Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 318345 Inspection date 19 December 2005 Inspector Deborah Unsworth

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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 for 14 years. She lives with her 15 year old son in a terraced property in Manchester. The house is within walking distance of local shops, schools, parks and a library. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the property are used for childminding. The children also have access to a small enclosed front garden directly off the premises. There are 8 children on roll who attend for a variety of sessions. With written permission from parents the childminder regularly takes the children out to the local park, library, play groups and to other places of interest. The family have a dog and a

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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 cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. The childminder follows appropriate hygiene guidelines, which ensures that children stay healthy. She is proactive in helping children gain a good understanding of hygiene and develop a desire to become independent in their personal care. For example, older children take themselves to the toilet and wash their hands independently. They wipe their own noses and put their hands over their mouths when they cough as not to spread germs. Records of accidents, incidents and medication are consistently completed to safeguard children's well-being. A clear sick child policy ensures effective procedures are followed to protect children from illness. Children are alert and well rested as they rest and sleep in comfortable surroundings and according to their individual needs. Children's health is fostered through the provision of a good choice of healthy snacks

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Helping children to be healthy

and drinks. They learn the importance of a healthy diet as they taste different fruits and vegetables and discuss what foods are good for them. Parents provide children with a packed lunch. The childminder ensures that these are stored appropriately. Children respond well to routine and learn to enjoy nutritious food as meal and snack times are a social occasion where the children sit comfortably together at the table. Children are well hydrated and have regular access to drinks. Children enjoy a good range of physical activities on a daily basis which contributes to their good health. They benefit from regular fresh air and exercise as they walk to local amenities daily and walk the childminders dog. Children develop large motor skills and good co-ordination as they visit the park regularly, play on the apparatus, collect leaves and have lots of space to run and enjoy the fresh air. They have good

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Helping children to be healthy

opportunities to move to music as they visit 'Jo Jangles' once a week and attend dance classes.

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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 welcoming, warm and friendly home. They have a very good sense of belonging as they play and relax in comfort and move around the setting safely and with confidence. Children feel secure and confident as they express their needs and thoughts freely. They make confident choices as they access a good range of resources. These are mostly stored in tubs and on shelves for easy access. They are clean, well-maintained and comply with safety regulations, minimising risks to children. Children are kept safe and secure both inside and outside the home. The childminder has considered the risks and taken all necessary precautions to minimise those identified. This includes a risk assessment of the premises conducted by the fire

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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 service. Children learn the importance of keeping themselves safe indoors and out through activities and discussion. For instance, they talk about and practise good road safety when out and hold hands whilst walking near roads. Older children know the Green Cross Code. They take responsibility by tidying up the toys so that they don't trip over them and are aware of boundaries inside the home, which keep them safe such as no standing on the sofa. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and safety effectively. She has recently attended child protection training and has a secure knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to take if she had any concerns. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, happy and secure within the setting. Warm relationships are formed between the children and the childminder as they talk and laugh together whilst they are playing. Children look towards her for support, reassurance and cuddles. They develop good self-esteem and confidence as the childminder listens and values what they say and do. Discussion is actively promoted as an integral part of the day. For example, the childminder echoes the sounds babies make, responds well to their babblings and consistently talks to children. Older children are encouraged to link sounds to letters as they play 'eye spy.' Consequently, babies develop early communication skills and children are confident communicators. The childminder is aware of children's stages of development, she informally plans activities and outings, meeting children's physical and developmental needs well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children clearly enjoy their play as they engage in a good range of activities inside and actively explore the world around them. They are eager to read books with the childminder as they climb on her knee and sit close to her on the sofa. They make confident choices of what they want to play with and do. The children explore the different textures of the objects in the treasure basket and dance happily together to the sound of the music. The baby freely explores her surroundings, crawling and pulling herself up on the sofa. She accesses appropriate toys easily. The childminder knows individual children very well, recognising their individual actions or cries such as when they are tired, hungry or feeling poorly. Babies benefit from routines that are consistent with their home experiences. Children experience alternative play opportunities and mix with other children as they are regularly taken to places of interest, such as the local playgroup, library and park.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Trips to local amenities are used purposefully and are educational. For example, whilst at the park the children learn about nature as they look closely at the different flowers and trees. Play situations are used to develop mathematical concepts as children are asked to identify the colours of the objects in the book and count the cars whilst walking to playgroup.

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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 The provision is good. All children are valued and respected as individuals, they are made to feel welcome in the setting and their individual needs are effectively met. They learn about their local community as they visit places such as the park, toddler groups, library and shops. Children's understanding of the wider world and diversity is being enhanced through ongoing discussions, some meaningful activities and good quality resources that reflect positive images of culture, disabilities and religion. For example, they make dragons to celebrate Chinese New Year and make Easter cards. As a result, children are developing positive attitudes to others. Children have high self-esteem and their confidence is enhanced as they are equally rewarded by praise and encouragement from the childminder. Children with special needs are cared for in a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

sharing and supportive environment. The childminder has experience of caring for children with special needs and works closely with parents to meet all individual needs appropriately and sensitively. Children's behaviour is good. They are learning to distinguish between right and wrong as the childminder acts as a positive role model. She is kind and sensitive and speaks positively to the children. Clear boundaries and simple rules are consistently applied. As a result the children are well mannered, sensitive towards each other, enjoy each others company and play happily together. They understand responsible behaviour such as tidying up, sharing and helping each other. Children benefit from the positive relationships formed between parents and the childminder. The childminder collates information from parents about their children's needs and interests and as a result has a good understanding of children's individual

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs. Daily informal discussions keep parents up-to-date about the provision and their children's activities. This contributes to continuity and consistency of care for children. Written policies and procedures are shared with parents, which keeps them well informed about the provision. Parents make positive written comments about the quality of care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Effective settling in procedures used by the childminder ensure that children are happy, settled and relaxed in her care. They feel at home as they play comfortably in a well organised environment. The childminder manages her day and time well providing a good balance of play, learning and physical activities. Daily routines and activities promote the welfare, care and learning of all children. Resulting in children being well stimulated, alert and well rested. Children profit from the effective adult support, which successfully fosters their confidence and learning. They are engaged in activities and make good progress. The childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of child development and good practical skills in caring for children ensures the quality of care for children is of a good standard. She demonstrates a strong commitment to development and improvement by attending training to update and broaden her knowledge and skills.

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Organisation

She is beginning to evaluate her own provision and her capacity to improve is good.

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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 Most policies and documentation are in place, well organised and up to date. There is a clear written complaints procedure. However, no procedure in place for the recording of any complaints received. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection recommended that the childminder displayed her registration certificate, making it available to parents. It is now clearly displayed on a notice board in the hallway of the premises. This ensures that parents and others visiting the childminders home can easily see the certificate and conditions of registration, therefore safeguarding children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there has been one complaint concerning the safety and supervision of children which relates to National Standard 6. An unannounced visit took place on Tuesday 9th November 2004 to investigate these concerns. The evidence examined demonstrated that National Standard 6 was not being met and one action was raised. The providers response indicates that appropriate action has been taken and therefore she remains qualified for registration. 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 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): • provide a procedure for recording complaints.

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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:

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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 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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