Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 501259 Inspection date 08 July 2005 Inspector Carol Ann Dixon

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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 2001. She is registered to provide care for four children. She is not registered for overnight care. At present she cares for six children on a part time basis. She lives with her husband and three children in a four bed roomed detached property in Ashton-Under-Lyne. There are local shops and schools within walking distance. All areas of the property are used for minding and there is a secure garden at the rear of the property. There is a secure pond in the garden which contains

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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 specimen fish. The childminder takes the children to the library and St Johns and Uppermill park on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children thrive because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practices which meet the children’s physical, nutritional and health needs. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they gain an excellent understanding of hygiene and a real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. Children explore, test and develop physical control in stimulating daily indoor and outdoor experiences. The childminder's excellent understanding of each child’s stage of development means the youngest children are confident to try out new skills, ask for help when needed and set their own limits within the safe environment. Older children develop a positive attitude to physical exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children help themselves to easily accessible drinking water and enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables at snack time. Children's meals are well balanced and take account of the individual and cultural needs of all children. Children gain an understanding of healthy eating as the childminder involves them in the preparation of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks.

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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 setting where positive steps have been taken to ensure the setting is safe. As a result, the risk of accidental injury is minimised and children are able to play safely and move between rooms independently. The childminder gives high regard to the safety of children both indoors and outdoors. For example, keys and emergency contact numbers are accessible at all times. Children begin to understand how to keep themselves safe by having boundaries in place and the childminder talking to them about the consequences of their actions. Children benefit from an extensive range of play materials which they freely select. The childminder ensures they are of good quality and developmentally appropriate for children to use. These are well-organised in appealing storage containers of various textures and displayed at child height in a walk-in cupboard. Children are protected at all times. The childminder is aware of her duty to protect

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children and would follow child protection procedures if needed.

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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 outstanding. Children are engrossed in their play at the childminder's house. They benefit from the excellent play and learning opportunities offered to them by the highly motivated childminder. For example playing games, sharing books together, experiencing sensory activities and going on social outings. The children relish their time with the childminder, who gives them praise and encouragement which results in children developing good self esteem, confidence and increases their sense of belonging. The childminder is fully aware of children's abilities and provides toys and resources which offer challenge and enjoyment. As a result the children are happy and making excellent progress in all areas of their development. They are purposefully engaged in all activities provided for them.

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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 and parents are warmly welcomed by the childminder and are extremely relaxed in the setting. Children are provided with good quality play opportunities and experiences which promote positive images of society. For example, celebrating festivals which reflect different religions and cultures. As a result children are developing good self esteem and respect for others. The childminder has identified that she would like to develop her own knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities to further enhance the experiences provided to children. Children's individual needs are met in accordance with parents' wishes. This is supported by detailed verbal communication with parents on a daily basis which keeps them fully informed of their children's activities and routines of the day. Children behave well as the childminder provides a busy and interesting day giving

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Helping children make a positive contribution

praise and encouragement at all times. As a result children are happy and stimulated and make good progress in all areas of their development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel relaxed and at home in the well-organised environment. Children are confident to explore their surroundings and to initiate their own play and learning. Children benefit from having lots of time and attention from the childminder who offers children individual attention. The premises are well organised. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. All legally required documentation which contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, children's safety has been improved as the childminder has provided two first aid boxes, the contents of which are regularly checked and replenished. Organisation has been improved as records of children's attendances are appropriately maintained.

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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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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): • increase knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities to enhance anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

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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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