Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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500342 Unique Reference Number 24 July 2006 Inspection date Janice Shaw 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 1999. She lives with her two children aged four and 13 in a three bed-roomed semi-detached house in East Didsbury, Manchester. It is close to the local schools, shops and a park. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and children access bathroom and toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for six children and there are currently seven children on roll, one child is full-time and the others attend on a part-time basis. She is a member of the National Child Minding Association and receives support from the local authority.

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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 are developing a positive understanding of simple health and hygiene practices. Positive messages are reinforced as children watch the childminder wash her hands before preparing meals so that cross-infection is suitably minimised. Children's health is well promoted as the childminder has clear documentation in place to record any accidents or medication administered to children. However, the arrangement of these does not always offer confidentiality to families.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are generally well nourished. The childminder has a range of nutritious snacks available including fruit. All children enjoy the social occasion of mealtimes with younger children keen to sit and join the others at the table. Children demonstrate their skills well as they feed themselves, enjoying chewing on sandwiches and other finger foods. Drinks are accessible to children throughout the day to ensure they do not go thirsty, promoting their independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to exercise in the fresh air daily, so that they develop strong bodies to fight infection and stay healthy. Through the use of a good range of outdoor play equipment children develop their physical skills well. They manoeuvre around objects in push along cars and climb the steps on the small slide. All children walk to and from school and the younger children enjoy this daily opportunity to explore the route and practise their walking. Children are developing an awareness of the need to look after their bodies, as they discuss with the childminder why they need to wear suntan cream in hot weather and the need to play in the shade.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into the childminder's home and they demonstrate a strong sense of belonging. They know where they can play and which room they rest in when they are tired. Children are able to play safely with a wide range of clean, age-appropriate equipment which is checked regularly by the childminder to ensure children's safety. They are keen to help themselves to items they wish to play with from the accessible storage boxes, displaying their independence. Children take safe risks and flex their muscles as they climb up the small slide, move cars along the ground and dig in the sand tray. Children learn through example and reasoning from the childminder about how to keep safe. All safety aspects have been addressed within the home to ensure children's safety. Children's protection is secure as the childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is being ill treated and is familiar

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a relaxed homely environment which helps them feel secure. Warm and friendly relationships are formed between the children and the childminder; they talk and laugh together as they discuss their play. Young children happily experiment and explore the

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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 good range of play opportunities available. They watch and imitate others as they develop and practise skills and gradually gain confidence and independence. Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and are developing a warm relationship with her as they have just started to attend. She makes time to listen and talk with the children, sharing their play to make them aware of her interest in them, as a result they feel secure and self assured.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All children eagerly join in with an increasing range of play activities that capture their interest and stimulate their imagination. Children competently demonstrate their skills. They show their initiative and use good hand and eye co-ordination as they play with the wind chimes. Children use their imagination as they pretend to drive cars on the play mat and show fledgling social skills, as they squeal with delight when they share a chasing game with a friend. Communication skills are fostered and nurtured throughout the day, as the childminder listens with interest and skilfully responds, reinforces or extends language according to the individual's level of understanding. Younger children communicate and make their needs known, as they point and use sound.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals and benefit from the childminder showing a keen interest in their personal needs and character. Children are confident to make choices and eagerly help themselves to refreshments and play equipment. Children are beginning to develop their knowledge about others and the wider world through the childminder's respectful attitude, and by exploring a range of positive play equipment. Children behave well as the childminder is an effective role model. They listen and learn from clear explanations given by the childminder and readily rise to the praise and encouragement freely offered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is good. Children benefit from the helpful communication between both parties on arrival and departure, ensuring the parent feels fully informed about the children's care and activities. These daily discussions are complemented by a very detailed diary that the childminder completes and shares with parents, including some photographs of recent events and activities. Parents in turn contribute to the diary, all of which ensures effective continuity of care for the children. There is no system in place for sharing with parents any complaints that have been made.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and settled in the childminder's home. The day's activities are organised to provide opportunities and experiences both inside and outdoors. Children are offered a balance of free play and adult directed activities. The childminder is aware of when to stand back and allow children's play to develop independently and when to become involved, and she offers new opportunities and maintains children's interest and enthusiasm for learning.

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Organisation

Children use all the available space within the home well and with confidence. Established routines help to maintain children's sense of security. They enjoy regular opportunities to be

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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 active in their play, eat in comfort and rest in peaceful surroundings to maintain their well-being. Children are generally safeguarded, as the childminder provides good relevant information, giving details of her approach to the children's care. A daily register is maintained and most records held are stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of the range of children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the previous inspection, the childminder was required to further enhance the communication with parents convey policies and procedures in writing. All relevant procedures are now available in writing.

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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): • ensure that confidentiality is maintained in the accident and medication records. Provide a record of complaints that can be shared with parents.

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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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