Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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504995 Unique Reference Number 22 June 2006 Inspection date Susan Magaret Lyon 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 to care for four children. She lives with her husband and three children in a end terraced house in Oldham. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the lounge, dining room, kitchen, upstairs toilet and back garden. There is a pet cat in the household. The childminder provides an out of school service from local primary schools. There are currently three children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have clear understanding of the importance of personal hygiene through good daily routines, such as washing hands after toileting and before food. Children stay healthy through the childminder maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. Strong emphasis is placed on

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 protecting children from infection through a clear exclusion policy in place which is explained to parents, use of disposable wipes and the good organisation and care of pets. Children's health and dietary needs are met through appropriate discussions with parents and the recording of allergies and special diets.

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Helping children to be healthy

High priority is given to providing children with daily fresh air and exercise through daily walks to and from school, frequent visits to the park and the childminder providing a range of play equipment in the garden to promote children's health and well-being, for example, bats, balls, slides and see-saws. Children enjoy physical activity indoors through dancing and action games.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished well through a wide range of healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit and yoghurts. They learn about healthy eating through discussions about foods that are good for them and being praised for trying different tastes. Drinks are readily available for children throughout the day, improving their health and well-being. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and understand that this is important to keep them well.

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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 mainly safe environment because the childminder takes some precautions to minimise hazards, for example using socket covers and safety mats. However, insufficient security of the premises compromises children's safety. The play areas are bright and welcoming and space and resources are organised to allow children to move around freely and safely. Children use suitable and safe toys and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder has put adequate safety measures in place, such as using harnesses and wrist straps. Children learn to keep themselves safe through appropriate discussions about road safety and stranger danger. The childminder keeps children safe through close supervision.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's awareness of fire precautions contribute to children's safety whilst on the premises, although the inaccessibility of the fire blanket may put children at risk. Children are protected because the childminder has satisfactory knowledge and understanding of her role in child protection and appropriate procedures to follow if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the childminder giving them praise and encouragement. They engage well in a suitable range of age appropriate play activities to promote their all round development. Children acquire new knowledge and skills from time spent with the childminder, for example, reading books together and talking about the stories. Children are encouraged to make positive relationships through sharing and taking turns. They freely make choices in their play and pursue their interests, such as selecting a favourite toy. Resources are appropriately organised to help children become independent learners.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children are happy and settled because the childminder gives them individual care and attention and supports their play. Through a sufficient range of art and craft materials children develop their imagination and creativity, thus promoting their sense of achievement and enjoyment through making cards and pictures relating to seasonal topics and themes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. They are valued and made to feel important through being given individual attention. Children begin to be aware of the needs of others through the childminder talking to them about being kind to one another. Children become aware of the wider world through a satisfactory range of play resources reflecting equal opportunities, for example dual language books and black dolls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures all the children are fully included in the life of the setting through adapting the way play is provided where appropriate, and working closely with parents and other professionals to provide continuity of care. Children behave well and begin to understand responsible behaviour through clear boundaries and explanations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for by a childminder who mainly works with parents to meet children's individual needs. However, consent for emergency medical treatment is not obtained, impacting on the individual care of children and the partnership with parents. Children's care is enhanced through the daily exchange of information with parents regarding their progress and welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are safe and protected through the childminder's awareness of the vetting of household members. She maintains adequate ratios, thus improving the safety of children. The childminder adequately organises time, space and resources to meet children's needs.

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Organisation

Children benefit from appropriate visits to facilities in the local community, such as the library, shops and park. Their care and well-being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training, for example first aid and Asthma. Most documentation is in place, up to date and kept confidential. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to increase resources that reflect equal opportunities, ensure the grid in the garden is made safe and ensure parents have access to Ofsted's contact details. The childminder has obtained dual language books, black dolls and books showing different cultures and positive images of gender. Due to a newly built extension to the house, the grid is no longer a part of the garden, and Ofsted's details are made available to parents through the complaints procedure. These improvements further enhance the care and safety of children attending the setting.

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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

There are no complaints to report. 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): • ensure the fire blanket is accessible in the kitchen • improve security of the premises to prevent a child being able to leave unsupervised • obtain parents written consent for emergency medical treatment.

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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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