Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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503928 Unique Reference Number 22 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 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 the August 2001. She runs her business in partnership with her sister, who is also a registered childminder, from their home in the Longsight area of Manchester. She shares her home with her sister, sister's partner and two nieces. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding activities. Toilet facilities are on the middle floor. There are secure gardens available for outdoor play. As part of her service she 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 seven children on roll of whom one is aged over eight years. This registration does not include overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Through excellent everyday practices promoted by the childminder, children are able to develop a very sound understanding of hygiene issues. Children have individual towels, facecloths, toothbrush and paste, and understand the importance of washing hands after toileting, before meals, after playing outside or touching animals. Older children are able to carry out these

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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 activities independently, and show younger children how to use soap and warm water to wash hands thoroughly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of healthy home made meals, which are provided by the childminder. These include breakfast, snacks, lunches and teas. Meals consider individual children’s needs, with children involved in the choice and planning of meals. Children develop an excellent understanding of foods which keep us healthy when they shop at the local markets for the many and varied fruits and vegetables they eat, and the ingredients to bake the bread rolls for their tea time meal. These are served to children in a well organised social setting, where children develop an excellent range of social skills. For example, adults and children eat together at the table and take part in discussions about the day's events. Drinks are freely available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to access an extensive range of outdoor activities every day, either in the garden, recreational parks or other places of interest. For example, children use slides and see saws with confidence. This provides them with the opportunity to develop control of their bodies. Children are developing an understanding of the effect of this exercise, and the need to drink more water. The childminder develops this understanding by growing vegetables and herbs with the children and extending discussion to explain the need for water, food and sunlight.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has excellent procedures and polices in place to record accidents, medication administered and for the treatment of emergency and medical advice. This means that parents are kept informed and their wishes are acknowledged and adhered to. The childminder is able to provide appropriate treatment in the event of children having an accident, because she has undertaken relevant first aid training.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Exceptional safety precautions have been taken to minimise accidents. For example, smoke detectors are in place, regularly tested and results recorded. There is a detailed emergency evacuation plan in place. This is regularly practised with all children, and the outcome recorded. The childminder carries out a wide range of checks on the house to ensure the environment is safe for children when she carries out detailed risk assessments. The risk of accidents outside the home is reduced because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring children are safe whilst on outings. For example, all children are taught responsible road safety behaviour and use designated crossings when out walking. The childminder ensures children are supervised at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All toys and equipment conform to the British safety standard and are exceptionally well maintained. The childminder has procedures in place for ensuring toys are clean and suitable for use. She has developed children’s understanding of how to care for toys through fun everyday activities, such as tidying activities away if areas are becoming cluttered and at the end of the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is fully safeguarded. The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of the main areas and possible signs of abuse. She is fully conversant with the procedure to be followed should she have any concern about the child's welfare. She carries contact details of the relevant agencies to contact with any concern. There is a child protection policy in place, which clearly informs parents of her role and responsibilities. This is discussed in detail with parents at their initial visit.

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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 outstanding. Through the extensive range of excellent resources and activities provided by the childminder, children develop a wide breadth of skills. They choose their activity from the extensive selection available and freely seek the support of the childminder, who has a wealth of skills and experience. She provides an excellent balance between adult and child led activities which allows children to develop at their own pace. For example, she allows children to experiment with filling the dumper truck with wood chippings and appropriately guides them in the direction which allows them to complete the task, developing their confidence and self esteem. Children listen and respond to singing, happily singing favourite songs and rhymes. Children take pride in their own and others achievements, with their work attractively arranged around the rooms. Photographs of the many activities and outings children are involved in are mounted and on

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have established excellent relationships with both the childminder, her co-worker and other children in her care. They relate exceptionally well to the childminder because she joins in with their play at their level and is positive in her interaction. The children enjoy close contact with the childminder. For example, she takes time to play hide and seek, which causes the children to squeal with delight, or to read a story whilst cuddling the children. Children are happy and secure as a result of the childminder's positive approach and support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's contributions are highly valued as they play a lead role in planning and organising their many activities and trips to interesting and exciting places. These include trips to the museum or the country park to paddle in the stream or see and touch the badger and the fox. These planning sessions are carried out together. She ensures that all children have input and that everyone's view is considered. Children value and respect the contribution of their peers. For example, plans displayed indicate that children have visited the farm at Wythenshawe park, observed the animals and then completed an extensive range of activities around this topic.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder works within the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage. She is continuing to develop this area of work with enthusiasm through both reading and training.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder provides an extensive range of toys and resources, which reflect the diversity of society. These are extended even further through the use of the local libraries. Her positive approach to equality is reflected in her comprehensive equal opportunities policy. A range of fun and exciting activities encourage children to develop an understanding of all aspects of society and thus supplement their learning. She talks with children and explains to them how to value and respect differences, extending and developing children's understanding and respect for each person's individuality. They show care, concern and respect for each other and talk about valuing differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is exceptionally well managed in a calm, quiet manner. They are developing an understanding of responsible behaviour through simple house rules. For example, treat each other with respect, look after each other. This develops children's understanding of right and wrong and to begin to understand the consequences of their behaviour. Exemplary attention is given to promoting positive behaviour with all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Very successful relationships have been developed with parents to ensure that the childminder has an exceptional working knowledge and understanding of the needs of individual children. Daily verbal and written information is shared very effectively and the childminder ensures parents are aware of all aspects of their child's care throughout the day. This includes such things as meals, activities and outings. She ensures at the initial visit parents have the opportunity to read and understand her policies and procedures. Parents are given their own comprehensive portfolio to keep for future reference. This provides a firm basis for partnership working, which has a very positive impact on the care of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to continual improvement, which impacts positively on the outcomes for children. The excellent and imaginative use of space and resources within the home provides children with areas in which they can move around freely, and feel comfortable and confident. Children are provided with a rich and stimulating environment in which to play and learn.

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Organisation

Children's care is significantly enhanced by the very good organisation. All polices and procedures are in place and are individual to the childminder. They fully support her exceptional childcare practice. She is meticulous in her record keeping. Contracts are reviewed with parents on a annual basis or as required. She has a firm commitment to training illustrated through her continued studying towards NVQ at level 3 as well as numerous other relevant training courses. This ensures she keeps abreast of current thinking and continues to develop her childminding practice. This ensures children's care is up to date and their well being always a priority. Children are fully supported in reaching their full potential.

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Organisation

She demonstrates a very high regard for the care and well being of all children.

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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 the childminder was asked to make sure that electric sockets in areas accessible to children are made safe. All electric sockets have been covered. This ensures that children are cared for in a safer environment.

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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. There are no complaints to report.

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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

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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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