Childminder in Bury

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY290891 Inspection date 21 June 2005 Inspector Maria Keane

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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 September 2004. She lives with her husband and their son, aged four years, in a two bedroom semi detached house situated in Radcliffe, Bury. A residential area, in walking distance from Radcliffe County Primary School and other local amenities. The children have use of the whole of the ground floor for play activities. Bathroom facilities are also situated within this area. The first floor is not used for childminding. There is a large rear garden which is fenced all round and well maintained. It offers play on both hard and grass surfaces.

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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 At the time of the inspection the childminder was caring for one child aged 3 years, although there are two minded children on the register. She is currently registered to care for four children under eight years. The childminder takes children to toddler groups and the local toy library. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is currently undertaking relevant training.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health. They use the garden, local parks and toddler groups to develop control of their bodies, for example, the use of wheeled toys and climbing apparatus. The children walk to and from school daily and enjoy taking part in community activities such as, the walking bus scheme. Children are very aware of their own needs, they confidently access drinks and alert the childminder if they are hungry. The children learn about good hygiene practices through daily routines such as, washing hands prior to eating and after using the toilet. The children play in a clean, well maintained environment and are encouraged to clear away after themselves. There are written records in place to protect children, for example written entries of the administration of medicines given to children and accidents sustained. However,

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Helping children to be healthy

prior written permission needs to be obtained from parents to administer medication to children and to seek medical advice in the event of an emergency. The children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They are offered a good range of healthy meals and snacks. Children request snacks such as, carrot sticks and cheese strips. Children's personal likes and dislikes are always considered and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that children's eating habits are monitored.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a calm, child friendly environment, for example a welcome poster and photographs of children at play are situated at the front door The children have free use of the lounge, garden and kitchen area which are closely supervised. There are a wide range of toys and resources available which allow children to learn, have fun and follow their interest's. Children are very settled and secure, they independently select resources from a well organised storage area. They confidently request resources that are not as easily accessible to children due to space restrictions. The children learn about keeping themselves safe through the childminders good example. They are clear on restrictions and boundaries, a red square is placed on

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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 areas of risk to alert children of unregistered areas, for example on the stair gate. The children are encouraged to consider safety at all times, they clear resources away when they have finished playing and inform the childminder if toys are unsafe. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to protect and keep children safe, for example, she has attended child protection training and holds an up to date first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well and make themselves at home. They have a very good relationship with the childminder who responds to them in a kind and affectionate manner. The children socialise with other children through regular attendance at playgroups and local toddler groups. Children develop good self esteem and are valued, they are encouraged to talk about their play and experiences. In addition, children's artwork is displayed on the wall or placed in a book for them to take home. The childminder has a good awareness of child development and how children learn, therefore children are interested in a wide range of activities which promote their enjoyment and development. The children are independent and motivated learners, for example, one little boy uses the computer, he selects a programs at a level appropriate to his development and works through difficult areas by requesting help from the childminder. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children learn good skills through purposeful activities such as, construction, imaginative and creative play. In addition, they read stories, make music and dress up. The childminder develops children's language further by asking appropriate questions and encouraging them to share their experiences. The children also enjoy additional activities such as, swimming lessons and visits to local play zones.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have a very positive relationship with the childminder. She fosters their emotional well being by ensuring their individual needs are met and respected. The children are very well behaved which is encouraged further by the childminders ability to provide fun and interesting activities. The children show good respect for the childminders home and the resources. They follow the good example of the childminder who promotes good behaviour through praise and encouragement. The children access a range of meaningful activities, which encourage them to learn about diversity and enjoy celebrations such as, Chinese New Year, St Patrick's Day and Easter. They have access to a small range of books and resources that reflect positive images of the wider world, although the children regularly visit the toy library to enhance this provision. The childminder has a basic knowledge of equal

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Helping children make a positive contribution

opportunities and inclusion issues. The children are offered continuity of care through the childminders ability to form

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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 good relationships with their parents. Parents are kept well informed about their child's day and daily routines, through the use of written records and verbal discussions. The childminder works hard to ensure that the children and their families are welcomed into her home.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are settled and comfortable in the well-organised environment. This gives them the confidence to select resources and request help and support when required. The children benefit from a good balance of one to one support and group care. The childminder is very committed to her work with young children and is currently undertaking further training to enhance her work with families. She has a clear understanding of the National Standards relating to young children in most areas. The childminder keeps clear records relating to children's individual needs and intends to review all documentation following this inspection. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • obtain prior written permission from parents to administer medication to children and to seek medical attention for children in the event of an

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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 emergency • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of equality and inclusion issues

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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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