Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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301397 Unique Reference Number 25 September 2006 Inspection date Kay Margaret Armstrong 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 1998. She lives with her husband and their two children who are aged ten and eight years. The family have three pet budgies and a hamster. They live in the Bardsley area of Oldham, close to shops, parks and the local nature reserve. The children have access to the play room, kitchen diner and the bathroom, which is on the first floor. The rear garden is available for out door play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children. There are currently three children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder, who is an accredited Quality First childminder, is a member of the National Childminding Association and gains 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 clearly thrive because the childminder follows effective and robust hygiene procedures to ensure that they are cared for in a warm and clean home. The risk of cross-infection is mainly minimised by daily routines, which promote children's understanding of good hygiene practices. However, the nappy changing routine compromises children's health. Children are beginning to understand the importance of good hygiene routines as the childminder encourages them to wash their hands at appropriate times using anti bacterial gel.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses and agrees children's dietary requirements with parents. The menu demonstrates the childminder has a clear understanding of children's dietary requirements. She provides children with a good range of meals and snacks which are nutritious and contribute to their physical growth and development. Children are beginning to learn about healthy eating as the childminder provides fresh fruit and raw vegetables for snacks each day. Meals and snack times are a relaxed, social occasion where children are encouraged to develop self help skills, try new foods and are praised for their efforts and achievements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a broad range of activities that contribute to their physical growth and development. Regular visits to the park and toddler groups provide the opportunity for the children to run around, swing, climb and slide. Children have the opportunity to play in the garden and use equipment, such as bikes and scooters; they are able to crawl in and out of fabric cubes. Babies are encouraged to stretch and reach for toys as they lie on the floor. Children who are beginning to walk are supported and encouraged by the childminder. All these experiences help children to develop good coordination and gain control of their bodies whilst they explore their surroundings and have fun.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risks of accidental injury to children is mainly minimised, because the childminder is very vigilant and has good risk assessments in place to identify and reduce potential hazards. However, the free standing mirror in the bathroom is a risk to children's safety. Children are beginning to learn about some aspects of managing their own safety. For example, when out walking they practise crossing the road safely. There is a written emergency escape plan in place, which has been practised with children, who are becoming aware of what to do in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children benefit from a well maintained, homely environment where the childminder places a high priority on safety. They are able to play freely and safely, as the childminder is vigilant and has a good recognition of the need for a balance between safe limits and freedom. Safe and secure premises are provided that are suitable for caring for children. Children have space to move freely and emphasis is given to making sure that the environment is welcoming for children to aid their development. Children use good quality equipment appropriate to their age and stage of development. Toys are clean, well maintained and comply with safety standards.

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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 Resources are well organised and easily accessible to the children, which enhances their learning and promotes choice and independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected by the childminder who has a good understanding of child protection policies and procedures. She gives priority to children’s welfare. Parents are fully informed of the action that would be taken in the event of a concern, which is clearly described in the written child protection policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Babies enjoy exploring toys which are colourful, tactile, have pulsating lights and make sounds, promoting their sensory development. The childminder establishes warm, caring, positive relationships with the children. She cuddles and nurtures babies, providing them with lots of eye contact and smiles, which develops a sense of security and trust. The childminder encourages and supports early communication skills by responding to the baby’s babblings as she speaks to them in gentle tones. She echoes children's early speech patterns, which promotes their language development, ensures that children know their communication is valued, effectively increasing their self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's welfare is promoted and their individual needs are met through activities that include opportunities for social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. The childminder prepares a varied and imaginative range of experiences for the children. These are fun, interesting and promote and challenge their development and learning. For example, photographic evidence shows babies and children exploring paint and cornflour mixed with water, promoting sensory and creative development. The children really enjoy listening to nursery rhymes. They snuggle in close to the childminder and giggle and laugh as they anticipate what's going to happen next as the childminder uses finger puppets and books to illustrate 'this little piggy went to market'. The childminder makes this more exciting by using different voices for each of the pigs. The childminder skilfully introduces colour recognition and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

mathematical language into the activities. For example, as the children build with wooden blocks she counts them and talks about the shape and colour of the blocks. Fine motor skills are promoted as children are able to thread buttons onto laces, manipulate and cut dough. Children are taken to toddler groups regularly, here they have the opportunity to explore different play environments and meet other children, promoting social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The good range of activities and resources that reflect diversity help to promote children's understanding of the world around them. The childminder respects children as individuals and recognises their differences. Through discussion she promotes children's individuality, encourages them to listen to each other and share toys and resources. Consequently, children are becoming aware of differences and developing a positive attitude to others.

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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 The childminder speaks very positively to children, using encouragement effectively to support their efforts and foster their independence. Good behaviour is acknowledged, celebrated and praised appropriately. Children's creative work is valued, treasured and displayed. As a result, the children are confident and are developing high self-esteem. The childminder supports children to understand and maintain simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. As a result, the children behave well and are beginning to play cooperatively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships that the childminder has established with their parents, as their individual needs are consistently recognised and met. The childminder has devised a range of comprehensive written policies and procedures, which are shared with parents. Informal discussions and the use of a daily diary keeps parents and childminder up-to-date with the children's routines and any changes that may have occurred, ensuring that children are cared for in accordance to their parents' wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a skilled childminder who strives to improve her current practice through attendance on courses, such as the 'Birth to three matters framework' and childcare practitioner qualifications. She uses ideas from courses to develop her practice and enhance the enjoyment for the children. She has completed the Quality First accredited quality assurance scheme, which provided the opportunity for her to reflect on, monitor and improve the quality of the care that she offers.

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Organisation

The childminder enhances children's care by the high standard of her organisation. The premises are effectively organised. Space is used to maximise play opportunities for children. Indoors, the dedicated play area is set out and the equipment is easily accessible to all the children. Play materials are organised effectively to promote children's independence, encouraging them to make choices about their play and learning. The children enjoy a range of different play opportunities away from the home, such as visits to the park and toddler groups.

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Organisation

The childminder has a wealth of detailed documentation, which is over and above the requirements of the regulator. There is an extensive range of policies and procedures in place, which promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. All documentation is regularly reviewed and updated. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection two recommendations were raised; to clarify parental consent for emergency medical treatment and to increase stock of play resources reflecting equal opportunities. Both these recommendations have been addressed. The childminder has gained written consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, which ensures children are cared for in accordance to parents’ wishes. Children now have access to a range of resources which reflect our diverse society, promoting their understanding of the world around them.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 nappy changing procedures do not compromises the risk of cross-infection • ensure free standing mirror in bathroom does not pose a hazard to the children.

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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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