Childminder in Salford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 307250 Inspection date 23 March 2006 Inspector Mary Kilroy

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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 was registered in 1988. She lives with her husband and two adult daughters in Salford. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house and the upstairs bathroom and back bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding a 14 month old baby on four days of the week, a 3 year old on four days and a 2 year old on two days. She also takes and collects a 5 year old on various days. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups. She walks

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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 to local schools to take and collect children. The family have pet rabbits, which live outside. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder encourages hand washing after using and flushing the toilet, playing out, before and after meals and after handling the rabbits to encourage independent care skills. She discusses hygiene with children at an age appropriate level. Children know that food dropped on the floor is dirty and needs to be thrown away. Appropriate nappy changing procedures are observed and good cleaning routines are evident throughout the home. The childminder gently reminds, supports and encourages young children who are toilet training. She notes and regularly reviews identified allergies and the individual needs of all the children. The childminder carefully observes children and often is the first to notice when they are not walking as well as usual or are not enjoying activities as much as they usually do. She has an effective policy for children who are sick or recovering. Children are made

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Helping children to be healthy

comfortable until a parent arrives and she tries to isolate them if infectious. Recovering children are kept rested, warm and well hydrated. Favourite foods are offered if they are not eating well. The childminder is flexible and recognises the issues for working parents in having time off. She helps parents out if the well-being of other children is not compromised. The childminder passes on information from schools about infectious illnesses present to parents to help prevent the spread of infection. Children are provided with individual towels. She reminds parents if shoes are starting to get tight. Correct procedures for the administration of medication and recording were observed and records are signed by a parent. The childminder completed a food certificate in hygiene course in 1998 and 2005 and has attended lots of healthy eating courses. Menus are available for parents to see and there is twice daily exchanging of information on what the child has eaten during

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Helping children to be healthy

the day, or if the child has arrived without breakfast. The childminder has very good understanding of children's likes and dislikes. The children are good eaters and mealtimes are happy and social occasions. The childminder sits with children, encouraging them and offering help as necessary. She tries to be a good role model in her own eating habits. Children are encouraged to eat as the childminder helps them to help prepare simple snacks, such as making toast and spreading cheese. She has a health, food and drink policy which clearly sets out her aims and objectives for achieving high standards in her provision of healthy main meals and snacks. The childminder provides information leaflets for parents, such as 'five a day' with ideas on ensuring that children have the minimum servings of fruit and vegetables needed to remain healthy. Older children are beginning to understand about foods which are

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Helping children to be healthy

good for teeth and which help them to grow. The childminder prepares home cooked meals, such as potato hash using fresh ingredients and the meat is minced for very young children. Parents may provide their own food if they wish. Fresh drinking water is available in a variety of age appropriate bottles and feeder cups. Older children

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 can access water independently to encourage self help skills. Babies are enabled and encouraged to start feeding themselves by holding bottles, spoon and cups, supported by the childminder. Older children also occasionally enjoy being helped along with the odd spoonful 'like baby.' The childminder has a method of sterilising baby equipment to help babies remain healthy. Children are given daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise indoor at under five's groups, in the garden or at local parks. One child particularly enjoys sliding down the 'fireman's pole' in the local park and the childminder ensures he has regular opportunities to practise this skill and she builds on all children's interests. The area around the childminder's home is very hilly and she uses opportunities to discuss

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Helping children to be healthy

deep breaths and exercise. She tries to get children outside warmly clothed in all weathers to take advantage of naturally occurring events, such as recent snow.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children remain safe as the childminder demonstrates very good awareness of safety and promotes this through discussion with the children of any relevant issues as they arise. The premises are warm, safe and welcoming and have sufficient space to enable children to move around freely and in comfort. Children self select favourite toys, which are accessible to them and they move around confidently. The rear garden is on more than one level and is very steep. This could prove difficult for children with special physical needs to negotiate. However, the childminder provides lots of other alternatives for exercise in local groups and parks. She has a good balance of child sized and adult furniture and rooms are well planned and set out. There are lots of opportunities for babies to pull themselves up by using the furniture. The childminder plans well for the next stage of progress for mobile babies to help to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

prevent accidents. Children are learning about staying safe through routines, discussion and activities. All age appropriate safety equipment is in place and toys and equipment provided are purchased to meet appropriate safety standards. They are regularly checked for safety and cleanliness. They meet all children's individual and developmental needs and the childminder is skilled at providing inclusive activities for a wide age range of children. She extends and adapts play to stimulate older children and ensures that babies are included. Older children are beginning to take responsibility for younger ones safety. They know about closing safety the gate and picking up small pieces where babies are crawling. The childminder carries out risk assessments of all trips, such as to local parks and to feed the turkeys. The premises inside and out are checked regularly for safety. Children know and understand simple rules on outings, such as holding the buggy,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

walking on the inside of the pavement, looking and listening for cars. Five-year old children know and understand the green cross code. Younger children can identify red or green man and enjoy taking turns to press the crossing button. The childminder receives information from a relative of a minded child who works at the library on subjects, such as road safety. This information is used with the children

