities to play and socialise. Children are able to contribute to their care by making decisions about their play.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. All required documentation is in place and kept up to date. The childminder has attended training to enhance her own professional development. She has completed a relevant first aid course and keeps up to date with child protection procedures.

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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 the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to complete a daily record of the child's attendance. Systems are now in place to ensure the record is maintained in good order. This ensures that children are cared for in a safer environment.

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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): • take positive steps to prevent the spread of infection, for example, by wearing protective clothing when changing nappies.

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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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