Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY103747 Inspection date 19 December 2005 Inspector Glynis Margaret Kite

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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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her partner and 2 children, aged 8 and 13 years old. They live in Newton Heath, Manchester. There are local shops in the area and a park within walking distance. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are three children on the register. Children attend a variety of full and part-time places. The childminder is able to offer care to children with special needs and those who have English as a second language. There may be a maximum of six minded children on the premises at any one time.

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder takes the children to the local adult and toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children benefit from good daily routines, which promote personal hygiene. Children know and understand why it is important to wash their hands before they handle or eat food, and at other times of the day, for example, after messy play. The childminder also promotes good hygiene as she ensures that the premises are kept clean and tidy by immediately disposing of rubbish, such as nappies and leftover food, thus setting a good example for the children. The overall health and wellbeing of children is further promoted by the childminder because she implements an exclusion policy for sick children, therefore preventing the spread of infection. Children are effectively cared for when they are unwell, which helps them to feel secure and comfortable while waiting for parents to arrive. The dietary needs of individual children are catered for well. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that she is maintaining routines and offering a

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Helping children to be healthy

balanced diet to children in her care. Children enjoy snacks of fresh fruit and some vegetables with their meals. The childminder has good knowledge of the children's individual dietary requirements, for example, children with allergies to certain foods or those with specific likes or dislikes. Children freely access drinks throughout the day. Babies benefit from the closeness and the one-to-one interaction during feeding and playtime. All children benefit from good opportunities to engage in physical play, both indoors and outside. This is balanced out with quiet and restful times. Children use outdoor equipment, such as bicycles and balls, with confidence and skill. They are more than capable of organising themselves with regard to the games that they play and the range of experiences that they have.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are maintained to a high standard of decoration and repair. The environment is warm and welcoming with lots of natural light and maintained to a comfortable temperature. Risk to children is minimised because the childminder makes good use of safety equipment, such as safety gates, and locks fitted to kitchen cupboards. She also implements safety procedures, both on and off the premises, based on written policies. Through discussion, children are learning about keeping themselves safe during routine activities, for example, by tidying-up toys when they have finished playing with them. Children enjoy freedom to select the toys and activities that they want to play with and at. These are stored in low-level units with written labels and pictures that help

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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 to select what is inside. This effectively promotes choice and independence. The toys and play materials are of good quality and safe for use by the children. The childminder provides furniture and equipment which is appropriate to the needs of children in her care, including low-level tables and chairs, a high chair and bouncy chair for babies. There is also soft furnishings to allow children to rest in comfort. The childminder is secure in her knowledge of child protection issues and procedures. She is confident that she would recognise signs of abuse and neglect, and act appropriately to protect the welfare of children in her care. The childminder has developed written policies and procedures which are shared with and signed by parents. She recognises the value in keeping accident, medication and attendance

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

records up-to-date with regard to concerns. Her procedures are based on the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They are confident and enjoy a wide range of toys and activities. Children particularly enjoy creative activities, which enables them to express themselves creatively and imaginatively. The childminder supports language and mathematical development through daily routines and resources, such as story-time, number rhymes sorting and matching. The children are confident to play independently and together. They interact well each other and the childminder, and respond positively to guidance and instructions. The childminder actively engages children in conversation and listens to what they have to say. She offers support when the children need it and recognises when children want to do things by themselves, thus promoting independence. Children benefit from close supervision and interaction from the childminder and therefore

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

continue to learn through play. Children are learning about sharing and taking turns as they participate in group activities. The childminder supports them well through encouragement and praise. She gently guides them with prompts and reminders. The childminder has a flexible approach and provides toys and activities based on the children's interest. For example, one child particularly likes to play with equipment that can be pushed, therefore she always ensures that there is something available, such as a shopping trolley, when that child is present. The childminder has a good understanding of the development needs of the children in her care and as a result, children benefit from the support, care and attention given. Natural materials are available for all children which helps to stimulate sensory development. All children engage in physical play on a daily basis, this may be in the garden or during trips out to other provisions or the park.

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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 To enable the childminder to meet the individual needs of children in her care, she exchanges plenty of information with parents and records the details. As a result, children's routines are maintained and their needs are well met. A programme of gradual visits enables parents and children to meet the childminder and her family and become familiar with the surroundings. Children benefit from these visits and settle quickly. All children are recognised as individuals and therefore are treated equally and with respect. They have access to a wide range of toys and resources which promote individual development and raise awareness of diversity within the wider community. The childminder is sensitive to the needs of children identified as having special needs and those for whom English is a second language.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the close working relationship that the childminder has established with their parents. They regularly exchange information, both in writing and verbally. This ensures that children's needs are met. However, the childminder has not updated her information with regard to the complaints procedures. The childminder implements a range of strategies to manage children's behaviour, such as discussion, distraction and timeout. She uses positive language and is consistent in her approach, thus children quickly learn the rules and respond positively to them. Children behave well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder follows appropriate procedures regarding the care and supervision of children. She has knowledge and understanding of the National Standards. Children are supervised well and have opportunities to move around freely, making choices and demonstrating levels of independence. The childminder is keen to attend further training and has put herself forward for some courses. The provision is based on well-written policies and procedures, which are reviewed regularly. All required records and documentation are in place and available for inspection. Overall, the provision meets the needs of those children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has updated the children's records and other documentation as required. The drain has been fitted with an appropriate cover. These actions improve the overall safety of the children being cared for.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 that those made to Ofsted.

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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 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): • Update the current complaints procedure to include amendments to the National Standards and ensure the children's attendance register is completed daily.

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The quality and standards of the care

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