Childminder in Wigan

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY320499 Inspection date 28 June 2006 Inspector Julie Firth

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and six years in Tyldesley, an area of Greater Manchester. The whole of the ground floor and two bedrooms are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for five children under eight-years-old and there are currently two children on-roll.

p.2

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 The family have a rabbit. She takes and collects children from the local school. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They have the opportunity to develop control of their bodies; for example, young children who can sit up unaided are encouraged to reach out for toys, developing coordination, and are encouraged to learn to walk. A good selection of indoor and outdoor play equipment in the childminder's home and garden foster under threes and older children's physical development. Children also benefit from regular visits to the park and local groups. They are becoming aware of their own needs, such as time for a rest or drink. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are consistently learning of the importance of good hygiene and personal care through gentle reminders from the childminder. Stringent nappy routines are carried out as part of the daily routine and children learn to accept responsibility for their own personal care as they are

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

encouraged to wash their hands before eating, touching the rabbit and after toileting. There is an effective sick child policy, which excludes children who are ill from the setting, preventing infections being spread. Children's growth and development are promoted by the provision of healthy meals and snacks. They have access to fresh fruit and vegetables at all times and the childminder respects parent's wishes when planning menus. Children are asked regularly if they want a drink, however, drinks are not accessible to enhance older children's independence.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a safe and secure environment for children to play in comfort. She has given thought to making areas used by children safe with effective written risk assessments in place. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussions with the childminder about road safety on the way to groups, and fire evacuation procedures are clearly displayed in the kitchen. Risk of accidental injury is minimised with the childminder taking all necessary precautions to keep children safe on and off the premises. Children's independence skills are well fostered as they access a varied range of good quality child height equipment and materials that meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors children's choice of toys and activities to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Care is

p.3

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 taken to ensure that babies do not have access to toys that may cause them any harm and older children learn to keep small items out of reach. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has clear and consistent procedures in place. She has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures that are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children benefit from familiar routines, which help them to feel confident and secure. They are happy and enjoy their time with the childminder, who takes time to get to know the children in her care. This enables her to successfully meet children's individual needs. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at local groups. The children and the childminder's own children clearly enjoy each others company. Trips are planned to places of interest, enabling children to have experience of their environment. They have the opportunity to visit the toy library to enable them to have a choice of resources and equipment. Their imaginative skills are enhanced as they dress up and enjoy playing with the dolls and prams during role play. Mathematical concepts are regularly promoted in everyday activities. Children are engaged in a range of appropriate activities, which they clearly enjoy,

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

such as crafts, lotto and matching games, board games, small world, music, role play in the home corner and feeling corn flour to enhance their sensory skills. Babies have access to treasure baskets and feeling corn flour to enhance their sensory skills. The childminder plans her day well to ensure that children are kept stimulated, and frequently reads to the children asking them questions about the book to develop their language and communication skills. Sensory and sound action-toys are readily available for exploratory play. The childminder fosters early communication skills by responding to young children's babbling and facial expressions, she is familiar with the Birth to three matters framework, taking into account children's preferences and ideas. She records children's observations. However, they do need to link to the planning to ensure that activities are planned for children's next steps and

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. A good settling-in policy enables children to become familiar with their surroundings. A wide range of experiences, such as celebrating religious festivals, and resources allow children to appreciate the diverse society in which they live. Children do show care and concern for each other and the childminder encourages children to play together and take turns. Children behave well, with the childminder adopting consistent procedures to manage their behaviour. Their self-esteem and confidence is fostered as the childminder praises children's efforts and achievements

p.4

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 makes space around her room to display their work and in scrapbooks. Children benefit from the positive, close relationship that has developed between the childminder and their parents. The childminder seeks a wealth of information from parents to ensure that she is in a position to offer the best possible care. Effective systems are in place to keep parents informed about the provision and their children's care. Parents have the highest regard for the service that she provides, commenting on the 'good standard of care' that their children receive.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's good organisational skills. They benefit from a structured day, which includes a good balance of rest, play and exploring their surroundings. Space is well organised to provide children with a wide range of experiences to meet their educational, physical and social development. Settling in procedures are implemented by the childminder to ensure that children are happy and confident in her care. Children benefit from the childminder's good understanding of the National Standards. The childminder has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice, food hygiene, Birth to three matters framework and has a valid First Aid certificate. She is committed to ongoing training to increase her knowledge in this area of child development. All legally required documentation, which contributes to the health, safety and well-being of the children, is in place, organised to respect confidentiality and is of a

p.5

Organisation

good standard. Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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 The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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 children have access to drinks at all times • further develop planning of activities for children's next steps of learning.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6