Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY100364 Inspection date 29 September 2005 Inspector Patricia Graham

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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 good. 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 2002. She lives with her husband in the south area of Manchester. The ground floor and one bedroom of the childminder's house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time, and is currently minding 2 children under 5 full time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well maintained home where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. They know, for example, to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. This is supported by the childminder who ensures that the toys and equipment are cleaned with anti-bacterial spray which minimises the risk of cross infection. Children are protected when they are ill because the childminder is aware to exclude children who have an infectious illness. At other times children are given medication at parents' request and recording of medication ensures they do not have the incorrect dosage. Children are beginning to find out about the importance of healthy choices. They enjoy a varied diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables. Dietary requirements are agreed with parents and children's preferences are well catered for. Children are kept well hydrated throughout the day with fresh, flavoured water which is available at all

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Helping children to be healthy

times. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contributes to their good health. They benefit from fresh air and exercise through regular trips to the park and as they engage in other physical activities. They are developing an awareness of how activity affects their bodies and are able to relax and rest according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where positive steps have been taken to promote children's safety. The childminder is watchful and vigilant, which ensures children are safe at all times. They have, for example, constant supervision whilst they play and all toys and resources are well maintained. Children are developing a good awareness of keeping themselves and others safe. This is promoted through discussion and good practice encouraged by the childminder. They are, for example, able to engage in rough and tumble play but not allowed to run inside the house because they may have an accident. These consistent boundaries ensure children have a balance between freedom and safe limits. Children are protected effectively because the childminder has updated her knowledge by attending relevant training. Consequently, she has a good level of understanding on child protection issues. She is fully aware of procedures to follow in

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

line with the Area Child Protection Committee guidelines and fully understands her duty to safeguard children.

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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 Children are eager to learn and motivated in their play because the childminder offers them meaningful activities and experiences that they relate to. For example, children learn about nature and explore their environment as they venture on trips to the park to collect conkers, acorns and leaves. They are developing their creative skills and clearly enjoy making autumn pictures and models which they talk excitedly about. Children are very settled and confident in the childminder's home. They engage in a broad range of stimulating activities which enhances their development such as physical play, imaginative play and musical activities. Children spend their time purposefully and develop their language and social skills as they play alongside and co-operatively with their peers. They love to snuggle together and share books with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the childminder who captures their interest by reading stories with great enthusiasm. Children are very happy in the setting and have lots of support and attention from the childminder, which increases their sense of well-being and security. The childminder gives them freedom to explore and play actively whilst being close at hand to offer support if needed. As a result, children are able to develop new skills in a safe and supportive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are recognised as individuals and their differing needs are met well. Children have equal access to resources which promote positive images of society such as books, figures and picture cards. They are actively encouraged to participate in all activities regardless of their gender. They also learn about differences through meaningful discussions and activities provided by the childminder. This promotes their understanding of diversity whilst increasing their self-esteem and respect for others. Children's individual needs are met in accordance with parents' wishes and positive steps have been taken to include children with special needs. This is achieved by working in partnership with parents and seeking additional support and advice if needed. Children have a sense of belonging because the childminder warmly welcomes them into the home and is attentive to their needs. As a result, children play harmoniously

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Helping children make a positive contribution

together. They are well behaved because the childminder gives lots of praise and encouragement which increases children's self-confidence. For example, a child beams when praised 'good boy for using your manners'. Children become increasingly aware of boundaries and are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder cares for children in required ratios, which ensures they are safe and make progress in all areas of their development. Children feel at home in the welcoming environment. As a result, they are confident, relaxed and able to initiate

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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 their own play and learning. The childminder has a much organised approach to her documentation which is clear, comprehensive and in line with the requirements of the National Standards. However, minor detail is required to ensure documents are retained for a period of time. Policies and procedures are shared with parents that keep them informed of all aspects of the service and contribute to children's continuity of care. Overall, children are well cared for and their individual needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder was asked to record, on a daily basis, children’s times of arrival and departure. She now has a system in place which ensures children's details are accurately recorded. The childminder agreed to improve aspects of safety both indoors and outdoors. She now has secure measures in place, such as smoke alarms, which are in working order. This is further enhanced by children being aware of procedures to follow in case of a fire. The childminder has also improved children's safety by outdoor perimeter fencing being securely in place and low level glass in the shed has been made safe and is now inaccessible to children. As a result, children are able to play safely in the back garden. The childminder also agreed to inform parents of Ofsted's contact details as part of the complaints procedure. She has a written complaints policy in place which is clear, concise and contains relevant details. This information is shared with parents and

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Improvements since the last inspection

enhances children's safety and well-being. The childminder was asked to inform Ofsted of any change of circumstances and persons living on the premises. Children are protected because the childminder is fully aware to notify Ofsted of any changes which could affect registration.

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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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • ensure records relating to children are retained for a reasonable period of time after the children have left the provision.

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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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