Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301298 Inspection date 10 January 2006 Inspector Teresa Ann Clark

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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 has been registered since 2005. She works with her mother who is also a registered childminder. The family live in the West Didsbury area of Manchester. The childminder has one child of her own, aged 14 months. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time, and when minding with another childminder she may care for a maximum of 10 children at any one time. There are currently 10 children on the register. The

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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 childminder takes and collects children from local schools. With parental permission the childminder takes children to local amenities, such as the park and shops. The family has a dog and two cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. Regular visits to the park and playing in the garden help them to develop control of their bodies. They enjoy playing football and balancing and climbing on large climbing equipment. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times, such as before eating and after using the toilet, to maintain their good health. Babies home routines are followed with regard to meal and sleep routines, which helps them to feel secure. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They are provided with healthy, nutritious meals and snacks which promote their growth and development. The childminder takes account of the parent's wishes and children's choices to provide food that appeals to the children, and meets their dietary needs. This helps them to learn to enjoy nutritious food as part of a healthy lifestyle. Children

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Helping children to be healthy

confidently ask for fruit which they enjoy and are offered regular drinks throughout the day, including water, to keep refreshed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure homely environment where effective use is made of the available space. The childminder has taken some measures to prevent accidents, such as smoke alarms, fire blankets and safety gates. Although a safety gate is fitted to the kitchen, children do access this area. There are hazardous substances stored in the cupboard under the sink which pose a risk to children's safety. The rear garden is fully enclosed and doors are kept locked at all times. Children learn about keeping themselves safe as they practice the green cross code when travelling to and from school. They show concern for younger children's safety saying, 'You don't put that in your mouth'. Children understand about keeping themselves safe as they know not to run in the house in case there's an accident, and not to open the front door as it may be dangerous. They have not practiced the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

evacuation procedure so are unsure of what to do in the event of an emergency. Children make some choices about their play as they freely select from a good range of toys and equipment. These meet the varying needs of the children and comply with safety regulations, minimising risks to children. Although play materials are mainly stored at child height, they are not all easily accessible to children because of the organisation of furniture in the conservatory.

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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 The childminder has the required knowledge and documentation in place to ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded. For example, she has a clear understanding of her role in protecting children 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 settle confidently with the childminder. They are given lots of attention and are stimulated by eye contact, cuddles and questions, encouraging their development and language skills. They interact happily with the childminder and each other. They are encouraged to make choices about what they want to do. Younger children explore the environment and enjoy activities, such as building with the blocks and computer programmes, which help them learn about number and shape. They enjoy joining in with action rhymes. Children are familiar with the routines; they take off their coats and shoes when they return from school. They spend a short time relaxing and talking to each other and the childminder about their day before joining in with activities. Younger children enjoy playing with the older children, who are gentle and caring towards them. They offer them sensitive support and involve them in activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children clearly enjoy their time at the childminder's. They talk about the good toys there are to play with and the nice places they visit. They clearly understand the importance of being friends and sharing with each other. Children who are new to the setting are given lots of individual attention. This results in children feeling happy and secure in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are discussed with parents. The childminder ensures that all children can take part in activities, which meet their needs and abilities, by providing appropriate equipment. Children are developing some understanding about the wider world through activities and resources. However, there are insufficient books which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Children behave well. Due to clear boundaries and expectations, which are given to help them learn right from wrong, they have a good understanding of acceptable behaviour. They are encouraged to share and take turns when playing. They enjoy helping with tasks, such as tidying up and setting the table at meal times. Children have good relationships with each other. Older children show care and concern for the younger children, they help take off their coats when they return from school and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

support them in their play. Children's care is enhanced by the effective partnerships that the childminder has

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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 with parents. Warm and friendly relationships are formed where parents views are sought and respected. The childminder shares information daily about children and activities. A daily diary sheet is used to inform parents about their child's day. Children are helped to settle in through visits arranged by the childminder, including visits with and without their parents. These visits help children become familiar with the childminder and the surroundings at their own pace.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder maintains most required records and documentation to keep children safe and protect their well-being. However, the record of children's attendance is not kept up-to-date. The childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate, which prevents children from receiving appropriate treatment in the event of an emergency. Children are relaxed and familiar with the daily routines which helps them to feel secure. The childminder ensures that children have space to play comfortably, access to toys and equipment, and sufficient adult support to foster their confidence and learning. Children are learning to mix with other adults and children through community based activities. They enjoy a good balance of activities, both in the childminder's home and within the community. This helps children make steady progress. Overall the provision meets the needs of the 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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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): • make hazardous substances inaccessible to children and practice the emergency evacuation procedure with the children • review the organisation of toys to make them more accessible to children • ensure books promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice • attend first aid training for babies and young children. • make sure that records of attendance are completed to show when children are present.

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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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