Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 500530 Inspection date 30 November 2005 Inspector Kay Margaret Armstrong

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1983. She lives with her husband and their 14 year old child. The family have two dogs and a cat. They live in the Manchester area, close to parks, shops and the library. The children have access to the conservatory which is used as a play room, the kitchen/dinner and front room. Toilet and hand washing facilities are available on the ground floor. The small front bedroom and the rear bedroom are used for children to sleep in during the day. Two gardens to the side of the property which are both enclosed are available for outdoor play.

p.2

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 registered to provide care for six children. She works with two other registered childminders and an assistant. Together they care for a total of 17 children, two of whom attend full time. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she gains support from the local authority.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy some activities which contribute to their good health. They are able to play in the garden and are taken to the park where they have the opportunity to climb, slide, run around and kick balls. This contributes to their physical development and provides the opportunity for them to gain control of their bodies. Hygiene procedures are implemented to ensure children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Children are beginning to learn about personal care through daily routines, such as washing their hands before lunch. The childminder discusses and agrees children's dietary requirements with parents. She provides nutritious meals for the children. However, children are not given the opportunity to see, touch and chew pieces of meat, fish or vegetables as the meals consist of minced lamb, chicken or fish. This hinders children's development and limits their awareness of healthy eating. As the childminder does not sit with the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

children or encourage them to sit together whilst having lunch the children are not beginning to develop social or self help skills. Children remain hydrated as the childminder providers regular drinks.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children benefit from a welcoming, homely environment. All safety features are in place to ensure children are kept safe. The childminder is vigilant and offers good supervision to ensure children are safe. She visually checks on sleeping children and reminds children to take care. Consequently, children can move around freely and play in comfort. Children are beginning to understanding how to keep themselves safe, as the childminder encourages them to tidy away toys so they do not trip up. They are beginning to learn about road safety as they use school crossings patrols. There is a very good range of resources that contribute to children's development. Toys and equipment are appropriately organised and some are easily accessible. However, many resources are stored out of children's reach limiting their independence and choice. Resources are suitable to children's ages and stages of

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

development and they are clean and comply with safety standards which minimises risk of harm to children.

p.3

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 The childminder has the required documentation and knowledge in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and of her responsibility with regards to keeping children safe, in line with the local authority.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children's welfare is sufficiently promoted and their individual needs are generally met through activities that include some opportunities for social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. The relaxed atmosphere enables children to settle quickly. The children are reasonably happy and have a positive relationship with the childminder. The childminder offers comfort and reassurance through appropriate cuddles and hugs. Children have adequate support and attention from the childminder which increases their sense of security. The childminder provides a limited range of activities for the children. Some of which are interesting to the children and capture their imagination which promotes their development. However, the childminder spends limited time playing and interacting with children. Although when she does, children are engaged and interested. The childminder introduces colour into activities and uses mathematical language to

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

extend children's vocabulary, promoting and extending their knowledge, understanding and mathematical concepts as they play. The children really enjoy looking at books with the childminder. She encourages them to move their bodies to coincide with the actions in the book, which promotes their physical development. The childminder has no knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework, this is reflected in the learning opportunities she provides for children in this age range, which hinders children's overall development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met in accordance with parents' wishes. Children have equal access to sufficient resources which promote positive images of our diverse society, such as books and jigsaws. Children with special needs are cared for in a sensitive, inclusive manner. Consequently all children are becoming aware of differences, learning to be tolerant and are developing respect for others. Children are generally happy and comfortable in the childminder's home and care. They are beginning to learn right from wrong. The childminder generally speaks in a positive manner to the children, using encouragement to support their efforts. Good behaviour is acknowledged and praised appropriately. As a result the children are generally confident and are beginning to develop a positive self esteem.

p.4

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 organisation is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a warm and homely environment. They benefit from the warm and caring attention from the childminder which results in children being generally relaxed and secure. All records and documentation required by the regulator are in place promoting children's welfare. The childminder cares for children within required ratios which ensure they are safe and she is able to adequately support their learning. Play materials are sufficiently organised to promote some limited choice about play and learning. The children enjoy some different play opportunities away from the home, such as visits to the library and the park. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to; ensure additional monitoring measures were used for sleeping children, electrical leads and cleaning materials were inaccessible to the children, permission and recording of medication given is entered in the medication book, parents sign all accident records and to record children's individual needs. All these recommendations have been addressed. Sleeping children are visually checked. The trailing electrical leads have been tacked to the wall and cleaning materials are stored appropriately in cupboards which are secured with child proof locks. These improvements have enhanced children's safety enabling them to move freely and play in comfort. Children's welfare is promoted and they are cared for in accordance with their parents wishes as all records and documentation are in order. Written consent is in place for the childminder to administer medication. Both

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

medication and accident records are appropriately countersigned by parents. Children's individual needs with regards to sleep patterns and dietary needs are recorded on their information sheets.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

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): • develop meal times to promote children's social and self help skill. Ensure children are given food appropriate to their ages and stages of development • organise resources to ensure children are able to access them easily to promote their choice and independence • develop an understanding of the Birth to Three Matters framework, extend the range of activities available to the children and ensure children have the opportunity to make choices in their play and learning.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6