Childminder in Rochdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316878 Inspection date 07 March 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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 14 years, 10 years and 19 months in the Middleton area of Manchester. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and a bedroom on the first floor. Bathroom facilities are situated on the first floor and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children. There are currently 3 children on roll. With parental permission children are taken to local community groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and well maintained home. Children are learning about personal hygiene to keep themselves healthy. They wash their hands at appropriate times, such as before eating and after using the toilet. A written sick child policy and adequate procedures ensure that children are protected when they are ill. Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's ability to maintain clear documents relating to medication and accidents sustained to children. Babies' individual routines are followed with regard to sleeping and feeding. This ensures they receive consistency of care and feel secure. Regular visits to the park and other local facilities provide opportunities for children to use large equipment and wheeled toys, swings and climbing apparatus. This helps promote their strength and co-ordination. A range of opportunities are provided for

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Helping children to be healthy

babies who are developing their physical skills. They enjoy rolling, kicking and reaching out for objects in close proximity. Children benefit from healthy nutritious snacks and meals which promote their growth and development. They are provided with fresh fruit and sugar free drinks which help them learn about healthy eating. Drinks, including fresh drinking water, are accessible to children to keep them refreshed and hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a welcoming environment where space is organised to allow them to move about freely and safely. Children make some choices about what they want to play with from toys set out by the childminder. They use a satisfactory range of resources which are age appropriate and safe. Babies' senses are stimulated by bright, colourful manufactured toys, such as rattles and activity centres, which they explore with interest. However, there are insufficient natural materials for them to make greater use of their senses. Regular risk assessments are carried out to ensure children are kept safe both in the home and when on outings. Effective measures, such as covers to low-level sockets, locks on kitchen cupboards and gates to prevent access to the stairs help protect children from accidental injury. There are clear procedures in the event of emergencies. But evacuation procedures have not been practiced with the children to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

ensure they know how to keep themselves safe in the event of an emergency. Written parental consent has been obtained for children to be taken on outings, however, this does not include trips to the swimming baths. This poses a risk to children's safety. Children are safeguarded because the childminder understands her role and responsibility with regard to child protection. A written policy is shared with parents so

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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 they are informed about the childminder's duty to keep children safe from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a warm, close supportive relationship with the childminder, which contributes to their sound sense of belonging. Babies receive lots of cuddles and their early communication skills are supported well through good quality interactions with the childminder. She talks to them as they play and maintains good eye contact giving lots of warm smiles to engage them. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. She takes time to get to know the children in her care to ensure their needs are met. The childminder is developing confidence in using the Birth to three framework to plan activities for children under three. Babies enjoy exploring toys, which are within easy reach and which maintain their interest. Children are given choices about what they want to play when they return from school. This includes opportunities to rest or to be active. They enjoy creative and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

baking activities. Young children regularly visit community groups where they have opportunities for different play experiences and socialise with other children and adults.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works closely with parents which gives her a good knowledge of the children. This enables her to meet their individual needs and develop consistency of care. Effective settling in procedures make the transition from home to the childminder's care a positive experience where children soon settle. A daily diary is used to share information about young babies; this keeps parents informed and promotes children's well-being. Daily verbal exchanges also lets parents know how their children are progressing and ensures children's individual needs are met. Parents are provided with written information about the provision, which includes policies and procedures. Although the childminder informs parents about the procedures to follow if they have a complaint, she has not set up a system for recording any complaints made by parents. Regular outings within the community, the use of resources, such as books and toys

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Helping children make a positive contribution

which promote a positive view of the world, help children to develop positive attitudes towards others. The childminder speaks positively to children, using praise and encouragement to support their efforts and achievements. This fosters their self-esteem and confidence. Methods used to manage children's behaviour are appropriate to the age and stage of children and agreed with parents.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Space and resources are organised effectively so children explore and freely express themselves. Most legally required records and documentation are in order, well organised and readily accessible to maintain a safe and efficient service to ensure children's welfare. The childminder is currently in the process of completing the Introduction to Childminding Practice and first aid training. This will enhance the quality of care provided and ensure children receive appropriate treatment in the event of an emergency. Consistent routines and kind and caring support enables children to feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. The childminder divides her time well, ensuring she supports all children in their play. This makes children feel valued and cared for. Written policies and procedures are shared with parents and are used effectively to ensure there are positive outcomes for children. Overall the provision meets the

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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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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): • practice evacuation procedures with the children to ensure they know what to do in the event of an emergency

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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 • obtain written consent from parents for children to be taken swimming • provide a range of natural materials for young children to explore • set up system 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: 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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