Childminder in Wigan

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295118 Inspection date 20 June 2005 Inspector Victoria Gail Halliwell

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and two years in Tyldesley, Manchester. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part time basis and three children after school. The childminder walks to a local school to collect the children. The childminder attends local parent/toddler groups. The family has a dog.

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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 are cared for in a warm clean home. Standards of cleanliness are good throughout the home which helps prevent the spread of infection and maintain the children's good health. The childminder implements good practices to ensure the families pet does not pose a hazard to the children's health. All children are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of good hygiene through established daily routines. Such as hand washing after petting the dog and prior to meals and snacks. The childminder is familiar with the required procedures to ensure medication is safely administered to the children. Children are well nourished and their health is promoted through the provision of freshly prepared meals such as spaghetti bolognese or home made vegetable soup. Menu's are planned in advance and take account of children's individual likes and dislikes. All children enjoy regular healthy snacks. School age children are

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Helping children to be healthy

encouraged help themselves from a well stocked fruit bowl and prepare their own drinks as they arrive home from school. Drinks are continually available for under fives. Children are encouraged to play outdoors during the summer months which increases energy levels and helps keep them healthy. The childminder creates an inviting outdoor play environment that encourages the children to play out in the fresh air and sunshine. Children enjoy almost daily trips to the local park. This allows them to move freely in open spaces and use large apparatus to practice and refine physical skills such as climbing and balancing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder creates a welcoming and child friendly environment. As a result children move freely around the property, making good use of the rooms available to undertake a range of activities. For example younger children engage in imaginative play in the conservatory whilst other children simultaneously use the dining area, living room or garden. Children have good access to a broad range of good quality toys, which meet safety standards. Children's safety is generally well promoted. Appropriate action has been taken to ensure most potential hazards are minimised, so that the children can move around safely. Additional attention is required to ensure the glass panel in the door and the outdoor plants do not pose a hazard to the children. Fire safety is given a high priority and children are aware of appropriate procedures to follow in the event of an emergency evacuation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder who has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues. She is able to identify possible signs and

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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 symptoms of abuse and take appropriate action to protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They enter her home confidently and quickly become absorbed in activities of their choosing. For example, on arrival one child happily says goodbye to mum and stars to push her 'baby' around in the pram, chattering continually to the 'baby' about their walk. The childminders provide warm and loving care so that children of all ages feel safe and secure in her care. A young baby is lovingly reassured as he wakes in the childminders care following the departure of mum, the baby responds with smiles as the childminder hold him close and talks gently to him. Children engage in a broad range of activities which promote their all round development. They independently select their own resources and play materials from low level storage container's. This helps promotes their confidence and self esteem as they make meaningful choices about their play and how they spend their time.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is mindful of the need of school age children and respects the wishes of those who wish to sit and relax following a structured day at school. Under fives benefit from daily outings which broaden their range of experiences and stimulate their interest in the world around them. The childminder uses routine trips to the shops to promote the children's colour recognition and number skills. For example asking children the colour of different fruits or to select four oranges.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals, parents are encouraged to share details of their child's lifestyle and culture to enable the childminder to meet their individual needs. Children's learn about the wider world through activities which link to special events and festivals. For example, during Chinese New Year, the children make lanterns, bookmarks and taste Chinese food. The childminder has adopted a written equal opportunities policy which is shared with parents. The policy is generally well implemented. Positive discussions which explore the feeling of others and the impact of hurtful comments for example, name calling because of a disability or gender help increase children's understanding and promote a positive view of diversity. Children are well behaved and are learning right from wrong as a result of consistent boundaries and positive behaviour management strategies. Pre school children are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

able to stand up for their own rights, they knowingly seek assistance from the childminder if a younger child try's to take away the toy they are playing with. Children's needs are met as a result of close working relationships with parents. Parents are informed daily of their child's experiences and routine events such as meals and sleeps. They are encouraged to share information from home which helps ensure the children receive consistent care.

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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. Since registration the childminder has demonstrated her commitment to further developing her knowledge and understanding of working with young children and their families through training and personal development. She has attended a number of training courses including first aid and heuristic play which is the use of natural resources as play materials. Organisation is good, where possible tasks such as meal and snack preparation are completed prior to the children's arrival. As a result the children are well supported by the childminder as they engage in a range of activities and undertake outings into the community. All required documentation is maintained to ensure the setting is satisfactorily managed and the welfare of the children is promoted. Policies and information for parents are well presented. This provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 the glass panel in the rear door and the outdoor plants do not pose a hazard to the children.

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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 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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