Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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312155 Unique Reference Number 07 November 2007 Inspection date Judith Anne Kerr 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 1996. She lives with her husband, who is an assistant, adult daughter and son aged 15 in the Stalybridge area of Tameside. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has some fish, tortoises, two cockatiels and a guinea pig.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding a total of 10 children on a variety of placements. Four of these are over the age of eight years. The childminder walks or drives to the local school to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. The childminding environment is warm, clean and very well maintained. The childminder takes steps to ensure hygiene is suitably addressed, for example, hand washing before eating and after using the toilet. There are effective routines and procedures to minimise the spread 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 amongst children. Procedures are in place for recording accidents and medication. However, first aid training is not kept up-to-date to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing their physical skills with a range of suitable activities both inside and outdoors. For example they get fresh air and exercise during their walks from school and visits to the park, which helps them to stay fit and healthy. Younger children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of the need to provide a balanced diet and to encourage children to eat healthy foods, to promote their continued growth and development. Drinks are available to children and are offered to children on a regular basis. Suitable arrangements are in place which ensure that meals provided by parents are appropriately stored and prepared.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. The childminder has a generally sound knowledge and understanding about child protection procedures and has all relevant information and contact details which enables her to keep them safe. However, she does not record details of existing injuries to children; this is a breach of regulations and may pose a risk to their well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy a secure and mostly safe environment because most potential hazards are identified and minimised by the childminder. Close supervision and safety measures across the property, such as a carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarms contribute to keeping children safe. However, sharp knives, cleaning materials and ivy are accessible and may pose a risk to children's safety. Resources and equipment provided are suitable for the ages and abilities of the children attending and are safe and easily accessible to them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives good individual support and ensures close physical proximity so very young children quickly become confident as they develop new skills, such as understanding road safety. All required procedures are in place to safeguard children, for example, the childminder has appropriate consent for outings from parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children share warm relationships with the childminder. She spends time on the floor talking and playing with them. She gives children appropriate physical contact, such as cuddles, speaks in soft tones and smiles. As a result they are settled and happy in the friendly atmosphere created in her home. The children benefit from sleep and feeding routines which are consistent with their experiences at home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder makes good use of local amenities to provide a variety of play environments for the children and to increase their awareness of the world around them. The childminder and children enjoy various trips out. For example, they go for a walk to the reservoir or visit the farm to see the ducks, pigs and goat.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Resources are arranged accessibly which enable the children to make their own choices and develop independence. Young children's early language is encouraged through repetition of words and singing songs. Children have opportunities to learn new skills and engage in a range

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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 of age appropriate activities which they clearly enjoy. For example, older children enjoy making hot bead models, painting glass and making masks. Regular baking activities to make chocolate brownies are very popular. The children initiate their own play as they build dens and play houses or perform their own plays.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children as individuals, talks to them about differences that they observe and teaches them to treat each other with care and respect. Children become aware of diversity and develop their understanding about differences as they access dolls, books and play figures that reflect the wider world. The childminder shows a positive attitude towards the inclusion of all children. She helps children to begin to consider the needs and feelings of others, including those with disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Expectations for children’s behaviour are stated in a consistent and positive way; thus all children quickly acquire confidence and self respect and are aware of right and wrong. The children behave well, they are happy, confident and learn good manners. The childminder sets realistic, age appropriate boundaries and offers meaningful praise to encourage positive behaviour. Older children support younger ones as they get a tissue for their friend and build a play house together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the effective relationships the childminder has developed with parents. The progress of young children is discussed to ensure consistency and continuity of care. Daily informal discussions each day keep parents informed about the provision and their children's activities. All the required documentation is maintained relating to individual children. Verbal feedback from parents demonstrates good partnerships are in place and they recognise the 'children enjoy coming here'.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children’s welfare is compromised in the event of an accident as the childminder does not have an up to date first aid certificate. This is a breach of regulations. The childminder has a sound understanding of the need to maintain records. The required paperwork is organised appropriately and used to promote the welfare of the children. Registers and children's records meet regulatory requirements and are easily available. Emergency numbers are clear and kept accessible both inside and on outings. The childminder does not display her registration certificate during childminding hours which prevents parents from being fully informed of her conditions of registration.

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Organisation

The premises are well organised, both indoors and outdoors, ensuring the children feel safe and at ease. The childminder organises her day around the children to ensure that their individual needs are catered for appropriately. Ample play space is available to the children in order for them to play in comfort.

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Organisation

Overall the provision does not meet 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

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to implement an emergency evacuation procedure and record details of persons authorised to collect children. The childminder has suitable evacuation procedures in place which are practised with the children and records show who is authorised to collect each child. As a result, children's safety is improved.

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • assess the risks to children in relation to existing injuries and take action to minimise these. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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