Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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500267 Unique Reference Number 08 February 2008 Inspection date Judith, Mary Horsfall 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 husband and two children aged eight and five in the Higher Blackley area of Manchester. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house including toilet facilities is used for childminding and there is a fully 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 minding two children under five all day, and one child over five before and after school, plus four children over the age of eight years on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends various local parent/toddler groups, and visits parks and play gyms.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, holds an NNEB qualification and a level 2 classroom assistant qualification.

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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. Children stay very healthy because the childminder has highly effective policies and procedures in place. For example, children take their shoes off as they enter the house and hands are washed at appropriate times throughout the day to promote hygiene and minimise the risk of infection. Detailed health and safety procedures are discussed with parents at induction and thoroughly implemented. Children are protected against infection because the childminder understands the importance of hygienic practice, and each evening surfaces and the bathroom are thoroughly cleaned.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected in cases of accident or illness because the childminder has a suitable first aid kit and holds a current first aid qualification. A detailed sick child policy is discussed with parents at initial visits and they are required to agree that they will not bring children who are ill or infectious. This ensures children are at reduced risk of cross-infection. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs and the childminder consults extensively with parents to accommodate each child's individual sleep pattern. Children enjoy various types of exercise including walks in the local parks, using a trampoline and regular visits to play gyms.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs well met because the childminder works closely with parents, identifying children's needs and preferences. A weekly menu is prepared and displayed on the kitchen wall to ensure parents are aware of the children's meals and snacks. Drinks are available at all times to ensure children do not go thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed into a clean and very well maintained home. Children feel at home because the childminder has displayed their artwork in an attractive manner and decorated the playroom with colourful posters. There is a wide range of suitable, safe, accessible and fun toys and resources which is appropriate to the minded children's ages and stages of development. Children benefit from having brightly coloured child-sized furniture and accessible storage areas for toys, games and craft materials.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from harm because the childminder is vigilant about safety, reminding children of traffic hazards and stranger danger. The childminder is highly committed to keeping the children safe. For example, comprehensive consent forms are in place and the childminder is very careful to ensure only authorised persons can collect the children. Children are further protected because thoroughly organised contingencies are prepared in case of emergencies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role in child protection procedures. There is a comprehensive child protection procedure which is shared with parents and all the necessary documentation is in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are making good progress in learning, leisure and personal development because the childminder is very knowledgeable in the area of child development. Children acquire new

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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 knowledge and skills because they have free access to a broad range of purposeful and developmentally suitable toys and resources. For example, children freely select from a wide range of craft materials and handle glue, paint and sewing materials with confidence. High quality weekly play plans ensure children are offered a broad range of play activities and extend their knowledge. Younger children are encouraged to learn through play as they undertake activities such as printing numbers with sponge shapes and recognising numerals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled, separating from their main carers with assurance. They interact with affection towards the childminder, freely offering hugs to the childminder who is very aware of each child's development, progress and individuality. Children's self-esteem and confidence are effectively cultivated because the childminder offers them frequent, enthusiastic praise for their efforts and achievements. Children cooperate well together because the childminder encourages them to share games and take turns. Children take control of their play and the childminder gives them time and space to direct their own activities. Children benefit from a wide selection of activities off-site, such as visits to the homework club in the nearby library, playgroups, museums and art galleries. Children are encouraged to learn about the natural world as they collect insects to look at with a magnifier or microscope and carry out

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are skilfully cared for by a childminder who understands the importance of valuing each child as an individual. Children benefit from a wide range of resources which positively reflects the broader community. However, children have limited opportunities to participate in activities which celebrate the wider world. All children are welcomed into the setting and the childminder has a clear understanding of the value of inclusion. The childminder is aware of the importance of ensuring that all children, including those with learning disabilities and difficulties, take a full and active part in the life of the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A thorough behaviour policy is agreed with the parents to promote a consistent approach between home and the setting. A clear set of ground rules has been negotiated with children and these are clearly displayed. Children benefit because a great emphasis is put on encouraging positive behaviour and explaining clearly to children why some behaviour is not acceptable. Children are polite and well-mannered because the childminder reminds them about good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well served because the childminder works closely with parents. Parents are very pleased with the childminding service saying the childminder is 'very reliable, flexible and provides a stimulating environment where children thrive in her care.' Parents are given comprehensive information at initial meetings and the childminder continues to update children's records to ensure appropriate care is provided. A clear complaints procedure ensures parents are aware of how to make a complaint should the occasion arise.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Efficient organisation coupled with the creative use of space, time and resources ensure children's safety and well-being are robustly promoted. Children are well protected because the childminder has a clear understanding of the importance of having all adults in the household undertake the necessary checks, and of ensuring that children are not left unsupervised with

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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 unauthorised persons. Adult to child ratios are well maintained to ensure children's play and care are well supported. The childminder has undertaken extensive training to ensure she has a clear understanding of child development and childcare issues.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are of a high quality, with many exceeding the requirements of the National Standards. They work very well in practice to promote children's health, safety, achievements and enjoyment. Records are regularly reviewed and children's individual records are available to parents.

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Organisation

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 previous inspection two recommendations were made regarding the complaints procedure and recording the times of children's arrival and departure. Both of these issues have now been fully addressed, improving safety for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • continue to develop activities which promote positive images of the wider world.

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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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