Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 311976 Inspection date 23 August 2005 Inspector Patricia Graham

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1984. She lives with her husband, adult son and daughter aged 14 years in Stalybridge, Tameside. The lounge and the kitchen of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five full time and two children over five after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 The family has a dog, a hamster and two gerbils.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. They know, for example, to wash their hands after using the toilet 'because it's not clean'. This is supported by the childminder who ensures that the toys, equipment and the setting are cleaned to a high standard. This means children are cared for in a well maintained setting which reduces the risk of cross infection. The childminder is also careful to ensure that the family pets do not pose any risk to children's health or safety, for example, feeding bowls are not accessible to children. Children have access to drinks which are offered at regular intervals. They are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet because they are offered healthy snacks such as fruit and toast. Some children bring their own packed lunch which ensures their parents know what they are eating. Others have a range of light

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Helping children to be healthy

meals provided by the childminder. The childminder takes into account dietary requirements of all the children and works in partnership with the parents to ensure children benefit from a balanced diet. Children enjoy physical activity which promotes good health. They benefit from fresh air and exercise through daily outings to the park and walks along the stream. They become increasingly aware of how activity affects their bodies and know when they need to rest. Children have the opportunity to relax or sleep on the settee and are supervised at all times.

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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 home where positive steps have been taken to promote children's safety. They learn to care for themselves and each other. They know, for example, to tidy toys away in case somebody falls over them. Consequently, children have a sense of belonging and confidently move around the setting. Children have access to a good range of toys and resources which are safe and developmentally appropriate. However, not all resources are effectively organised which impacts on their independence. The childminder is watchful and vigilant which ensures children are safe at all times. They have, for example, constant supervision whilst they play and all toys and resources are regularly checked for suitability. Children are also developing a good awareness of safety outside the home. This is promoted through discussion and good practice encouraged by the childminder. They know, for example, to stay close

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

together and hold hands when crossing the road.

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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 Children are protected effectively because the childminder has a good level of understanding on child protection issues. She is aware of procedures to follow in line with the Area Child Protection Committee and fully understands her duty to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and confident in the childminder's home. They engage in a good selection of stimulating play, such as imaginative, construction and creative activities which fosters their development. They show great interest in activities offered and talk enthusiastically about their play. They develop their fine motor skills and produce meaningful patterns and shapes, as they engage in a creative activity, by cutting pieces of paper skilfully with scissors. The childminder offers good opportunities which build on their curiosity and interests, for example, going on nature walks and fishing for tadpoles. As a result, children learn about nature and explore their environment. Children form positive relationships with the childminder and their peers. This is achieved through group activities and regular outings with other childminders. The childminder is attentive to their needs and offers them good support and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encouragement. This contributes to children feeling valued and confident which promotes their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are treated with equal regard and their differing needs are met well. Children are warmly welcomed into the setting and they form close relationships with the childminder. They have access to some resources such as books and dolls which reflect positive images of society which helps children learn about diversity. As a result, they are developing good self-esteem and respect for others. Children's individual needs are met in accordance with parent's wishes. Parents are given positive feedback on their children's activities within the day which contributes significantly to their care and well being. Children's good behaviour is encouraged by meaningful praise and encouragement given by the childminder. They have a sense of belonging and are extremely happy and contented in the setting. This is further supported by the childminder who gives children attention and values their contributions.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder cares for children in required ratios which ensure they are safe and make progress in most areas of their development. Children feel at home in the

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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 welcoming environment. As a result, they are confident, relaxed and able to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder has most documentation in place. These are clear, comprehensive and in line with the requirements of the national standards. However, minor detail is required to ensure all medication records are in place and effectively organised to maintain confidentiality. Overall, children are well cared for and their individual needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve resources which reflect equal opportunities. She is continually developing this area and has purchased some resources which promote children's understanding of diversity. The childminder agreed to ensure written records are kept securely. She now has a designated cupboard for all documentation relating to childminding. These are well organised and accessible which promotes children's care and well being.

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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): • consider ways to improve storage of toys and resources which allows children to independently select activities • ensure that all records relating to medication are confidential and that written parent permission is given before administering medication.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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