Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

312155 Unique Reference Number 27 May 2008 Inspection date Judith Anne Kerr Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband, who is an assistant and two children in the Carrbrook area of Stalybridge, 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, a hamster and a guinea pig.

p.2

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. Five of these children are over the age of eight years. The childminder walks or drives to the local school to take and collect children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean home where the childminder implements effective hygiene procedures. They learn the importance of good hygiene habits, such as washing their hands at appropriate times of the day to minimise the risks of cross infection. Children's health is further

p.2

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 prioritised as the childminder understands the issues surrounding the safe storage and administration of medication. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and makes clear agreements with parents that care will not be provided for sick children. Accurate records of accidents and medication are maintained. These are shared with parents to ensure they are kept fully informed.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy a varied range of activities which contribute to their good health and provide opportunities to develop purposeful control of their bodies. For example, a good selection of outdoor play equipment in the garden enables them to skip, manoeuvre the wheeled toys, kick the balls and knock over the skittles. Regular walks to and from school and visits to local parks help to further promote children's overall physical development.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder's clear understanding of a healthy diet is beneficial to the children. They enjoy healthy, nutritious meals that are balanced and take account of their individual needs. Fruit is available each day, meals and snacks are varied and include fresh vegetables. In the holidays children enjoy helping to make food, such as sausage rolls and steak pie. A particular favourite is making pizza as they chop the vegetables, choose their own toppings and sometimes make faces on the pizza. Then they enjoy eating the food they have made. Drinks are freely available to children at all times to ensure they are continually hydrated.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has taken many positive steps to ensure that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where they are able to move around freely and confidently. Appropriate security on entrances and exits means children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. Toys are clean, in good condition and careful supervision by the childminder ensures children only access age appropriate resources. There are effective procedures in place for the safe collection of children, to ensure they are only collected by authorised adults. Smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector are in place, drains are covered and cleaning materials are inaccessible. However, there is a patch of ivy in the garden which is accessible to the children and this poses a hazard to their safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are kept safe on outings because the childminder applies appropriate safety measures, such as ensuring younger children are strapped securely in the buggy and older children hold on to the buggy or walk close by. The necessary consents are requested in writing from parents. In addition, children’s contact details are taken on outings to ensure parents can be contacted promptly in the event of an emergency.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands her responsibilities in the event she has concerns about a child in her care and is aware of the potential indicators of abuse. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of issues and procedures relating to child protection to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are very settled and content in the childminder's care; relationships are warm and relaxed. They play well together and enjoy one another's company. Children are able to select from a wide range of resources to support their play. These are organised to allow children to

p.3

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 make their own choices and develop independence. They choose their own activities according to how they feel and their current interests. This encourages the children to use initiative to plan their own play. The childminder talks with parents to find out what the children enjoy and involves the older children in planning ideas for activities.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Creative activities are very popular as the children love developing their own ideas. They make helicopters with balloons, 'spiderman' models, rock paintings and magnets and key rings from 'shrinkles' which the childminder then bakes in the oven. The children enjoy baking activities as they mix the batter for pancakes and melt the chocolate for cornflake cakes. Children's imaginative skills are enhanced through a variety of role play activities including making dens, enacting Tracey Island and making dinner in the kitchen with pots, pans and play food.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a variety of play and learning environments for the children as she organises trips out to the park and walks around the reservoir. These are popular and provide opportunities for the children to use different equipment, socialise and become confident in different surroundings.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a range of resources, such as books, dolls and play figures which promote diversity and help them understand the world in which they live. They celebrate festivals, such as Saint Georges day by making flags and Chinese New Year by making dragons and lanterns. A high standard of care is afforded to children with disabilities, She ensures they are welcomed into a sharing and inclusive environment where their individual needs are well met.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop confidence as they happily play alongside one another. The childminder helps children to begin to consider the needs and feelings of others. For example, they learn to take turns on the climbing frame and older children help younger children as they struggle to cut things out. They confidently choose their own activities and get out resources to support their play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents to understand children's needs and ensure appropriate links with home, thus, helping them feel secure and included. Information is shared effectively on a daily basis so that children's needs are continually met. Parents are encouraged to share any concerns and are made aware of how to make a complaint should the need arise. A 'Special Childminder' plaque hangs on the wall in the kitchen; this demonstrates the high regard parents have for the service provided.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's good organisation. They feel at ease in the well arranged, welcoming home from home environment. The daily routine offers a good balance of adult led and child initiated activities. There is ample space for children to play in comfort. The children are familiar with the routines, know where to hang their coats and bags and settle well.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder is committed to improving the high quality of care she provides for children. In order to support her professional development she attends ongoing training, such as

p.4

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 introduction to the Early Years Foundation Stage. All adults with access to the children are suitable and ratios of adults to children are met at all times. This helps to keep children safe.

p.4

Organisation

All the required documentation is in place and well organised. This promotes continuity of care for the children and contributes to their health and well-being.

p.5

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children and assess the risks to children in relation to existing injuries and take action to minimise these.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has completed the appropriate first aid training and has made cleaning materials and sharp knives inaccessible to children. As a result, children's safety and well-being are enhanced.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • minimise hazards from the ivy in the garden.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5