Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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301476 Unique Reference Number 05 September 2006 Inspection date Patricia Graham 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 satisfactory. 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 1992. She lives with her husband and three adult children in the Failsworth area of Oldham. The whole ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and two children over five part-time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler groups.

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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 satisfactory. Children are kept healthy because the childminder provides a clean and homely environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, they know to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet because they are dirty. Effective procedures are implemented when cleaning toys and changing nappies, which helps to reduce the risk of cross contamination. Children's well-being is maintained because the childminder has a sound understanding of procedures to follow when recording accidents and administering medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides snacks and meals that appeal to children and meet their dietary requirements. She takes into account their likes and dislikes, for example, she peels fruit for young children, which cater for their preferences. Children are provided with healthy nutritious foods, which include fresh vegetables and alternative foods are offered to children who have allergies. Children are continually hydrated as they access their own drinks of milk, juice or water throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contributes to their good health. They benefit from fresh air and exercise as they engage in outdoor play activities. For example, they play actively in the back garden, go on regular walks and play ball games, such as cricket on the nearby field. Young children's needs are met well because the childminder offers consistent routines, such as sleep patterns and mealtimes, which are agreed with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well maintained home where possible risks are identified and minimised. For example, play materials are checked on a regular basis to ensure they are not broken or damaged. Children play with a good selection of developmentally appropriate toys and resources, which are stimulating. Most toys are accessible as they are stored at low level. This promotes children's independence and confidence as they self-select their chosen activities. Children's safety is promoted as the childminder has good fire evacuation procedures in place. As a result, children understand how to exit the premises in the event of an emergency. Children learn to keep themselves safe indoors through good practice and discussions. For example, older children know to keep small toys away from younger children because it is dangerous. Children are protected on outings because the childminder provides good supervision and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

appropriate safety measures are in place, which ensure children do not come to any harm. The childminder has some documentation in place, such as emergency contact numbers, which means she can contact parents immediately in the event of an emergency, which promotes children's welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected effectively because the childminder has a good level of understanding on child protection issues. She is fully aware of procedures to follow in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Boards. She understands the requirements for recording in a confidential

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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 manner and reporting any concerns to designated persons. This ensures children's care, safety and welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely settled and enjoy all aspects of their play and learning because the childminder plans a range of stimulating activities, which offer a balanced day. They use a good range of stimulating action response toys, which they explore with interest and they show excitement as they play imaginatively with the dinosaurs. Children have good opportunities to develop their social skills through regular attendance at the local toddler groups and as they play cooperatively with their peers. Children are competent learners, for example, they count the stacking cups as they build a tower; they correctly name the colours and squeal with excitement as they watch their tower tumble to the ground.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's independence is fostered as they choose their own activities from the good selection of toys, which are mostly accessible. For example, children extend their creativity as they choose craft activities; they develop a love of books and begin to recognise that print carries meaning as they freely select books, which are interesting and informative. Children are assured as they snuggle together reading stories and competently turn the pages with care. The childminder extends their intellectual capacities as she encourages them to talk about the pictures. As a result, children eagerly join in with the story and display good levels of confidence as they ask lots of questions. This positively enhances their language skills. Older children make choices about how they wish to spend their time after school. They choose whether to relax or join in with activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are clearly acknowledged by the childminder. She knows each child well and has a very warm and caring relationship with them, which increases their sense of belonging. Children play with a good selection of toys that promote positive images of society, such as books and imaginative play. They have equal access to all activities regardless of their gender. This helps children value each other and develop a positive view of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the home because they are given meaningful praise and encouragement, which increases their self-confidence. They develop a clear understanding of right and wrong because the childminder uses appropriate strategies, which are appropriate to their level of understanding. For example, the childminder praises children for sharing and encourages them to take turns. Consequently, children play harmoniously with each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnership the childminder has developed with parents. Parents are given daily verbal updates relating to all aspects of care offered, such as activities, meals and outings, so that they are kept up to date about their child's care and progress. Parent's comments are actively encouraged, which promotes continuity of care. However, a complaints procedure has not yet been established in line with recent changes.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a positive environment, which is sufficiently organised. This provides them with good opportunities to move around freely and enables them to have informed choices about their play. Children are cared for within required ratios, which promotes their well-being and helps them feel settled in the family environment. Children's welfare is also enhanced as the childminder is qualified to administer first aid.

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Organisation

Most documentation is in place, which adequately supports children's health and well-being. For example, the attendance register clearly records children's hours of attendance and adequate procedures are in place for recording medication and accidents. However, some parental consent forms are not in place and records are not effectively organised as they are not easily accessible. The childminder has a clear understanding of informing the regulator of any changes in circumstances, which positively supports the children's care. 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 the provider was asked to ensure that all accidents are recorded irrespective of severity. The childminder now has systems in place to record accidents. This promotes children's well-being.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • make available to parents details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint

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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 • ensure that all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible and available for inspection at all times • obtain written permission from parents, for example, to seek emergency medical treatment and to take children on outings.

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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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