Childminder in Wigan

Inspection report for early years provision

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322699 Unique Reference Number 05 September 2006 Inspection date Verlyn Ulanda Blake 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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and two sons aged 21 and 13 in the Atherton area of Wigan. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local playgroup and takes children to the park and other children's facilities. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one times and is currently minding five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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's health is suitably promoted because the childminder follows effective hygiene practices such as wiping down and keeping all surfaces clean in the kitchen area. She also ensures that children wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. These practices help to minimise the risk of cross-infection amongst children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which promote their physical well-being including trips and outings daily, which contribute to their good health. Children benefit from frequent fresh air and exercise, as they go to the local park and for walks to and from the local school. They also play outdoors in the back garden accessing large climbing equipment, which helps to develop their confidence in using larger equipment and promotes their coordination, balance and large muscle skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual development is enhanced at mealtimes as the childminder provides them with cutlery and utensils which are appropriate to their age and ability levels. Self-help skills are also encouraged. Children enjoy snacks which are substantial in quantity, including fresh fruit so helping to provide a balanced diet. The childminder takes into account children's choices when providing healthy snacks. Children are encouraged to drink water, milk and juice throughout the day ensuring that they take in sufficient fluids.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and settled within their environment because the childminder provides a welcoming, child friendly home which has a range of children's work on display. Toddlers are able to identify and are proud of the work that they have done which is on display, happily pointing this out to the Inspector. Children are cared for in a clean, well-maintained home where risks are identified and minimised by the use of safety equipment. This means that children are able to move around in their environment independently, safely and freely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to work and play in comfort as the childminder has provided a range of low level furniture for the children, which means they can sit or stand using this equipment in comfort. Children help themselves to a wide range of resources and toys which conform to safety standards, and are stored in containers at low level. These are labelled with pictures and words so that children of different ages can make choices from what they can see, read or recognise, meeting children's individual learning needs. Younger children are effectively prevented from gaining access to play equipment which may pose a risk of injury, such as small pieces, due to the storage of the resources and the childminders careful supervision.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected and their welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a basic understanding of child protection issues. However, children would benefit further if the childminder's knowledge was updated in line with current procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are interested and absorbed in activities of their choice. They have well developed relationships with the childminder and speak confidently with her about going on holiday and new pets they are going to get. They have strong relationships with peers and demonstrate that they miss them, as they ask for their peers who would usually be present, but are currently away on holiday.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children clearly lead all aspects of their play, ably supported by the childminder who gives them sufficient space to develop as individuals, but also asking them questions to challenge them and make them think. For example, when completing puzzles the childminder gives the children clues about which pieces to look for next, encouraging them to look at the picture on the box, then trying to fit the pieces together. Children relish in the praise and support they receive from the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn to care for others as they play with the medical kit, taking the dolls temperature and making them 'feel better'. Children's learning and enjoyment are extended as the childminder offers a range of activities which stimulate all aspects of their learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children clearly feel valued and their self-esteem is promoted, because they are treated with sensitivity and equal concern, as the childminder feels that this is essential. Children all have equal access to a range of resources which are suitable for children of different ages, genders and which promotes a positive view of the wider world and diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved, as they have an understanding of the boundaries that the childminder has in place. They respond positively to the praise and encouragement provided by the childminder who is a positive role model. Children are well mannered and say please and thank you at the appropriate times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for according to their individual needs. Written records contain information about children's specific needs, in order to promote their well-being and maintain their healthy development. They benefit from the good relationships developed between their parents and the childminder. All aspects of care are frequently discussed and agreed with parents and they are kept informed about their children's well-being and progress on a daily basis. This ensures that children are cared for in a consistent way, in accordance with parents wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are happy with the progress their children make and feel that their children have developed in leaps and bounds since attending the childminders and attending play provisions outside of the childminder's home.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit as a result of the comfortable, child focused, stimulating environment. Play space and resources are well organised, so that it is inviting for children of all ages. Children are happy and contented as the childminder plans their week with care and sensitivity. These include a range of activities within the home, and planned trips outside of the home, such as going for walks to the local park, attending playgroup and trips to the local shops. As a result of the well planned week, children benefit from a wide variety of experiences, they learn about their local environment, community and develop their social skills.

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Organisation

The childminder has devised some policies and documentation, which are shared with parents ensuring that she has a good understanding of children's specific requirements. Records are accessible, completed up to date and stored ensuring confidentiality. However, there is no system in place for recording concerns that may be made by parents. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom care is provided.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children and to update her knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Written permission is now in place giving the childminder consent to administer medication to children. This ensures that any medication given to children is done by prior consent from parents, ensuring that children are cared for with regards to parents wishes.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Although the childminder did not attend a planned training event with regards to equal opportunities, she has updated her knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities issues through discussions and the resources she has in place. This enables her to have discussions with children and answer any questions they may have with regards to equal opportunities issues.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of all 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): • update knowledge and understanding of current child protection procedures and ensure that a complaints system is devised.

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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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