Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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312097 Unique Reference Number 14 January 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 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 was registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and adult son in the Ashton-under-Lyne area of Tameside. The living room and kitchen of the childminders home are used for childminding and there is an enclosed 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 two children under five, part-time and one child over five, before and after school. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local library. The childminder has two dogs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health within the home is supported well by the childminder who has a good understanding of health and hygiene procedures. She uses detergent wipes on all food preparation areas and ensures toys are cleaned on a regular basis. The childminder ensures the family pets do not pose a risk to children's well-being as feeding bowls are not accessible and

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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 they use an enclosed area in the garden. Children's well-being is sufficiently promoted as adequate procedures are in place for recording accidents and medication administered, however, clear parental consent is not given before medication is administered. This poses a small element of risk to children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of healthy eating because they are provided with healthy meals, which their parents bring. At other times the childminder offers fresh fruits which the children thoroughly enjoy. They sit together at a low level table and develop good levels of independence as they peel and cut their own bananas. They share raisins and eagerly ask for more, which helps them develop a healthy appetite. Children are able to quench their thirst as they are offered drinks at regular intervals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from fresh air and regular exercise which contributes to their good health. They walk to the local play centre and refine their physical skills as they use apparatus in the local park. At other times children enjoy feeding the ducks and talk with great enthusiasm about the 'ruffie' ducks. Children have frequent opportunities to play in the well resourced back garden and they become aware of nature as they plant flowers and vegetables, which they take home.

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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 warm and homely environment which is adequate in temperature. They benefit from the good range of quality toys and resources, which are suitable for all ages and abilities. Their independence skills are truly fostered as toys are easily accessible and nicely presented in low level storage boxes. As a result, children are able to see resources available and self-select toys of their choosing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's risk of injury is minimised because the childminder has taken necessary steps to provide a safe environment, for example, she offers good supervision and ensures toys and resources meet the required safety standards before purchasing them. In addition to this, the childminder undertakes regular checks on all toys and resources to ensure they are suitable for children to use. Children are safe on outings as younger children are securely reined into a pushchair and older children know to hold the handlebars. Children are developing a good awareness of keeping themselves safe, for example, they know not to touch the dogs until they are older and they take great care as they use knives at mealtimes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected effectively because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and has recently refreshed her knowledge through relevant training. The childminder is fully aware of her duty to respond to child protection concerns. Consequently children are safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content in the care of the supportive childminder, which increases their sense of well-being and security. They are totally occupied and stimulated as they access a wide range of toys and activities, for example, toddlers explore different sounds as they shake instruments and press buttons on the musical books. Children develop a love of the printed word as they access a superb range of books which they handle competently. Their interest in

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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 books is totally re-affirmed, as the childminder takes them on regular visits to the local library for story sessions and rhyme time.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They develop their creativity as they play imaginatively with the treasure box, which has an abundance of necklaces and brightly coloured jewels. At other times, children make dens using blankets and they have great fun nursing their dolls as they put them to sleep. They use their senses to explore texture and colour as they make pictures using paints and various implements, such as crayons and felt-tip pens. Children are skilful communicators as they ask lots of questions and chat confidently to their friends. This creates a lively atmosphere within the home which children thoroughly enjoy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are recognised as individuals and their differing needs are met well by the childminder who is attentive to their needs. She is aware of their likes and dislikes and actively encourages comforters, to ensure children feel secure and settled. Children become aware of the wider world as they access some resources, such as books and figures that promote positive images and they learn about different religions, for example, they learn about Ramadan and Eid and enjoy sampling different foods, such as curry and coconut dishes. This helps children's gain awareness of diversity and respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the home because the childminder adopts a consistent and positive approach, for example, the use of stickers and verbal praise boosts children's confidence and self-esteem. Children respond well to effective strategies to promote good behaviour, such as distraction techniques and time out if needed. Consequently children play happily together.

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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's well-being is promoted as good systems are in place for the regular exchange of information between the childminder and parents, for example, the child's daily routine is shared by verbal means and some documents, such as accident records are signed by parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for within required ratios, which ensure they are safe and supports their learning. The childminder consistently interacts with children, consequently they feel safe and secure. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to continually improving the care offered by attending relevant training. This positively enhances the childcare provided, however, she has not yet updated her first aid certificate, as a result, children are not fully protected.

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Organisation

Most documentation is in place which adequately supports children's health and well-being, for example, children's contracts are in place and the attendance register clearly records children's hours of attendance. Some records however, are not recorded to ensure children's confidentiality. The certificate of registration is clearly displayed and the childminder demonstrates an awareness to notify Ofsted of significant incidents. 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 was required to increase the range of resources, which promote diversity, improve documentation and obtain parental consent before medication is given.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has increased resources which promote positive images of diversity. Effective organisation of documents ensure records, such as the attendance register and accident records have greater clarity of detail. These improvements promote children's well-being and awareness of others. The childminder has improved systems for administering medication, which adequately supports children's health. Clear consent however, is not given before medication is adminsitered. As a result, a recommendation has been raised following this inspection.

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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 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): • obtain clear written permission from parents before administering medication to children • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure that all records are retained in a confidential manner.

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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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