Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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500495 Unique Reference Number 03 December 2007 Inspection date Julie Firth 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 outstanding. 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 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 11 years in the Chorlton area of Manchester. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and there are currently four children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor, including the play room, lounge, kitchen and dining room and bathroom facilities are used for childminding. A large enclosed garden is provided for outdoor play. The family have a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from Manchester Sure Start.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health and welfare are of high priority to the childminder, who ensures they play in a clean environment. They learn from an early age the importance of good personal hygiene

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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 through effective well organised daily routines. Children fully understand how germs can affect their bodies and make them ill if they do not wash their hands. A wealth of activities are organised to encourage children to clean their teeth and eat fruits that are good for their health. All areas of the rooms are meticulously cleaned on a regular basis. The childminder has devised an excellent range of polices and procedures, which are shared with parents, to support her childminding practice. For example, all toys are kept clean and children who are ill and infectious are excluded from attending. Babies and young children's routines with regard to meal and sleep times are respected, providing an environment that is secure and consistent with home.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she can give appropriate care to children if there is an accident. She is meticulous about recording any accidents and medication in a log book, which is then brought to parents notice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy eating is extremely well promoted within the setting and children are offered a wide range of very good home cooked meals, which are both healthy and nutritious. Comprehensive and imaginative menus are devised by the childminder, and these are shared with parents. The children's dietary requirements are met very well as she works with parents in finding out their child's requirements and respectfully follows these. The childminder is very aware that children need to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and is vigilant about ensuring they can have access to drinks and the water dispenser throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder makes very good use good use of the garden and the local park enabling them to have the opportunity to play out in the fresh air. Daily access to a very good range of indoor and outdoor physical play equipment provides opportunities for young children to make good progress in their physical development. Whilst playing, children can balance and climb on the fixed equipment and musical activities allow children to move their bodies and gain an understanding of how their bodies feel when exercising. They manoeuvre bicycles and cars, developing their confidence and skills and becoming aware of space for themselves and others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a welcoming, bright, friendly home. Examples of children's independent art work is attractively displayed throughout the rooms which help to develop children's sense of belonging within the setting. Photographs indicate children have great fun taking part in stimulating activities. The rooms are extremely well organised ensuring a balanced range of activities for children. Children move around confidently in a safe environment where risks are identified, minimised and procedures are regularly reviewed. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the health and safety policies and how to keep children safe. There are strict procedures for signing children in and out of the premises ensuring they are accounted for at all times. Effective procedures are in place for the safe collection of children at the end of the day and regular written risk assessments and a policy for uncollected children further contribute

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to children's safety. Children are learning to keep themselves safe through planned activities, such as participating in road safety when out walking. They demonstrate an understanding of emergency escape procedures and practise fire drills regularly. She is vigilant about children's safety when on outings, and ensures that that each child has a harness and holds onto the buggy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

An excellent range of well maintained toys and equipment stimulate children's interests and supports their learning extremely well. They develop independence as they choose from equipment, which is easily accessed on low tables or at floor level around the room. Comfortable

