Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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500232 Unique Reference Number 03 January 2008 Inspection date Carla Owen 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 1997. She lives with her husband and three children aged 19, 12 and two years. The family live in a semi-detached house in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester which is within walking distance of shops, parks and the local library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder currently cares for a total of four children during the week; two children attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The children have access to the whole of the ground floor which consists of the sitting room, kitchen/diner and hallway. Toilet and hand washing facilities are available on the ground floor. The rear garden is available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and gains support from the Sure Start Partnership and Social Services Childcare Commissioning Scheme with whom she works closely. She is also a part of the local childminding network and offers a 'pick and drop' service.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder takes positive steps to protect children from the risk of cross infection. For example, children are reminded to wash their hands at appropriate times of the day and are provided with individual hand towels. Pump action soap and a footstool is used to help develop independence and make hand washing a more attractive activity. A written sick child policy is in place which excludes children with any infectious illnesses, and parents are contacted immediately if a child should become unwell whilst at the childminder's home. Children's minor injuries are treated appropriately as a fully stocked first aid box is within reach and the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities which promote their health and physical development. For example, they benefit from fresh air as they go on regular walks in the local area and go on outings to places, such as the farm and zoo. A fully enclosed outdoor area is also available for children's use where they can play with a range of equipment, such as wheeled toys, balls and tunnels. All of which help children to develop a variety of skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a well balanced and nutritious diet which helps promote their growth and development. The childminder takes time to ensure children are provided with home cooked meals and obtains information about their food likes and dislikes to ensure they enjoy the food on offer. Fresh drinking water is readily available to the children to keep them hydrated and refreshed throughout the day. Mealtimes are relaxed, social occasions where children are able to sit and chat with their peers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a bright and well maintained environment. Rooms are kept at an adequate temperature to ensure children's comfort whilst they play. Photographs of children at play and colourful displays of children's artwork give them a sense of belonging in the childminder's home. Space is very well organised to allow children to move around their immediate environment with ease and confidence. Toys are accessible to the children allowing them to make choices in their play, and rooms are organised to ensure children are able to rest and play according to their needs. There is a wide range of age and developmentally appropriate toys and resources. The childminder makes good use of the local toy library to ensure children remain interested and stimulated whilst in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that all areas used by children are safe and secure. For example, written risk assessments are conducted and good use is made of safety equipment. However, some hazards remain, such as the heat of the radiator and drains in the outside area are within children's reach. Entrances and exits are secure. A written fire evacuation procedure is in place and is practised on a monthly basis with the children to ensure they know how to evacuate the premises in the event of an emergency. The childminder is teaching children about personal safety. For example, she reminds children to tidy away their toys after play to avoid any potential accidents and talks to them about road safety when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow when reporting concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and secure within the childminder's home. They enjoy a range of activities which keep them stimulated and maintain their interest. For example, children enjoy a painting activity where they confidently ask for the colours they would like to complete their painting. Children announce that they are painting a 'butterfly, dolphin, elephant and car wash'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She has created a 'learning journal' for each child to record how they have spent their time with her. This includes photographs of them at play, examples of work and observations.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a range of sensory experiences, such as exploring the textures of gloop and shaving foam and creating collages using a variety of different materials. They enjoy using their imagination as they engage in role play activities, dress up in different costumes and play with small world toys. Children's language development is promoted as they sing familiar songs and look at books independently and with the childminder. They develop their number skills as they play puzzles and count in everyday play. The children benefit from daily trips to local playgroups where their play experiences are extended and they have opportunities to socialise with their peers and make new friends.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are gaining a very good awareness of cultural diversity and the wider world. They access a good range of resources that reflect equality of opportunity and celebrate a variety of different cultural festivals, such as Eid and Diwali. The childminder speaks English and Punjabi and, therefore, uses both languages to communicate with the children to ensure they feel comfortable and secure in her home. Children with learning difficulties and disabilities are well supported as the childminder has a clear understanding of the importance of working closely with parents and outside agencies, and attending training to ensure children's needs are fully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Appropriate strategies are adopted in relation to behaviour management which results in the children's good behaviour. Reward charts and continuous praise and encouragement is used to promote positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationships which have been established between their parents and the childminder. Informal chats along with a daily diary ensures parents are kept fully up to date with their children's care. The childminder also meets with parents every six months to discuss their children's progress. Questionnaires are completed by parents and children's views are also taken into account. Parents comment that they are very happy with the good quality service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very conscientious and committed to improving the quality of care she offers. This is demonstrated through attending regular training to enhance her knowledge and understanding of care issues. Being a member of the local childminding network enables her to provide quality assured childcare above the regulatory standards set by Ofsted. The children

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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 feel at ease within the well organised environment. They benefit from a structured week and take part in a range of adult-led and child-initiated activities. The childminder recognises her responsibility to supervise children at all times.

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Organisation

The comprehensive range of policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the provision and their children's experiences. This contributes to continuity of the children's care. 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

During the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the range of resources in natural materials and to ensure that the smoke alarm on the ground floor is in working order. These recommendations have now been met. The childminder makes good use of the local toy library and has created a treasure basket to ensure children access natural materials. Smoke alarms are checked on a weekly basis to ensure they are in full working order.

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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): • ensure the radiator and drains in the outdoor area do not pose a risk to children.

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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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