Childminder in Salford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 307211 Inspection date 15 March 2006 Inspector Verlyn Ulanda Blake

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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 November 2001. She lives with her husband and two adult children. The family live in a property in the Greater Manchester area. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder, with another registered minder, runs a parent and toddler group for minded children and local families. She visits parks, the local library and places of interest further a field with minded children. The childminder uses transport previously approved by parents, to transport minded children as she does not drive.

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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. Young children's general health and well-being is promoted by the childminder as she encourages them to wipe their hands and faces after meals and snacks. However, there is a risk of the spreading of infection amongst toddlers due to the nappy changing procedure currently in place. Children make much use of the spacious back garden as they run and play in the fresh air. They attend a parent and toddler group where they access a wide range of climbing equipment which is suitable to their age and stage of development. The equipment which children access both at the childminders home and whilst at groups, helps to develop their growing muscle tone and gives them confidence in using and developing their large muscle skills. Children benefit as a result of the healthy and nutritious meals, and snacks provided. Children are provided with adequate quantities of food, at appropriate times. Meals

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Helping children to be healthy

are planned to include fresh fruit and some fresh vegetables, so that children have access to a diet which meets their individual needs and is healthy, thus supporting the growth and development of their bodies. Any allergies or religious indications are recorded and followed through by the childminder. Children benefit as the childminder adheres to requests made by their parents about feeding younger children, for whom their own meals and formula milk is provided. Regular drinks and fresh drinking water is available and accessible to babies and toddlers at all times to ensure that they do not become thirsty or dehydrated.

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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 warm, welcoming child friendly environment. Children are able to work and play in comfort as they use a suitable range of child sized furniture and equipment, which is arranged to provide sufficient space, allowing the toddlers to move around freely. All children use a suitable and extensive range of developmentally appropriate resources which are directly accessible to them as they are stored at low-level. Toys and resources are in good condition and are regularly checked by the childminder for safety. Children are kept safe whilst playing indoors as the childminder takes reasonable steps to ensure that effective ongoing risk assessments are conducted. Appropriate safety equipment is in place. Children learn about keeping the younger babies safe as the childminder talks to them about using resources with smaller pieces, when the baby is asleep, so they cannot put them in their mouth and choke. Children play

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safely in the back garden as the childminder makes regular checks in this area before children access it, however, a drain in the front garden area is uncovered and poses a risk to young children. Children's well-being is adequately safeguarded as the childminder takes

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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 conscientious steps to make sure that she updates her knowledge of child protections issues and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. All children are happy and contented. They are clearly settled and comfortable in the childminders home environment and care, demonstrated as they reach out to her, smiling and gurgling at the childminder. All children receive good amounts of individual attention from the childminder as she seeks to meet their individual play and learning needs. Children happily play with the equipment and toys which are stimulating, fun, interesting and provide sufficient challenge for children of differing ages and stages of development. Children are clearly interested in what is available and demonstrate their enjoyment as they look for their favourite toys and play with them for long periods. Children benefit from the range of books which are arranged allowing children to self-select. They look at the books with interest pointing at familiar objects, pressing buttons developing their fine manipulative skills. Children gain confidence through

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play. With support from the childminder they repeat the names of some colours and numbers. Their language and communication skills are developed as the childminder uses sensitive and caring approaches. The childminder offers reassurance and support at appropriate times. Children are encouraged to participate in all activities. Self-reliance in children is also developed by the childminder as she allows them to join or leave the activities as they wish. Children are constantly praised for their efforts and achievements in using the range of resources available. Children have well-developed relationships with each other and are happy to play on their own, or together developing their social skills. Children learn to solve simple problems as the childminder asks open questions such as "where is the other one?" Young children happily recall the tune of familiar nursery rhymes such as 'Twinkle, twinkle, little star', even though the words are not fully audible. The childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

responds appropriately by singing the words clearly for the children and offering them praise boosting their self-confidence. Musical instruments are used to develop the children's interest and initiatives.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from and experience familiar home routines for eating and sleeping, helping them to feel safe and secure. Children make choices from the range of resources available, developing their independence. Children are valued as individuals. Their growing understanding of the wider world is supported by their play with resources that promote equality of opportunities. Children flourish as a result of the childminders positive approach to equality of opportunities thereby promoting

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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 self-respect, self-confidence and a good sense of self. Children with special needs are well-supported within the childminders home. They are given space to develop as individuals, as the childminder offers them choice about the activities they wish to be involved in. They are able to relax and take time out as they need this in order to support their individual choices and allow them to feel good about themselves. The childminder works in consistent ways with the parents and any other professional agencies involved with the child and family to meet children's all round and specific requirements. Children learn good manners as they are reminded to say 'please' and 'thank you.' They learn about playing cooperatively as they share and take turns. Children are well-behaved and respond positively to requests made by the childminder. Children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

have a developing understanding of boundaries because the childminder uses suitable methods to make sure children have a secure understanding. The methods that the childminder uses are consistent and appropriate to their development and level of maturity. The steady use of praise and encouragement fosters children's self-esteem. Children benefit as a direct result of the sound relationships that exist between parents and the childminder. Parents share high quality working relationships with the childminder, this is supported by the good interaction at the time of leaving their children and the consistent sharing of information at the time of collection, regarding the daily events and their children's achievements. Effective systems are in place for ensuring that children are cared for in accordance with parents wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled and comfortable in the child focused and stimulating environment. Play space and resources are well organised and accessible to children this helps them to settle quickly. Children are contented and secure as the childminder plans their admission with sensitivity, providing some structure to the week which is carefully balanced. This enables the childminder to give children individual attention at some time throughout the day. Records are accessible, completed up-to-date and are stored securely to ensure that confidentiality is maintained. The childminder has a range of policies and procedures in place that are shared with parents at the outset and as things change. Parents are asked to provide the childminder with information relating to any changes about their children to ensure that the needs of their children are appropriately met. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the childminders last inspection she agreed to improve the variety of toys and books available to babies; assess the possible dangers posed by a broken toy and poisonous plants; improve the written information for parents to include details of

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 activities offered; improve the documentation relating to incidents and complaints, including a complaints procedure and to improve recording, and confidentiality, in relation to the medication and accident records. She also agreed to improve her knowledge of allergic reactions, any action to be taken and child protection procedures. The childminder has a wide range of resources and toys available which are directly accessible to the babies. Written play plans of activities are in place and shared with parent. Babies enjoy the range of activities on offer, and play with the wide range of resources which are used to aid their development and progress. The broken toy and poisonous plants were removed, this improves children's overall safety. Documentation in relation to a complaints procedure, the recording of

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Improvements since the last inspection

complaints and incidents have been improved, and confidentiality is now maintained in relation to any medication administered and accidents occurring to children. All of these systems ensure consistency, an improved service which impacts on the overall care afforded to children. The childminder now has up-to-date information on allergic reactions and knows the action to be taken if needed. This ensures better care for children, should an emergency arise. She has improved her knowledge on child protection issues by talking to colleagues and completing research on the internet. She is booked on the next available child protection course. The knowledge acquired improves the safety and welfare of the children in her care.

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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 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):

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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 • review the nappy changing routine and procedure • make the drain in the front garden area safe.

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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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