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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 and makes it much more interesting and personal for them. The childminder has a meeting place for after school children which is known to them all. They discuss stranger danger with the childminder at an age appropriate level and know who it should be safe to turn to in an emergency. They know their names, relevant addresses and key telephone numbers. A good effective emergency evacuation procedure is in place and is practised with children. Older children are starting to take responsibility for their own safety and that of younger children. The childminder has good understanding of child protection issues and all policies and procedures are up to date. She has a copy of 'What to do if you are worried that a child is being abused '(summary) and the latest flowchart and ensures that her

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

practice meets current requirement and any that supersede these. She records significant incidents. She has good understanding of signs and symptoms of non accidental injury to children. Parents are aware of the procedures and of their responsibility to notify the childminder of bumps or bruises sustained at home. Good relationships built between the childminder and parents ensure that sensitive issues can be discussed more easily and parents are good at passing on relevant information that may affect their child. Times of arrival and departure are meticulously recorded and the childminder has good policies for the child who is lost or uncollected which are shared with parents. She would provide full written accounts should either event ever occur.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relate very well to each other and to the childminder. They are considerate and are encouraged by the childminder to support one another. They show concern for the needs of the baby. The childminder plans activities well for all the children, providing good resources to support activities. She shows good understanding of how children learn by adapting activities to meet the differing needs of a wide age range of children who are present. The childminder has good knowledge of all the children in her care and builds on their interests, likes and dislikes when planning for play. Play is planned around the individual needs of the under 2s. Babies receive lots of stimulation and warm cuddles and enjoy close contact with the childminder. She always responds and answers their baby talk and has built close relationships with all the minded children. Children thoroughly enjoy activities and songs on shape,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

number and colour and are learning well. The childminder devotes all her time to talking to and playing with the minded children. She introduces new words to increase children's vocabulary and is interested in what they say and do. Younger children have good vocabulary for their ages and are very bright, contented and happy. Lots of one-to-one attention is given during the day. Babies enthusiastically join in the music and movement session, jogging and moving around to the rhythms. They access musical instruments, such as xylophones to extend musical fun. They enjoy a wide variety of arts, craft and collage including baking, gluing and painting, making puppets and masks, face painting, dressing up, picture bingo, throwing and catching activity and observing mini beasts, such as snails. Children enthusiastically

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 join in creative seasonal activities, such as making things for Chinese New Year. They proudly display the Mothering Sunday cards with googly eyes that they have made with the childminder and baskets waiting to be enjoyed by their mums. Children take part in songs, stories and activities that provide opportunities to learn about number, shape and size. Very young children are counting to five and know how many fingers are held up. They enjoy singing 'five currant buns' and enthusiastically count down until the last bun has gone. The childminder celebrates children's birthdays with them and home made banners with the child's name on are up from a birthday yesterday. Children enthusiastically recall the fun they had and know the age of the birthday child. This enables children to have a sense of belonging.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children handle tools well and have good coordination. They are absorbed in the play activities and concentrate well for long periods of time. They are beginning to distinguish right from wrong through stories, taking turns and encouragement from the childminder to consider the needs of others throughout the daily routine. Children are making good progress and are very settled and happy. They enjoy playing alone or with the childminder. They take turns to listen and respond and are learning to value the contributions of others. The childminder uses book and toy libraries to good effect, such as borrowing story sacks to enhance children's play experiences. She reviews and increases her toys and equipment regularly as the children's needs change. The walk to school is used as a learning experience, identifying colours on doors and numbers on cars. The childminder is sensitive to the needs of children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

She knows when they have had sufficient time with an activity and skilfully intervenes and adds to or extends the basic play. The childminder uses Birth to three matters to good effect when planning for play. To improve the good tactile experiences for children even further, the childminder should further improve the sensory experiences for children and build on established good practice by increasing the range of natural materials, using Birth to three matters as guidance. The childminder accesses extensive training in all areas including a spring festival workshop, story sacks workshop, routine to meet the needs of the under 2s, creating puppets, Chinese New Year, manual handling techniques or relaxation therapy for childminders, music and movement and Birth to three matters. She has also completed an Early Learning Goals training course.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children access gender appropriate activities. They are open to all regardless of gender, race or ability and children are encouraged to try every area of the play provided. Children watch television programmes that provide positive images and toys. Books and jigsaws reflect only positive images of all areas of equal opportunities. The childminder consults parents on all aspects of children's diet. Children are prepared for visitors and meet new children during the settling in process where possible. Children are well prepared and confident to chat and to share experiences. Older children talk about and value differences and the childminder demonstrates positive attitudes to all areas of equality. Children observe

