Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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312082 Unique Reference Number 25 January 2008 Inspection date Shirley Leigh Monks-Meagher 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 a registered childminder since 1991. She runs her business from her home, a four bed roomed detached house, in the Audenshaw area of Tameside. She shares her home with her husband and a Springer Spaniel dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor, lounge, dining room and conservatory, plus a downstairs toilet, is used for childminding activities. A secure back garden is available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The registration is for six children at any one time. There are currently three minded children on roll. In addition she minds grandchildren on varying days. The childminder runs a local carer and toddler group and, with parental permission, takes the minded children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in premises which are maintained to a good standard of cleanliness. Well established hygiene practices are in place, such as keeping dummies clean and wiping noses

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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 with disposable tissue. Children understand the importance of hand washing after stroking and playing with the dog. As a result, the risk of cross contamination is minimised. A clear sick child policy ensures the best interests of children are taken into account to help prevent the spread of infection. The childminder maintains clear documentation relating to consent and the administration of medication thus safeguarding children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a range of nutritious foods to promote their growth and development. Meals are well balanced to meet dietary requirements. The childminder prepares homemade meals, for example pasta and meatballs. She consults parents about children's individual needs and respects their wishes, which ensures children remain healthy. Children enjoy trying different fruits and vegetables at snack time, such as raw carrot sticks. Babies are fed in accordance with their own routines. Regular drinks, including water, are available in children's own individual beakers. Babies are offered regular drinks throughout the day to keep refreshed and hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are taken out in the fresh air each day and the rear garden provides good opportunities for children to develop their coordination and muscular strength. Babies have sufficient space to crawl and there is safe furniture for them to pull themselves up. Toys are set out close to babies, which encourages them to crawl and enables them to reach out for toys they want.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a bright and welcoming environment. This helps them to feel secure and settle quickly. They play in safety and comfort. The childminder uses the space well, children have designated areas for role play, messy activities, quiet play and eating. Toys and equipment are well maintained, meet the needs of the children and promote their overall development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and secure. The childminder maintains safety indoors because she identifies risks. She carries out risk assessments and visual checks each day. There are safety gates in place, to prevent children's access to the stairs. Socket covers are in place and the premises are kept secure. Smoke alarms are fitted on all levels and there is a clear evacuation procedure to ensure children are kept safe. However, children do not regularly practise evacuation procedures. A system for recording accidents sustained by children is in place and entries are acknowledged by parents. However, accident records only document serious injuries. Minor bumps and scrapes are not recorded potentially putting children's safety and well-being at risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's knowledge of the Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures promotes children's welfare and safety. She clearly understands her responsibilities with regard to keeping children safe from harm and neglect. She has all the required procedures and documents in place and ensures parents are aware of her responsibilities. As a result, children's welfare is fully safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy in the childminder's care. They feel secure because the childminder creates a relaxed atmosphere and establishes good relationships with them. She spends her time playing and talking with them to support their efforts and achievements. Children experience a good range of developmentally appropriate activities, which promote their development. For example, they enjoy imitating adults with role play equipment and solving simple problems, such as fitting hoops onto a stand. They particularly enjoy toys which have an effect because of

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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 something they do. For example, the train goes round and the music plays when the handle is pushed on the spinning top.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies are confident and curious as they explore colourful toys around them. Different textures captivate their interests as they enjoy handling and exploring objects. Good fun is had with the puppets they have made themselves using a pair of socks. Children benefit from attendance at local groups where they play and mix with other adults and children. This helps them to become sociable and broadens their learning experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and the childminder divides her attention well between the children. As a consequence, children soon settle and feel at ease in their surroundings with frequent cuddles and reassurance from the childminder. Children's own home routines are followed when they start at the childminder's with regard to sleeping and eating, which makes children feel secure. Play materials and an excellent range of books promote our diverse society and are helping children gain an understanding about the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A clear behaviour management statement is shared with parents. The childminder uses positive strategies to manage children's behaviour, such as distraction. She acknowledges the importance of praise and encouragement to foster children's self-esteem and confidence. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure a consistent approach and to help children know what is expected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. Time is spent chatting together to develop friendly relationships and to enable relevant information to be shared. The childminder verbally shares her policies and procedures with parents to ensure they are fully aware and in agreement with care practices. In addition she provides information related to safeguarding children, health and safety, in the form of leaflets. This approach provides consistency and continuity of care for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from ample indoor and outdoor space so they can move around freely. The layout of furniture is well organised so babies and children can explore their surroundings and access toys with ease. The day is well-planned for children's enjoyment with consistent routines to ensure their well-being. There is a good balance of activities, both in the setting and within the community, to stimulate children's interests and make their day fun.

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Organisation

The childminder understands the need for ongoing professional development in order to provide a good standard of care for children. She makes good use of the local training facilities to keep her knowledge and understanding of childcare issues updated.

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Organisation

The childminder is well organised and has well thought out policies and procedures which contribute to an effective operational plan, ensuring children are well cared for. All relevant documentation and records are in place, and most are well maintained to ensure the safety and welfare of children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children who attend.

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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 enhance the range of resources which reflect positive images, improve fire safety equipment and minimise a water hazard.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has fitted an additional smoke detector on the first floor of her home and ensures that any buckets or containers in the garden are stored upside down so that they cannot collect rainwater. Children's welfare and safety is better protected. Increases to resources since the last inspection are helping children develop positive attitudes towards others. Their play materials and resources now include a wide range of books, dolls, role play equipment and dressing-up clothes and play people that represent a variety of gender, age, race, cultures and abilities.

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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): • practise the fire evacuation procedures with the children and review the accident recording procedures to include any accidents sustained.

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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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