Childminder in Manchester

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 500502 Inspection date 23/06/2009 Inspector Sue Anslow

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2000. She lives with three of her grown-up children in Didsbury, Manchester. The childminder's home is situated in a quiet residential area close to shops, parks, schools and transport links. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding as well as the bathroom upstairs. An enclosed back garden is available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding two children under five years. She also offers care to children over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and attends nearby toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and make good progress in their learning and development. The wide range of interesting activities and outings meet all children's needs and keep them actively and happily engaged. Effective links with parents and schools ensure children progress well in all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage. All children are welcomed and included in appropriate activities which promote their individual needs and help them understand the wider world around them. The childminder works hard to improve children's play experiences. She is aware of her strengths as well as the areas needing further development.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 further develop the outdoor play space to provide interest and stimulation.

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provision

The childminder is focused on helping all children make good progress in their learning and development, as well as promoting their welfare to the best of her ability. Daily routines and play resources are organised effectively, enabling children to help themselves to whatever they want to play with. Safety and security are paramount and the childminder explains the possible hazards as she fastens the toddler's shoe lace. Written risk assessments are carried out on all areas of the home and garden, as well as outings and visits to local playgroups. Children practise emergency evacuation procedures regularly and parents are made aware of the childminder's responsibility with regard to child protection. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder encourages parents to share their knowledge of their children's characters, preferences and interests so she can plan appropriate activities and

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provision

outings. Good communication links are in place between home, school and the childminder, ensuring messages are passed on and any concerns discussed. A well organised and easy to read file of written policies and procedures inform and reassure parents of the childminder's commitment to good practice. The childminder keeps up-to-date with relevant advice and guidance through attending courses and workshops and meeting up with other childminders at local toddler groups. She is currently developing systems for evaluating her childcare practice and the outcomes for children in her care. Two out of the three recommendations raised at the last inspection were put in place immediately and the third recommendation, to check the status of her adult son, is no longer required as he does not live in the household.

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provision

The childminder is familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. She prioritises each child's individual requirements and makes regular observations of their development in all areas. Photographs are taken and the accompanying notes inform parents what their children are learning and how the childminder will move them on to the next stage when they are ready. Through the gradual settling in periods and lots of verbal exchanges at the beginning and end of each day, the childminder liaises well with parents to promote children's all round development. Individual requirements are catered for well and all aspects of the child's care and routine, such as toileting or behaviour management, are fully discussed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a wide range of stimulating play activities each day in order to promote learning and enjoyment for children of all ages. The daily routine includes walks to and from school, visits to local groups and walks in the park. In this way children enjoy social contact with other adults and children and learn something of their local community. Activities are based on the childminder's observations of what children like to do, with appropriate comments or guidance to help them understand and improve their skills. Lots of interactive toys help young toddlers learn how things work. They press the green button to make animal noises or lift the flaps to see pictures of dolphins and hear the noise of the sea. Children are introduced to nature and animals through trips to the park to watch the squirrels and magpies. They plant carrots and sunflowers in a small vegetable patch in the childminder's garden, but are not provided with a sufficiently

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

interesting or exciting outdoor environment to stimulate their senses. Children learn about people who are different from themselves through appropriate resources and activities. They talk about the people they meet in the neighbourhood and compare their different hair, eye and skin colours. They love making cards and pictures to celebrate the different festivals throughout the year, such as Halloween and Bonfire Night, and they visit a local party shop to get ideas from the window displays.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to develop their self-help skills by helping to tidy up the toys or put out the food for their snacks. The childminder incorporates learning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 into everyday activities so children begin to recognise colours, numbers and shapes as they count the raisins in their bowls and receive warm praise for adding new words to their vocabulary. Creative development is promoted well and children use lots of natural materials in their play, for example, sticking pieces of bandage on to pictures of Mr Bump and using white furry fabric in the polar bear pictures. Children enjoy and benefit from close, warm relationships with the childminder, which build feelings of comfort and trust. Young toddlers are able to move freely around the three downstairs rooms, sampling different activities as the mood takes them or choosing something different from the clearly labelled boxes and drawers.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and welfare requirements are met very well. Healthy meals and snacks are provided by the childminder and drinks are made available throughout the day. Good hygiene routines are encouraged and any sickness or injuries are managed well and supported by appropriate record keeping. Physical development is promoted through plenty of walks, ball games in the garden and visits to local groups. Children love to dance and sing songs, often marching around the house to 'The Grand Old Duke of York'. They receive lots of praise and attention from the childminder for their efforts, achievements and kindness to others. They are learning to share and take turns with the toys and games and the childminder makes sure all children are fully included in everything that is going on. In this way, each individual child is made to feel special and unique. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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