Childminder in Salford

Inspection report for early years provision

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307392 Unique Reference Number 04 May 2006 Inspection date Julie Firth Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 1994. She lives with her husband and one son aged 15 and adult daughter in the Walkden area of Salford. There are currently three children on roll who attend for a variety of sessions. Her husband occasionally assists in caring for the children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding including the through lounge and the kitchen-dining area. There is a fully enclosed garden at the side of the house for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects children from the local playgroups. She 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 good. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities that enable them to develop control of their bodies. Babies are encouraged to reach out for toys, developing coordination. The physical development of older children and children under three years is fostered by the use of a good selection of outdoor play equipment in the childminder's garden and regular visits to the park and local groups. They learn the importance of regular exercise through daily routines. Children are becoming aware of their own needs, such as time for a rest or drink.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well maintained home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after playing outside and using the potty reduces the risk of cross-contamination. There is an effective sick child policy in place to prevent the spread of infections and protect children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's growth and development is promoted by the provision of healthy meals and snacks. The childminder respects parents' wishes and children's needs when providing meals and appropriately stores meals that the parents bring themselves for their children. They have access to drinking water, to keep them hydrated at all times. Children sit together for meals and snacks and enjoy a relaxed social occasion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe and secure environment where thought is given to making areas used by them safe, with effective risk assessments in place. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussions with the childminder about road safety and when on trips.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is enhanced by the careful monitoring of toys and activities to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children confidently select activities from a wide range of good quality resources which meet safety standards. Their independence is enhanced by the organisation of resources, which enables them to freely choose what to play with and where.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place. For example, she holds a first aid certificate and has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures that are in line with the Local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children receive good support and supervision as there are regularly two adults present and they are happy and settled. They enjoy the company of the childminder who has developed

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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 warm caring relationships with them. She offers appropriate physical contact by means of cuddles and hugs, maintains eye contact and smiles, as a result the children are secure, content and relaxed in her home and care. They benefit from familiar routines and a structured day and relate well to each other when playing in the childminder's home. They socialise with other children through regular attendance at the local groups. Children have the opportunity to be creative as they participate in musical activities, baking and crafts planned by the childminder. They have a variety of opportunities to go out and about exploring their local environment as they go to the library for story time and planned trips with the local groups. Their imaginative skills are enhanced as they are engaged in role play. They are developing good language and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

communication skills through a variety of informal activities, such as when the childminder reads to the children she questions them about the book, enhancing their concentration.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Sensory and sound action toys are readily available for exploratory play. Activities are planned to meet the age and stage of the children attending and the childminder is aware of their likes and dislikes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from a range of activities and resources to increase their awareness of diversity and different cultures, such as Chinese New Year. They are valued and respected as individuals. They settle well as one child who is new is encouraged by the childminder and her family and made to feel welcome. They are clear about their boundaries and expectations which are explained to them and applied consistently. Their self-esteem and confidence are fostered as the childminder praises their efforts and achievements and makes space around her home to display children's work. They show excitement when they bring crafts home to show their parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the warm and friendly relationships the childminder develops with parents. She regularly shares information with parents regarding routines, outings, incidents and their children's progress to provide consistency and care for all children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to improving the quality of care for children. She is keen to attend further training to support her professional development . Children are encouraged to explore opportunities available in clearly defined and well organised areas in the childminder's home. She spends time with all the children to help them feel safe and secure and support them in their play. They are familiar with the daily routines planned by the childminder and there is a clear timetable in place to facilitate taking and collecting children from local play groups. She works closely with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. Informal planning is in place and the childminder has an awareness of the Birth to three matters framework. However, this is not regularly reviewed to indicate how children make good progress in all areas of their development and to plan for their next steps.

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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 All records and documentation are in place which contributes to the safety and well-being of children being cared for. Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

On the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that contact details regarding the child protection procedures are available. Policies and procedures indicate that contact numbers are now in place to ensure children's safety. She was asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities that promote opportunity. There is a range of resources and activities available to enable children to have an awareness of diversity and the wider world. She was asked to get permission for the assistant to be left in sole charge on occasions and for transport and to report significant incidents. Written permission from all parents is now in place to allow her husband, the assistant to be left in sole charge in emergencies in and out of the home. All incidents and concerns are now recorded in detail.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • review the planning of activities to include how children's developmental needs are met and their next steps, by using the Birth to three matters framework.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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