Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY236272 Inspection date 04 June 2005 Inspector Carole, Jean Bell

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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 outstanding. 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 lives with her husband and two sons aged 17 and 12 years in the Stalybridge area of Tameside. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding. The garden is not included in the registration. The childminder walks to local schools and playgroups to take and collect children. She attends local toddler groups and takes the children to the park and library. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any time and is currently minding three children.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a high quality environment where the childminder places a consistently high emphasis on keeping the home and equipment clean and hygienic. Children are learning to take care of themselves and beginning to understand the importance of good hygiene routines. They are given enthusiastic praise when they respond to their own needs such as toileting and hand washing. Children benefit from highly effective planning and routines which provide plenty of fresh air and exercise. They have access to varied and imaginative daily outdoor activities which include nature walks and fishing in the canal. The three year old present was enthusiastic and animated when talking about collecting natural materials on walks and going on outdoor visits. Their physical development is further promoted through excellent access to a variety of local activity centres and parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to make choices about healthy snacks and are confident about choosing to eat when they are hungry. They have access to fresh fruit and are able to help themselves to drinking water at all times promoting a healthy lifestyle. They benefit from a range of very healthy and nutritious meals which are freshly cooked and prepared and take into account their individual dietary requirements to ensure that they stay healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's safety is given the utmost priority in an extremely safe and secure environment. Risks are identified and minimised by robust procedures. Children are learning about keeping themselves safe when outside the home and the risk of "stranger danger". The three year old child present was confident in his understanding of safety rules when outdoors and the need to tidy activities away after use so that they don't constitute a hazard. Children are extremely well protected. The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. The children's welfare is promoted by her clear understanding of her responsibilities under the Children Act and her response to any concerns. Children move freely between rooms to select from a wealth of varied and imaginative toys and resources. All equipment is of very good quality, age appropriate and safe. They are very well organised to allow children to make

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

independent choices about their play and improve their confidence and independence skills. Children benefit from being cared for in an extremely clean, comfortable, well furnished and cared for environment.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The child present was exceptionally happy and settled in the childminders care. He frequently sang as he was engrossed in his play. He was confident and self assured in creative play and in discussing trips to the library and his favourite book. Children's independence skills and self sufficiency are developed through easily accessible and well labelled resources and equipment. Children's individual needs are met very well through the childminders excellent planning and reviewing of play and resources. She is extremely skilled in offering reassurance and developing their play and in recognising their immediate needs, such as providing quiet times when they are tired. The children's enjoyment is significantly enhanced by an excellent variety of good quality toys and resources. They experience a wide variety of activities and experiences such as crafts, imaginative play, junk modelling, playing in snow and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

visits to places of interest. They show interest in the world around them as they collect flowers, leaves and other natural materials for their creative play. They are given a sense of pride in their achievements and recognise their own work in and extensive portfolio. Their language and communication skills are developed as they stimulated in discussion and through skilful questioning about their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are learning about the world around them and are actively encouraged to value people, and themselves, as individuals. They enjoy a wide range of interesting and innovative experiences planned to develop their awareness of other peoples cultures and traditions. Their cultural and individual needs are fully discussed with parents and are confidently met by the childminder. The childminder speaks positively to the children at all times and works hard at building their self esteem. Their social skills and respect for people and property are developed through the use of good manners, tidying up and encouragement in simple chores. Their efforts and participation are rewarded by constant praise and encouragement from the childminder. The children benefit from a very positive partnership between the childminder and their parents. Their needs are promoted through excellent systems being in place for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

sharing information and a detailed portfolio about the service available to new parents. Parents have access to a daily diary which they may add information to, ensuring consistency of care between home and the childminder.

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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 The effective routines and very well planned activities enable children to be confident and happy in their play. They benefit from an excellent range of indoor and outdoor experiences giving them a varied and interesting day. Children actively contribute to their care by making decisions on when they would like to eat their snacks, have a drink and choosing what to play with. Children's freedom of choice is enhanced by a well organised and set out environment. Children move comfortably between activities, making selections and gaining confidence and independence skills. Children benefit from the care of a highly motivated and extremely well organised childminder. The documentation and record keeping is effective and information on children's developmental progress and achievements are shared with parents.

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Organisation

Children are protected from harm by the childminders constant vigilance and supervision. She is trained in first aid and her service is greatly enhanced by her interest in accessing further training and personal development opportunities. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to improve the recording in the register and emergency consent forms. She also agreed to make safe low level glass, secure the garage and re-equip the first aid box. All these actions have been completed within the agreed time scales leading to a safer environment for children.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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 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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