Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY251422 Inspection date 25 April 2005 Inspector Verlyn Ulanda Blake

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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 has been registered since December 2002. She lives with husband, two adults and a daughter aged 15 years. The family live in the Northenden area of Manchester, which is within walking distance of parks, toddler groups and shops. There are 11 children on roll who attends for a variety of sessions across the week. The children have access to the lounge and dining room on the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor. A secure rear garden is used to provide outdoor play.

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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 With parental consent children are taken to the local parks, the library and the local toddler group. The childminder takes and collects children from St. Wilfred's primary school in Northenden. Family pets include Guinea pigs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop an understanding of a healthy diet through discussions with the childminder who talks with them about foods which are good for them, such as carrots and celery. Meals provided take account of children's preference, parents request and specific dietary needs. Children's individual care needs are respected. The young baby is given regular sips of her drink or water throughout the day as she is teething. Other children are given drinks as requested and with meals and snacks. They know that they need to take extra drinks during hot weather to keep their bodies healthy. Children play with a wide range of outdoor resources that help them to develop control of their bodies such as riding bikes and playing in the sand pit building sand castles. They enjoy the benefits of regular exercise through visits to the local park where they use large equipment. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through the daily routine as

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Helping children to be healthy

they wash their hands after handling the pets and before eating meals. Children's health is further protected by the sickness policy which keeps parents informed of illness to prevent the spread of infection.

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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 safe, warm and welcoming environment. Space is effectively used and risks identified are minimised. This allows children to move around safely, freely and independently. Children's safety is maintained as the childminder gives high priority to keeping them safe during outdoor play making sure that all areas are secure and equipment in place is safe and suitable for the ages and abilities of the children being cared for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children happily make choices from the range of good quality toys and equipment in place, which meet safety standards. The organisation of space allows children

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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 maximum opportunities to use the selected resources in comfort, such as a large ball pool, which children climb into developing their larger physical skills. Children's social skills are extended outside of the childminders home as they go on regular trips and visits to places of interest such as the park, farm and seaside. The childminder has an understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and contented. They respond with excitement to the childminders eye contact, voice, cuddles and hugs. They know their way around the childminders home and settle quickly. Children are interested in the broad range of toys and resources available becoming engrossed as they independently select activities of their choice, such as puzzles, books, programmable toys, bikes, slides, large and small hoops. Children play well with each other often sharing books, pointing at pictures relating to their previous experiences, they point at different animals and make animal sounds. Children are persistent as they attempt new skills such as rolling the large and small hoops. The childminder responds to children sensitively boosting their confidence as she offers support, praise and encouragement. The baby receive one to one attention. She clearly has a strong bond with the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder which increases her sense of well being. She benefits from a daily routine which is consistent with her home experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children access a wide and meaningful range of activities and resources which promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, the childminder has learnt to count the numbers one to ten in Turkish to support a child in her care. As a result all children benefit from learning to count in another language. They also look at dual language books together. Children are valued and respected as individuals. As they choose when to rest or play. Children are well behaved and any minor incidents are sensitively handled by the childminder who is teaching children to care for and respect each other. Through age appropriate explanations they learn about the consequences of their actions. Children benefit from the positive relationships the childminder develops with parents as they join in fun and interesting trips and visits with the childminder to places of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

interest. Children's individual needs are met effectively as the childminder seeks a wealth of information from parents which she uses when planning for the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a well organised environment where separate provision is made for active and quiet play. Children initiate and extend their own play and learning. All registered areas of the premises are well used to promote children's skills and abilities. Resources are stored safely and are accessible to children which encourages them to make choices.

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Organisation

Children's individual routines are respected and are in keeping with parents wishes. The information gathered from parents is used to inform the childminders day to day practices. The childminder works in flexible ways to accommodate parents working hours, this helps to provides consistent care for children. The childminders has some records in place which contribute to the management of the provision these are, well organised, readily accessible and are shared with parents at initial agreement meeting. However written contracts are not in place for all children attending. The childminder has the required procedures in place which helps to promote children's welfare and safety, however she does not have written permission for the use of sun cream, neither is there written consent for adults within the household to take children off the premises unsupervised by the childminder. The needs of the range of children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous Children Act inspection recommended that the childminder ensure that children have access to an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice and that she update her knowledge of child protection issues. The childminder has made significant improvements. An increased range of toys, resources and books which positively reflect our diverse society and which promote anti discriminatory practices have been purchased and are shared with children which contribute to children's knowledge of the wider society and develop positive attitudes in children. The childminder has updated her knowledge of child protection issues and has up to date contact numbers and information which improves the overall safety of the 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

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 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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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 that all records relating to childminding activities such as contracts and written consent are in place and kept up to date • obtain written permission from parents for allowing their children to be taken off the premises by other suitably cleared adults within the household, ensuring that children are kept safe at all times.

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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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