Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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312034 Unique Reference Number 05 February 2008 Inspection date Patricia Graham 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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her two children aged 10 and seven years in the Ashton-under-Lyne area of Tameside. The whole ground floor of the childminders home is used for childminding and there is a communal garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for four children under five, part-time and one child over five, before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler groups. The childminder has a dog and a gerbil.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from illness and infection because the home is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness because the childminder follows effective hygiene routines. For example, she undertakes general cleaning throughout the day. In addition to this toys and resources are cleaned on a regular basis. This ensures children's good health. The childminder is careful to

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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 ensure the family pets do not pose a risk to children's health. For example, feeding bowls are situated outdoors and the gerbil is safely housed in an enclosed cage, which is not accessible to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy nutritious snacks, which promote their growth and development. For example, they enjoy home-made meals, such as roast chicken dinners and sausage casseroles with vegetarian options available if needed. Menus are clearly displayed for parents to see. Dietary requirements are discussed with parents and children's preferences are well catered for. However, dietary needs are not always recorded. Babies needs are accommodated very well as they are provided with food and drink in accordance with parents wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular outdoor activities, which keeps them in good health. For example, they enjoy regular trips to the park; outings to the farm and trips to places interest. A firm favourite is 'Wellie walks' in the stream at Daisy Nook. Children are totally supported within the home to develop their physical skills. For example, they have great fun as they ride wheeled toys around the spacious home and toddlers refine their balancing techniques as they use rocking toys with increasing skill.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have a good sense of being safe in the environment as they confidently move around the home. They independently choose activities from a broad range of toys and resources which are stored at child height enabling even the youngest children to make choices in their play. The childminder takes pride in creating a child focused environment as she displays children's artwork and organises a good range of toys and activities in an appealing manner. Consequently, children are stimulated and eager to explore.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is consistently promoted because the childminder has a good awareness of safety, which ensures children's well-being. For example, cushion guards are placed on doors to prevent fingers from being trapped; locks are securely fitted to kitchen cupboards and all required safety measures are in place. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they practise the fire evacuation procedures and talk about potential hazards as part of their learning. Their well-being is assured on outings as they are safely transported in a vehicle with all appropriate documents in place. This includes appropriate car insurance and parental consent. The childminder acknowledges risk taking as part of children's learning and development. Consequently, children are able to take safe risks in a supportive environment as the childminder is close by to offer lots of support and encouragement.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a good level of understanding on child protection issues. She has updated her knowledge by accessing relevant training and a detailed child protection policy is shared with parents. This ensures children in her care are safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children access a broad range of indoor and outdoor activities, which contributes to their all round development. For example, children develop their social skills through regular attendance at local toddler groups. At other times they play independently with stimulating toys and activities in the home. This is truly enhanced as the childminder plays with them and encourages their language skills. For example, she talks to them and asks lots of open ended questions,

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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 which challenges children to think. As a result, they are becoming competent communicators. Children develop a love of the printed word as they access an abundance of books, which are beautifully presented on a low level book case. As a result, children look at the books independently and thoroughly enjoy listening to stories, such as 'Susan laughs' which the childminder reads with great enthusiasm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are extremely imaginative as they engage in meaningful role play making cup's of tea and macaroni cheese. Their role play is extended as they make birthday cakes with the play dough and sing happy birthday with gusto. Children use empty boxes resourcefully and imaginatively. For example, older children develop their creative skills as sit in the boxes and ride to the see side whilst younger children are playfully engaged as they place objects in and out of the boxes. The childminder plans activities according to children's interests, which includes lots of arts and crafts. As a result, they eagerly participate in craft activities and produce beautiful tactile pictures of spring flowers and collage.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are totally settled in the environment and form close relationships with the childminder who is extremely nurturing in their approach. She takes time to establish their needs, such as likes and dislikes by speaking to parents and also observing children in play. As a result, their individual needs are fully met. Children value their own customs and beliefs and learn those of others as they take part in celebrations, such as Chinese New Year. They access a good selection of toys and resources, which reflect diversity. As a result, children are developing an awareness of diversity and respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-esteem and confidence are developed because the childminder plays with them and shows a keen interest in what they say and do. They are rewarded with kind words for using manners and respond well to positive strategies, such as distraction techniques. Consequently, children play beautifully with their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from continuity of care because there are good systems in place for the regular exchange of information between the childminder and parents. For example, parents are provided with a prospectus, which outlines policies and procedures. This keeps parents abreast of the routines and care provided. Parents are also informed of their child's day through verbal updates and daily diaries, which are completed for younger children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are cared for in an environment that is successfully organised to ensure that they are safe and well cared for. This is enhanced with effective support from the childminder who organises her time and resources well to ensure children's needs are met. The childminder is committed to extending her knowledge and skills through relevant training. As a result, children benefit from her continued development.

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Organisation

The childminder holds a relevant first aid certificate, which enables her to administer treatment if needed, to protect children's health. She has required documents in place, such as an attendance register and children's details, which are updated annually. All records are stored in a secure manner to ensure children's confidentiality. The childminder is aware to inform the

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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 regulator of significant incidents. This positively promotes children's safety and well-being. 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 was asked to plan a range of meals to give children the opportunity to try different foods. She has reviewed the menus and now offers a range of nutritious dishes, which include: pasta; fish and vegetarian options. Consequently, children benefit from a varied diet.

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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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • ensure children's dietary needs are recorded.

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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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