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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 furnishings for children's rest and relaxation are in place throughout the premises. The resources are clean, safe and well maintained to ensure the children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected because the childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children. She is fully aware of her responsibilities to safeguard children's welfare in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Policies are very clear and effectively shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children explore and experiment through a superb range of activities that are carefully organised to match the needs and ages of the children attending. The childminder shares wonderful relationships with the children, ensuring that they are cared for in a harmonious environment in which they thrive. They benefit from the excellent range of inspiring and challenging activities provided for them. Activities are focused around themes using the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage, taking full account of children's individual needs. Play rooms are laid out to encourage young babies to grasp and crawl. Young children are beginning to make connections as they press a button on pop up toys and furniture is placed appropriately to allow young children to pull themselves up and balance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very confident when talking to visitors and they are beginning to form friendships and develop good communication skills as they chat to each other as they play. They meet other children when they socialise at groups. There is a strong emphasis on independence as they are encouraged to use a knife and fork, wipe their own noses and help in tidying up after themselves. Children sit and concentrate when baking. They really enjoy singing time and animatedly join in with the familiar songs and rhymes. This is further enhanced when children use the musical instruments. They are engrossed in the excellent range of arts and crafts. Toddlers thoroughly enjoy story times and are learning to handle books correctly as they sit quietly in the reading area and this is further extended by the use of story sacs, for their pleasure. They have great fun during water play, filling tubs, investigating them when they are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is constantly questioning colour and number throughout activities to promote children's self confidence and learning. Heuristic play is exceptionally well promoted and children investigate the contents of the treasure basket, they also create pictures using pasta, and rice. An extensive range of creative opportunities allow children to develop their imaginations and very young children have a lot of opportunities to play in sand and water. Their imaginary play is extremely well promoted as they play with small world toys and when dressing up. Fine motor skills are exceptionally well developed as children confidently build towers from small building block and construction, manipulate play dough, and handle small tools, such as glue sticks, scissors, spatulas and pencils. Children collect leaves and conkers on nature trails and explore the local environment when out shopping. This involves children putting groceries in their own

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

basket and observing fruits and different foods.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Parents contribute to their children's learning and collect shells and pebbles for the planned theme on 'holidays'. Assessments and observations are of a very high standard and are used effectively to monitor children's progress and plan for their next stages of learning.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder appreciates the uniqueness of each child and works well to make sure that their needs are exceptionally well met, ensuring that they are fully included in her home. Children also display high levels of respect and care towards each other. Cultural diversity is extremely well promoted. For example, children celebrate a wide range of cultural festivals, taste a range of foods from other countries and access a very good selection of resources that reflect gender and disability. She demonstrates the importance of caring for children in an inclusive environment, working very closely with parents and outside agencies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are delightful and extremely well behaved. They play harmoniously with each other as they learn to share and take turns. They respond well to the positive behaviour management strategies employed by the childminder who remains calm and consistent at all times. Minor altercations are dealt with in a sensitive manner and they are beginning to develop a very good understanding of what is right and wrong. Children's contributions are valued and their achievements constantly celebrated which helps to promote their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive high quality and detailed levels of information about the setting through displays on the wall and in the childminder's files. They are kept fully informed of their children's progress as they are invited into her home to see assessments, profiles and children's work. Parents are actively involved in their children's learning and kept very well informed about their children's activities through discussions at the end of the day. Their progress is carefully monitored and written detailed records of development are in place. A complaints procedure is viewed by parents and the childminder offers an 'open door' policy if they have any concerns of the care provided. Observations of letters and cards indicate that parents have the highest regard for the service provided. Parents comment on the 'fantastic childminder' and the 'excellent care she provides for children'.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is extremely committed to improving the quality of care she provides for the children. She attends regular training in order to ensure highly effective childcare. This includes training in the Foundation Stage; assessment and observation; physical, communication language and literacy; knowledge and understanding of the world workshops; snacks on a budget; understanding special educational needs; risk assessments, behaviour and a wealth of network meetings. She also supports other new registered childminders. She is dedicated, conscientious, and works extremely well responding to the children's needs. She has an excellent understanding of the National Standards and continuously monitors and evaluates her practice working closely with Sure Start. Meticulous planning is in place and activities offer children a high level of stimulation and challenge. The day is very well planned, allowing children time for quiet and

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Organisation

active play. Information kept about children is very well detailed and helps promote their welfare.

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Organisation

Space is used to its full potential to provide children with a range of inspiring activities which cover all aspects of their learning. All policies and documentation relating to the continuity of care are in place and are of the very highest standard. These are regularly revised and shared with 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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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

On the last inspection the childminder was asked to increase the range of natural materials available to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There is now a wealth of resources and natural materials in place that promote children's sensory development very well.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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