Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300372 Inspection date 02 November 2005 Inspector Angela Cuffe

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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 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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and daughter aged five in the south of Manchester, which is close to shops, parks, libraries and schools. The rooms used for childminding are the living room, kitchen/diner and the bathroom which is situated on the first floor. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of five children at any time and is currently minding five children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler groups.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They understand the need to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating to prevent the spread of germs. The babies' equipment and changing area are kept clean as well as the worktops in the kitchen and eating area. The children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. The childminder understands the issues surrounding safe storage and administration of medication. However children's safety is compromised because the childminder does not have written permission to seek emergency advice or treatment or administer medication. The childminder admitted that she smokes in the presence of the children when in the park. This is a breach of requirements set out in regulation. Children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet from the choice of meals

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Helping children to be healthy

and snacks available to them. These include fresh fruit and vegetables and a choice of healthy drinks. All meals are provided by the childminder; these are home cooked and detailed in a weekly menu. 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. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks. They either help themselves or ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children benefit from a homely environment where the childminder prioritises safety. Positive steps are taken to ensure potential risks to children are minimised. However children's safety is compromised as sharp knives are stored within easy reach. The childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure in place, which is practised with the children. This ensures they know and understand what to do in the event of a fire. The children are beginning to learn about how to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about dangers within the home and on outings. The childminder admitted that she allowed the minded children to play in the rear garden. This is in breach of her conditions of registration There is a satisfactory range of resources available to meet the needs of the children. Toys and equipment are clean, well maintained and comply with safety standards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Resources are effectively organised to promote choice and independence, which enhances children's play and learning. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection, in line with the Local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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 satisfactory. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home. The warm and comforting environment and appropriate interaction 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 playing with them. Children are motivated and interested in the age appropriate activities. The children are taken out on a regular basis where they socialise with other children and benefit from fresh air and exercise. Children develop independence as they play on the floor and explore the environment within their reach. They gradually find out how their bodies work as they move around and reach for toys to play with. They freely make choices and the childminder gives them the necessary support when needed. Children are happy and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

secure they confidently look up and smile as they reach their desired toy and discover how it makes a noise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. 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. 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 occasional

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. 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 childminder ensures 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.

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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 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 the childminder's partnership with parents is enhanced. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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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.

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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): • obtain written consent to administer medication and to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure that you or others in your home do not smoke in the presence of minded children at any time • ensure safe storage of sharp knives • ensure that areas not included on the registration are not used for childminding purposes.

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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

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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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