Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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500344 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2007 Inspection date Sheila Iwaskow 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 1994. She lives with her partner, adult daughter and younger daughter aged 13 years, in the Sharston area of Manchester. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. This comprises of lounge, kitchen and bathroom. The family has two dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently three children on roll who attend on a variety of placements.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to local facilities, such as toddler groups, parks, shops and the library.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Suitable procedures are in place to ensure that children are welcomed into a clean environment. Children are becoming aware of basic hygiene routines, such as ensuring hands are washed or cleaned with baby wipes after toileting and before eating. The childminder holds a first aid

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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 certificate and a first aid box is accessible in the kitchen. This ensures that any minor accidents or injuries are dealt with correctly. Accidents and medication given are correctly recorded and a sick child policy is in place, which meets the needs of all the children who attend. The childminder ensures that the family pets do not pose a risk to children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies routines, with regard to meal and sleep times are respected, providing an environment that is consistent with home. Systems are in place to record health and dietary needs, which are respected at all times. Meals provided are generally healthy and include fish fingers, jacket potatoes, fruit and yoghurts. Acceptable procedures are in place to ensure that children have access to drinks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder's back garden is not included in the registration, but children walk to and from school and to the park. This helps them to understand that exercise is an important aspect of a healthy life style. At the park children enjoy running around in the fresh air and playing on fixed equipment, such as swings and slides. Children also have some opportunities to engage in physical play outdoors when visiting other childminders' homes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. There is sufficient space for the number of children who currently attend. Rooms are maintained at a consistent temperature to ensure children's comfort. Space is organised to allow children to access a range of activities, which contribute to their learning. Furnishings are available, enabling children to rest and relax.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys are plentiful and meet the needs of the children who are in the childminder's care. Resources are cleaned on a regular basis and those seen at inspection are safe and in good condition. However, toys are stored in a large cupboard and are not easily accessible to the children. Consequently, children's ability to make independent choices about their play are restricted. The childminder swaps resources with other childminders and makes use of the toy library to provide variety for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All the necessary safety features are in place. For example, smoke alarms are fitted on all floors of the house, and a fire blanket is positioned on the wall of the kitchen for easy access. The childminder is aware of how to get out of the house in the event of a fire. However, although she discusses these procedures with the children she does not practise them, which compromises their safety. Children are appropriately restrained in buggies when out walking. Written consent from parents to take children on outings and public liability insurance are in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a good awareness of the indicators of abuse and who to contact if she has concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and enjoy their time with the childminder. They are relaxed in her company as she offers them hugs and talks to them in positive, gentle tones. As a result, children are self -assured.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies enjoy exploring some toys, which are colourful and make pleasant sounds. However, opportunities for children to access natural materials are limited. Children's language skills are

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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 promoted as the childminder repeats words and responds to babies' babbles and facial gestures. Identifying the colour of socks and counting the number of snowflakes that they can see, helps to promote children's mathematical awareness.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Regular visits to the library helps to develop children's love of books. Children also enjoy outings to the cinema and play group, which provides them with alterative play environments and allows them to socialise with their peers. A suitable range of creative activities are available to stimulate children's imagination. They design birthday cards, paint and take part in collage activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Individual needs are generally well met. A range of suitable resources are available to help children appreciate the world in which they live. Meaningful experiences, such as tasting food from other countries also helps broaden their awareness of diversity. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

In the main, children are well behaved. Age-appropriate strategies are used to mange behaviour. For example, distraction techniques are employed for younger children and explanations are provided for those who are older and more mature. Children's efforts are praised, which helps to develop children's confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder recognises the importance of establishing positive relationships with parents to promote security and consistency in children's lives. Verbal feedback at the end of the day keep parents fully informed about all aspects of children's care. However, the childminder has no knowledge of changes to legislation regarding the recording of complaints. This is a breach of regulations.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder recognises her responsibility to protect children from harm and ensures that they are fully supervised by her at all times. Children feel at home and express their feelings confidently.

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Organisation

All adults with access to the children are suitably vetted and ratios of adults to children are maintained. This helps to ensue that children's welfare is promoted. There is a clear time table in place to take and collect children from a local primary school.

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Organisation

All documentation relating to the children are in place and stored securely to protect confidentiality.

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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

Following the last inspection the childminder agreed to seek written parental consent for emergency medical treatment and to improve resources to further develop children's imaginative play. Both of these issues have now been addressed. Consent for emergency medical treatment is now in place for all minded children and a range of resources, such as prams, a garage and a doll's house are now at times available to promote children's imaginative play.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 These improvements enhance the care offered to children.

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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 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): • practise fire evacuation procedures with the children • improve the accessibility of resources to allow children to make independent choices • improve knowledge and implement procedures for recording complaints • increase children's access to natural materials.

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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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