Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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504959 Unique Reference Number 19 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 1990 to care for six children. She lives with her daughter in a detached house in Oldham. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the lounge, kitchen, play room, dining room, downstairs 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 six children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through satisfactory daily routines, such as washing hands after toileting and before food. They are adequately protected from infection through an exclusion policy which is explained to parents. The home is clean and hygienic and

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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 children learn the importance of healthy practices through having their own colour coded cups and through the availability of tissues.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides nutritious snacks for children, for example, fresh fruit and yoghurts. Drinks are readily available for children throughout the day, improving their health and well-being. Children learn the importance of healthy eating mainly through being involved in the choosing and preparing of fresh fruit for snacks after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy generally through walking to and from school, some visits to the local park and indoor activities which encourage them to be active, for example, role play and indoor ball games. Children have appropriate opportunity to rest or sleep according to their individual needs and routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The play areas are bright, colourful and welcoming, and space and resources are organised to allow children to move around freely and safely. Children are cared for in a mainly safe and secure environment because the childminder takes some precautions to minimise risks to children, for example, using socket covers and safety gates. However, hazards in the play room, kitchen and garden compromise children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use suitable and safe toys and equipment. They are kept safe on outings because the childminder has put adequate safety measures in place, such as holding onto the buggy and using harnesses. Children learn to keep themselves safe through appropriate discussions about road safety and 'stranger danger'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder keeps children safe through close supervision. Her awareness of fire precautions contributes to children's safety whilst on the premises. Children are protected because the childminder has clear 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 lots of praise for effort and achievement. They engage in a suitable range of play activities to foster their all round development. Children acquire new knowledge and skills from time spent with the childminder, for example, she talks to them about colours and numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 activity. Resources are appropriately organised to help children become independent learners.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled because the childminder respects them as individuals and supports their play. Young children develop their senses through exploring some textures and sounds. Children develop their imagination and creativity through a suitable range of art and

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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 craft materials, for example, they make their own birthday cards, thus promoting their sense of achievement and enjoyment.

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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 involved in decision making. Children begin to be aware of their own needs and the needs of others through the childminder talking to them about feelings and encouraging cooperative games and activities. Children become aware of the wider world through an adequate range of play resources reflecting equal opportunities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures all the children are fully involved in the life of the setting. She adapts the way play is provided to suit all levels of ability and works closely with parents and other professionals. 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's care is enhanced through the daily exchange of information regarding their progress and welfare. They are cared for by a childminder who works with parents to attend to children's needs, however, insufficient written consent from parents for various aspects of childminding compromises the individual care of children.

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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 organises time, space and resources sufficiently well to meet children's needs. Children benefit from appropriate visits to facilities in the local community. Their care and well-being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training, for example, in child protection and food hygiene. Most documentation is in place 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 fit smoke alarms to every level of the house, remove debris from the garden, and obtain parents' written consent for emergency medical treatment. Smoke alarms are now fitted to each floor of the house, the garden is clear of debris, and written consent is obtained for emergency medical treatment. 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 play room, kitchen and garden are safe and free from hazards • obtain appropriate signed consent forms from parents regarding the individual care of 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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