Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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312013 Unique Reference Number 29 January 2008 Inspection date Susan Magaret Lyon 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 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 1994 to care for six children. She lives with her husband and three adult children in a semi-detached house in Tameside. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the lounge, dining room, play room, kitchen, downstairs toilet and back garden. There is a pet a cat in the household. There are currently 11 children on roll, the majority of whom attend part time only. The childminder provides an out of school service from local primary schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy through good hygiene practices which they are familiar with, such as washing their hands after toileting and before food. They are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. Children are protected well from infection through the written exclusion policy being in place which is given to parents. Children's good health is enhanced through the availability of tissues and the use of paper towels in the bathroom to prevent cross infection. A thorough nappy changing routine further prevents the spread of germs. Children enjoy

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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 physical activities indoors through partaking in action songs, dance and yoga. This contributes to keeping them fit and active. Children use a range of play equipment in the garden to keep healthy, such as skipping ropes, bats and balls. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise by walking to and from school each day. Children rest and sleep according to their needs promoting their good health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished through a variety of healthy foods. For example, they enjoy baked potatoes, cheese, yoghurts and fruit. Their health and dietary needs are met through discussions with parents and the recording of allergies and intolerances. Children learn about healthy eating from helping to make their own pizzas, where they talk about the ingredients and discuss foods that are good for them. They make and display their own pictures of different fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, a colourful 'healthy habits' poster teaches children about healthy lifestyles. Drinks are provided throughout the day keeping their bodies healthy and hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The play room is bright and colourful through lots of colourful posters and pictures displayed on the walls. Small tables and chairs and accessible play resources create an inviting and appealing environment which is child-centred and welcoming to children. Children use suitable toys and equipment due to satisfactory routines for keeping them clean and safe. Children are cared for in a mainly safe and secure environment through the childminder taking some precautions to minimise hazards. For example, socket covers and safety gates are in place. However, the accessibility of sharp knives and some electrical leads puts children's safety at risk. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder puts precautions in place, such as using reins and straps.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe through appropriate discussions about stranger danger and playing safely in the home. Their safety needs are met whilst on the premises due to the childminder's awareness of fire precautions. For example, children are aware of, and sometimes practise the evacuation procedure. Children are protected because the childminder has sufficient understanding of her role in child protection and appropriate procedures to follow if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the childminder giving them lots of praise and encouragement. Children engage in a broad range of stimulating activities to foster their development. For example, they enjoy modelling clay, lots of drawing and colouring and early science experiments, such as changing the colour of water. Children acquire new knowledge through a wealth of educational resources. For example, they develop pencil control through joining the dots pictures. Children enjoy their time at the setting as they are able to control their own play, such as designing a seasons poster and talking about different kinds of weather.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to make positive relationships through discussions about sharing and taking turns. They are freely able to make choices in their play and pursue their interests. For example, by selecting a favourite activity. Well organised resources help children to become independent learners. Children are very happy and settled. The childminder treats children with great kindness and concern and as a result children are content and interested in the surroundings. Babies freely explore a good range of manufactured toys, such as sound and musical toys. Through a wide range of art and craft materials children develop their imagination

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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 and creativity, thus promoting their sense of achievement and enjoyment. For example, they make and proudly take home fridge magnets, key rings and bracelets.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. Children are valued as they are asked for their opinions regarding what they like and dislike. They are made to feel important as their art work is displayed on the walls. Children become aware of the wider world through a satisfactory range of play resources, such as disabled play figures in a wheelchair and books showing positive images. Children develop awareness of the needs of others through appropriate discussions about feelings and playing carefully around the babies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures all the children are fully involved in the life of the setting by physically helping them to join in the activities. Children behave well. They begin to understand right from wrong through clear boundaries and explanations. Children are cared for by a childminder who works with parents to meet children's individual needs. For example, written consent forms are obtained from parents for various aspects of care. Although, some consent forms are not signed limiting the information agreed with parents about the care of their child. Children's care is enhanced through the daily exchange of information regarding their progress and welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safe and protected as the childminder fully understands the need for vetting of household members. She maintains adequate ratios, thus improving the safety of the children. The childminder organises her time, space and resources well to meet children's needs. For example, she provides opportunity for them to learn to socialise at local groups. Children benefit from visits to facilities in the local community, such as going on local walks and to the shops. Children's care and well-being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training, for example, she has attended the safeguarding children course.

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Organisation

High priority is given to gradually settling in new children at their own pace through a series of visits to help them become familiar with the surroundings. Parents are kept well informed as written information is displayed on the wall of the play room. All required documentation is in place and up to date. A detailed and comprehensive range of written policies are in place, which are shared with new parents. Children's records are kept confidential. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop resources reflecting equal opportunities and review the system for maintaining accident and medications records. The childminder has obtained ethnic dolls, disabled play figures and books showing positive images. Previous entries in the accident and medication book are now covered whilst parents are signing their own entries. These improvements further enhance the care of children attending the setting.

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Improvements 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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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. 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 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): • make electrical leads and sharp knives safe, or inaccessible to children • obtain signatures on all parents consent forms.

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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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