Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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500479 Unique Reference Number 09 January 2008 Inspection date Barbara Law 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 has been registered since 1993. She runs her business from her home in the Chorlton area of Manchester. She shares her home with her husband, adult son and two cats. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding activities. Toilet and bathroom facilities are on this floor. There is a secure back garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder uses local amenities, such as the parent and tots group, recreational parks and other places of interest. The registration is for six children. Currently there are six children on roll. This registration does not include overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean home where they learn about taking care of themselves and staying healthy. They learn the importance of personal hygiene, such as covering their mouth when they cough and washing their hands before meals and snacks, through regularly reinforced daily routines and the childminder's good example. Children are protected from some risk of

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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 infection and helped to maintain good health because the childminder is thorough in her cleaning procedures. For example, she follows her own cleaning routine and ensures she cleans equipment, such as toys, high chairs and changing areas, with anti-bacterial solutions. However, she does not wear protective clothing when changing nappies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical needs and well-being are met by the childminder who recognises when they are tired or thirsty and provides opportunities for them to rest, eat and drink as they need to, to meet their individual needs. They stay healthy because the childminder has a sick child and exclusion policy in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy snacks and homemade meals. These take into account their individual dietary requirements to ensure that they stay healthy. They make choices about when they need to eat and have regular access to drinks of juice or water.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air and outdoor physical activity which contributes to their good health. Visits to the local park to run, jump, play ball games or to play on the large equipment, walks in the local area and regular outdoor play in the garden, enable them to develop their physical skills and enjoy healthy exercise.

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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 safe, secure, warm and welcoming environment. Furniture is appropriately arranged to maximise available play space, and all necessary safety features, such as electric plug socket covers and a fixed fireguard, are in place to protect children. Children access safe and suitable play equipment which is all clean, well organised and regularly checked to maintain children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All necessary equipment, such as smoke detectors and a fire blanket, is in place and the childminder has devised and practised an emergency escape plan and drill which raises children's awareness of fire safety. Children are kept safe when out walking because the childminder teaches and practises responsible road safety behaviour with them. They say 'press the button, wait and listen and walk when the green man comes'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are sufficiently protected because the childminder has some understanding of her role in child protection. However, she is less familiar with procedures to follow should she have cause for concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive plenty of praise and encouragement from the childminder, which effectively builds their confidence and self-esteem. They are clearly settled, relaxed and very much at home in their surroundings. The childminder is always interested and makes time to listen to them. Children talk and approach her comfortably and easily. She supports their language development successfully in her conversations with them by asking questions and talking to them about their home and family life.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children maintain an interest in all that is provided. They have many play activities which include outdoor toys, such as skipping ropes, balls, and sit and ride toys, and indoor toys, such as trains and track, jigsaws, and musical activities. They are able to use their initiative and are offered

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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 plenty of choice in their play. Children are learning how to form positive relationships. They enjoy playing together with the telephone, having conversations with each other, and respond well to the challenge of completing the train track.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder values children as individuals and treats them with equal concern. She gives them praise and encouragement, resulting in them feeling good about themselves. She is a positive role model and encourages children to respect others. She offers explanations to help children understand about differences. Children are provided with a suitable range of resources for their age which help to promote development. Some of the resources, such as positive images of culture, gender and disability promote an understanding of diversity and the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing an understanding of what is expected of them. They are beginning to play well alongside each other and to learn they must share and take turns. Behaviour management methods are used which are age appropriate and effective in helping children to learn right from wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are well cared for. Their development is enhanced by the individual support they receive and the suitable range of activities provided in a homely environment. Children are relaxed and secure in their play and their needs are met. Children actively contribute to their care by making decisions about their play.

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Organisation

Records, policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents. In the main, these are kept appropriately. However, the daily record of children's attendance is incomplete. Children's progress is shared with parents. Children are protected from harm by the childminders vigilance and supervision.

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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 last inspection two areas for improvement were identified. These were to ensure written consent is in place for all childminding arrangements and to ensure the safety of the rear garden.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Written consents are in place for all childminding arrangements. The bricks previously stacked in the back garden have been removed. These improvements ensure that parents are kept fully informed of the service and that children are cared for in a safer environment.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection concerns have been investigated by Ofsted. These related to National Standards 1, Suitable person, 6, Safety, 7, Health and 14 Documentation.

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Complaints since the last inspection

An unannounced visit took place in November 2007 to investigate these concerns.

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Complaints 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 The evidence examined demonstrated that National Standards 1 and 14 were not being met and actions were raised. The childminder has taken appropriate steps to address the concerns, and remains qualified for registration.

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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): • take positive steps to prevent the spread of infection, for example, by wearing protective clothing when changing nappies. • become aware of procedures to follow to safeguard children's welfare • maintain a more detailed daily record of children's attendance.

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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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