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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 and know key people in the community who help them, such as the lollipop lady, policeman and dustbin men. They are encouraged to notice changes in their environment, such as building work, road works, skips being delivered and even burned out cars being collected by a truck with a crane. Children are encouraged to use their imaginations and to predict what will happen next, such as a new hole in the road. The childminder has an effective equal opportunities policy shared with parents and a policy on making a positive contribution to the wider community. Children celebrate festivals including Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Hanukah and Chinese New Year. They visit groups, schools and amenities in the local area and beyond. The childminder takes a minded child to a group at the school that he will attend. She has

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Helping children make a positive contribution

built good links with school staff and children are able to go in and visit. Children's levels of understanding and maturity are considered and are always taken into account. The childminder celebrates birthdays with the children and home made posters with the birthday child's name on are still up from yesterday's celebration. No children with special needs attend the provision at present. Babies individual requirements for rest and feeding are met very well and the routine is fitted around their needs. The childminder demonstrates good understanding of children's development and planning for the next stages. Inclusive play activities are planned, with each child supported at a level according to their need. Children have access to all areas of play and are encouraged and supported to try everything. The childminder is prepared to adapt play activities and room setting to meet children's individual needs. She would be sympathetic and sensitive to the needs of parents

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Helping children make a positive contribution

should she be the first to identify a concern. The childminder works with professionals and parents to best meet children's needs. She has attended specific training to support children with dyslexia. Behaviour is good, children are confident and know the boundaries and simple rules which are often around safety issues. The childminder discusses ground rules with the children and always considers their views. She always explains why particular behaviour is unwanted and the consequences for others. Children are happily occupied and examples of distraction to other activities to prevent boredom was seen. Only positive methods of managing behaviour are used. The written behaviour policy is discussed and agreed with parents for consistency. Lots of praise is given for wanted behaviour as it naturally occurs. Children usually take turns but are too young yet to understand sharing. Toys brought from home can be a problem and the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder skilfully negotiates and diverts attention to other toys. She encourages children to discuss their feelings and they use grumpy, sad, happy during conversation. Good relationships with parents are apparent. They are consulted on every aspect of their child's care. Individual needs are noted and are regularly reviewed as they change. The childminder has good understanding of children's backgrounds and chats to parents about family interests and events as well as day to day information.

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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 The setting and activities are well organised. The childminder has good routines and clear expectations and children are confident learners. They thoroughly enjoy the stimulating play activities and are provided with good experiences indoors and in the wider environment. Children enjoy relating their experiences and making choices and decisions on their play and helping to prepare simple food. They are settled and happy. The childminder involves the children in small daily tasks around the home, such as sorting and pairing clean clothes, and preparing toast or spreading cheese and this provides children with a secure homely atmosphere where they can achieve and grow in confidence. They have a good sense of belonging. The childminder ensures that the children are always in her sole care and that

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Organisation

everyone living on the premises is suitable. Children benefit from her vigilance and close supervision. She is proactive in ensuring that anyone with significant access is quickly cleared before being on the premises. The childminder attends regular training and workshops to ensure that her practice is current and meets all the individual needs of children in her care. She records significant incidents and times of arrival and departure and keeps a log of parent's complaints. Written records are kept to a very high standard. Records are safely stored and are shared with parents. They are up to date and are regularly reviewed as needs and children change. There is a twice daily verbal exchange of information with parents to ensure that they are kept informed and involved in the care of their child. The childminder has a confidentiality policy which is shared with parents. It explains that all records are safely stored and that the childminder will only disclose information

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Organisation

given to her by parents to professional people and only then with their permission. It clearly states that there may be exceptions, such as children who are at risk or needing emergency medical treatment. The childminder provides a single sheet profile of her provision for information when parents initially enquire. It is clear and concise and provides parents with essential key information. Overall the provision meets the needs of all children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to provide written policies, for example regarding sick children and behaviour management, to support working in partnership with parents. All necessary written policies are now in place and are regularly reviewed.

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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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Complaints 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

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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): • further improve the sensory experiences for children and build on established good practice by increasing the range of natural materials, using Birth to three matters as guidance.

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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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