Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY245483 Inspection date 07 December 2005 Inspector Angela Cuffe

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her two children aged 5 and 3. They live in a house in the east of Manchester. There are local schools, a park and shops within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the property, and a bathroom and bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are two children on roll who attend on a part time basis. The childminder attends local parent-toddler groups on a regular basis and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and well maintained home. They learn the importance of hygiene and personal care as they talk about the need to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating to prevent the spread of germs. The baby's equipment and changing area are kept clean as well as the worktops in the kitchen and eating area. Children's medical and dietary needs are recorded and the childminder understands the issues surrounding the safe storage and administration of medication. However children's safety is compromised because the childminder does not have written permission from parents to administer medication or to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. The children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. Regular walks to and from school promote healthy exercise for children and encourage them to understand how exercise helps them to stay healthy. Visits to the local park and

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

activities in the garden provide opportunities for physical play and enable children to make progress in their physical development. They gain confidence and learn how to use their bodies in different ways as they play. Children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet from the choice of healthy and nutritious home cooked meals and snacks available to them. This is maintained by regular discussions. The childminder is aware of the need to consider parents' wishes when providing food for the children in her care. Children's individual needs are discussed on induction and recorded in the child detail form. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks. They either help themselves or ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an organised and well maintained environment where they and their parents are warmly welcomed. Young children can move around confidently and freely where they are safe and well supervised. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments on the premises, toys and equipment to ensure safety is maintained. However the radiators are very hot and there is an exposed drain in the rear garden. The children are beginning to learn about how to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about dangers within the home and during outings. There is an extensive range of resources available to meet the needs of the children; this includes toys made from natural materials. Toys and equipment are clean, well maintained and comply with safety standards. Resources are effectively organised to promote choice and independence, which stimulates children's play and learning.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection, in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home. The sharing of experiences as they talk and laugh together helps develop warm and caring relationships with the childminder and each other. They are given appropriate attention as the childminder is aware of their needs. She gives them support when needed as she sits on the floor joining in with their games and then watches as they happily play together. Children are motivated and interested in the broad range of challenging age appropriate indoor and outdoor play activities. The children have unlimited access to the garden for outdoor play and are taken out on a regular basis where they socialise with other children. Children develop independence as they freely make choices about how they wish to spend their time. They enjoy each other's company and form strong friendships. They enjoy the planned activities and then sit at the computer playing on a well known

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's site. They confidently talk about their favourite toys and books and interact well with the childminder as she talks cheerfully to them. The children are making angels with glitter and glue one child is really happy about the glitter on his hands. This is followed by a discussion about glitter, angels and Christmas. They talk about going out later to collect children from school and a possible trip to the park.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children value each other as individuals. They learn about different cultures through the activities provided and the equipment available to them. They are made aware of the wider world through regular outings and information in books. Children express their needs naturally to enable the childminder to gain a better understanding and build routines. As a consequence the children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Good behaviour and children's efforts and achievements are acknowledged, recognised and praised appropriately. Consequently children are confident and have high self-esteem. The childminder speaks positively to the children and she supports and helps them to understand simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. As a result, the children behave well. They interact with each other in a positive manner. They understand their boundaries and respond well to discussions and

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

occasional reminders from the childminder. Information about the children's progress is shared with the parents verbally on a daily basis.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's organisation. The daily routine offers a good balance of adult-led activities, free play and quiet times. The

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 childminder incorporates Birth to three matters in her planning to ensure the needs of babies and young children are appropriately met. She also ensures that children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort. She organises play materials to promote children's independence and encourage choices about their play and learning. Children are at home in the comfortable and welcoming surroundings and have settled in well. The majority of records and documentation are in place. This contributes to the continuity of care of the children. First aid and other relevant training is kept up to date. As a result children's safety, security and partnership with parents is enhanced. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure gas appliances conform to safety requirements, ensure that children have an appropriate range of toys and equipment to reflect diversity and provide opportunities for babies to explore natural materials. The childminder has had the boiler checked and put on an annual contract, she has acquired a good range of toys and equipment to reflect diversity and has devised a treasure basket and is using Birth to three matters.

p.5

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 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): • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and to administer medication

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 • ensure safe temperature of radiators.

p.5

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

p.6

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.6