Childminder in Rochdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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316253 Unique Reference Number 23 August 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 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 1996 to care for six children. She lives with her two sons in a terraced house in Middleton, Manchester. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are lounge, kitchen, play room, upstairs bathroom and back garden. There is a pet dog 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 a clear understanding of the importance of washing hands and develop their self-help skills through a growing independence during toileting. They are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. Children are well protected from infection through a clear exclusion

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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 policy being in place which is discussed with new parents. Children's health and dietary needs are met through the completion of detailed record forms to identify additional requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy through taking part in daily outdoor physical activities, such as walking to and from school and visiting local amenities, including the parks, shops or library. The childminder places strong emphasis on fresh air and exercise by providing children with appropriate clothing and footwear for all weathers. Children learn about healthy lifestyles through enjoying a range of indoor activities, such as dance and exercise games.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished through healthy meals and snacks, such as dried and fresh fruit. Drinks are provided throughout the day promoting children's good health. They rest or sleep according to their individual needs maintaining their health and well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Space and resources are well organised to create a large spacious area dedicated to childminding where children can move around freely and safely. The play areas are colourful, welcoming and child centred resulting in a safe and stimulating environment. Children use a broad range of suitable and safe toys and equipment which meet British safety standards and are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness and safety through daily checks. Children are cared for in a mainly safe and secure environment through the childminder putting several precautions in place, such as socket covers and safety gates, however the hosepipe in the garden compromises children's safety. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder has put effective measures in place, for example using reins and holding onto the buggy. They learn to keep themselves safe through discussions about road safety and 'crossing when we see the green

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

man.' The childminder keeps children safe through providing a high level of supervision both indoors and out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's good awareness of fire precautions contribute to children's safety whilst on the premises. Children have a clear understanding of what to do in an emergency through regularly practising the evacuation plan, although the inaccessibility of keys may put children's safety at risk. Children are protected because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role in child protection and would follow appropriate procedures if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the childminder giving them lots of praise for effort and achievement. They engage well in a wide range of stimulating and interesting activities to foster their all-round development, such as dressing up, water play and painting. Children acquire new knowledge and skills through a broad range of educational resources and the childminder spending time talking to children about colours, letters and counting. Children are encouraged to make positive relationships through discussions about sharing and taking turns.

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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 freely able to make choices in their play and pursue their interests, for example by selecting a favourite activity. Well organised resources help children to become independent learners. Children are happy and settled because the childminder spends time settling in new children through arranging visits with parents. Children enjoy their time at the setting because the childminder supports children's play and provides close supervision. Through a range of art and craft materials children develop their imagination and creativity, thus promoting their sense of achievement and enjoyment, for example making smiley face pictures. Children can explore their senses through a range of resources and manufactured toys, such as touchy/feely books, mirrors and different types of music.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. They feel valued and important through having their art work and photographs displayed on the walls. Children become aware of the wider world through a wide range of play resources reflecting equal opportunities, for example dual language books and disabled play figures. They develop awareness of their own needs and the needs of others through books about 'feelings' and discussions with the childminder about being kind to one another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures all children are fully involved in the life of the setting through treating all children equally and adapting or changing the way play is provided to suit all level's of ability. Children behave well. They understand responsible behaviour through clear boundaries and explanations. Children are cared for by a childminder who works with parents to meet children's individual needs, for example obtaining signed consent forms and recording children's details. Children's care is enhanced through the daily exchange of information regarding their progress and welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safe and protected through the childminder's awareness of the vetting of household members, and is currently arranging suitability checks for her son. She keeps Ofsted informed of any changes and maintains adequate ratios, thus improving the safety of children. The childminder organises her time, space and resources well to meet children's needs. Children benefit from visits to facilities in the local community, for example parks, shops and library.

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Organisation

Children's care and well-being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training, such as 'Birth to three matters', child protection and equal opportunities. Well organised documentation contributes to the safe and efficient management of the provision. Detailed and thorough written records are up to date, shared with parents and kept confidential contributing to an effective partnership with parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop a range of toys and activities covering all aspects of equal opportunities, develop knowledge and understanding of equal opportunity issues, ensure smoke alarms are maintained in working order and ensure times of children's attendances are recorded correctly. The childminder has obtained a wide range of resources reflecting colour, culture and disability and attended equal opportunity training. Smoke alarms are situated on every level of the house and are in good working order and the daily register includes children's times of attendances and is up to date. These improvements further enhance the care and safety of children attending the setting.

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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 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 garden is safe and free of hazards • ensure doors are easily opened during emergency evacuation.

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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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