Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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500500 Unique Reference Number 25 February 2008 Inspection date Krystina Chitryn 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 satisfactory. 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 1986. She lives with her husband in the Levenshulme area of Manchester. Minded children have access to the living room, playroom, first floor bathroom and rear yard.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children and there are currently four children on roll, two full time and two part time, term times only.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a dog and two cats and three rabbits.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides drinks and food for the children. The childminder records the children’s individual needs. The children benefit from healthy food provided by the childminder. They

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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 are mostly encouraged to make healthy choices and to try new fruits to ensure their good health is maintained. The children sit at the table at meal times and learn to socialise and use their manners. The children have access to drinks and this ensures they are adequately hydrated. The childminder discusses dietary needs with parents and records the information, ensuring that children’s needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children benefit from clean toys and equipment as the childminder cleans them and ensures they are safe. Illnesses are minimised by the effective sick child policy, which ensures that the children's health is satisfactorily maintained. The childminder is aware of children’s individual health needs as these are recorded in the children’s file. The children are supervised at all times ensuring they are safe and protected from harm.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from daily fresh air and outdoor play. They have regular walks, visit the local parks, playgroups and play in the garden. This ensures that all the children are able to benefit from regular exercise and remain fit and healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children generally learn about personal hygiene routines and benefit from regular hand washing, however, the children‘s hands are not washed before they sit down for their snack of fresh fruit. This ensures does not ensure that the children are protected from infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder checks the premises and undertakes a daily risk assessment to ensure the children do not come to any harm. The children benefit from appropriate safety equipment that is used throughout the home. The smoke alarms are on all levels of the house, a safety gate is available and socket covers are in place. This ensures the children are safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety around toys and equipment is maintained as the childminder checks these daily and through the provision of sound quality toys and equipment. Children are stimulated through a selection of toys that are stored at child height and are accessible, so that the children are able to make informed choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children generally benefit from a well organised environment, for example, the furniture is arranged so that the children have sufficient space to play on the floor. However, there are too many toys out on the floor and children trip over them and do not have enough space to move around comfortably. This makes it unsafe for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are generally safe both inside and outside of the setting as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues, enabling her to protect the children from harm. She uses accident recordings to identify potential risks and keeps parents generally informed. Parents are made aware of the safeguarding procedure on admission. The childminder has obtained permission to provide emergency medical treatment for children and this ensures that the children receive appropriate treatment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children's personal needs are met in a supportive and homely environment. They choose what activities they wish to play with and this enables the children to make choices. The

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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 childminder is aware of the children’s individual needs and routines and makes them feel comfortable in the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children self select their toys and play with the childminder, she encourages them to participate in activities. As a result, the children are interested in what they are doing and enjoy their time in the setting. They have access to a sound range of activities and a variety of materials that helps to develop their skills and awareness.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are supported by the childminder as she supports them in trying new activities and developing their skills. They play with a variety of toys and explore the environment. The childminder talks to the children and responds to their sounds. They are developing their language with the aid of the childminder. The children are confident in the setting. They receive praise and encouragement which helps the children’s confidence as they acquire new skills. There welfare is promoted and their individual needs are met as they are comfortable and happy in the setting. The childminder is aware of the children’s routine from home and these are continued, making the children feel safe and secure in the environment. The provision for children is further extended through visits to places of interest, such as the local park and playgroup.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children have access to a good range of toys and books which reflect the diverse society; they talk about the wider community and discuss different festivals, which foster the children's understanding of the wider world. Children with a disability are planned for and are satisfactorily supported during routines.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure that their children’s specific needs are met. For example, the childminder records information and follows the parent’s instructions and discusses issues when they arise. The children all benefit from continuity of care, which supports their emotional well-being. The childminder exchanges information regularly about the children and generally a satisfactory system of communication ensures an effective passage of information.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s self-esteem is promoted and as a result, the children are happy and confident. The children are praised and encouraged to explore the toys. The children are provided with clear explanations about behaviour, this enables the children to be clear about the ground rules and keeps them safe in the setting. They often receive praise from the childminder, which helps build their self confidence. The childminder is supportive of the children and is respectful to them. A discussion took place regarding the use of time out and how this can be carried out in a positive way ensuring the children are not isolated. Their behaviour is mostly managed in a positive manner, through the use of distraction, explanation and encouragement. This enables the children to feel part of the group and learn about boundaries.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Most of the required documentation is in place and maintained in a satisfactory order. However, the childminder does not provide the parents with information about the complaints procedure. Children are cared for appropriately, for example, the required ratios are always maintained and the day is organised around the children's needs. All members of the household and any

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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 frequent visitors are subjected to clearance checks and visitors are not left unsupervised at any time. This helps to ensure that children are safe from harm. 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 continue to develop existing skills and knowledge in caring for children. The childminder has completed Quality First Training level 2.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require 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 complaint 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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding hand washing • ensure the floor space is organised so the children can move around freely • make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedures to be followed if they have any complaints.

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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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