Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY246284 Inspection date 21 April 2005 Inspector Shirley Leigh Monks-Meagher

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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 was registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight in 2002. She lives with her young son aged seven years in a semi-detached house in Higher Blackley, Manchester. Minded children have access to the lounge. Toilet facilities are upstairs. There is a secure rear garden for outdoor play. Sleeping arrangements for children are available either upstairs in the back bedroom or downstairs, depending on children's needs and parents wishes. There are currently four children on roll who attend mainly on a part-time basis.

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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 The childminder has one cat which is outside when minded children are present. The childminder takes the children she cares for, with parental permission, to local amenities such as the park, library and play groups. She 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 help children to develop control of their bodies such as balancing on large climbing equipment. A range of opportunities are provided for babies who are developing physical skills such as waving bye-bye, clapping hands, crawling to explore toys and their environment and pulling themselves into standing position. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about keeping healthy in daily routines such as hand washing before food and after the toilet. A sick child and exclusion policy helps to protect children from cross-infection but insufficient attention given to keeping dummies germ free poses a risk to babies health. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They choose from healthy snacks such as fresh fruit or breadsticks and drink sugar free juice and

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Helping children to be healthy

flavoured water. The childminder takes account of the parents’ wishes and children's choices to provide food that appeals to the children, meets their dietary needs and helps them learn to enjoy nutritious food as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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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 home where effective use is made of the available space and risks are identified and minimised. Consequently, children can move around freely and safely. The rear garden is now fully enclosed and laid to grass and flags providing children with a secure area for outdoor play although the large equipment is not securely fixed. Children learn about keeping themselves safe; they practice fire evacuation and understand rules such as holding hands when walking near roads. Children are able to freely and safely select age-appropriate toys and activities. They are of a high quality, maintained to a good standard and comply with safety regulations, minimising risks to children. The range of toys and equipment is supplemented by a regular block book loan from the local library and successfully meets children's needs and stimulates their natural curiosity and interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has the required knowledge and documentation in place to ensure 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 and a valid first aid certificate.

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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 good. Children are settled and secure; sensitive explanations in gentle tones, cuddles, hugs, smiles and eye contact result in children being reassured, content and relaxed with the childminder. Children relate well to each other and widen their social circle via regular visits to a local toddler group. Babies benefit from routines which are consistent with their home experiences. Children independently choose between a variety of toys and activities that are planned to meet their developmental needs such as, baking, number matching, hand printing and construction. Babies are learning using some of their senses; for example, banging pans with wooden spoons, handling gloop and watching pulsating lights. Children develop a varied vocabulary because the childminder consistently talks with them encouraging their language development. Babies develop early communication skills as she responds to their babblings and sings songs and rhymes

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with them to reinforce early speech patterns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder develops with parents. Babies settle well because she works closely with parents to ensure they follow their home routine. Initial and daily sharing of information recognises children's individual needs and written policies and procedures, which are shared with parents, promote children's welfare. The childminder speaks positively to children, using praise and encouragement effectively to support their efforts and achievements and fostering independence. As a consequence children are confident and display high self-esteem. The childminder has a clear understanding of equal-opportunities and anti-discriminatory play. She ensures her resources positively represent the local community as well as individuals from the wider world which helps children develop a positive attitude to others. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to the

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder maintains all required records and documentation which keep children safe and protects their well-being. Children benefit from continuity of care because written information is shared with parents. The childminder is committed to her own professional development through additional training and consequently children are able to enjoy and achieve in a positive environment. The childminder ensures that children have space to play comfortably, accessible toys and equipment and sufficient adult support to foster confidence and learning. As

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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 a result the children make steady progress. 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 should improve the daily register and nappy changing routine, increase toys and resources to reflect positive images and provide anti-discriminatory play and develop her understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder has made significant improvements which promote children's positive contribution, health and safety. An increased range of toys and resources which positively reflect race, culture, gender and disability and an ethos which encourages all children to access all toys and activities ensures the children develop positive attitudes. Effective additions to the nappy changing practice have improved hygiene procedures for children. Keeping accurate attendance records and undertaking additional training in child protection procedures has improved the safety of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has been one complaint relating to National Standard 7: Health and National Standard 12: Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers. An Ofsted investigation visit took place on 15/10/2004 and actions were raised. The provider was required to ensure the following; Accident records are fully detailed to reflect the action taken following an accident. Ofsted is notified of significant incidents. The provider took appropriate steps to address the actions and meet National Standards 7: Health and 14: Documentation. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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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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):

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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 • ensure children's dummies are kept clean and sterile and do not pose a hazard to their health • make large outdoor play equipment safe • increase the tactile opportunities for children under three years to include a wider variety of materials and plan and provide opportunities that stimulate all their senses.

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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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