Childminder in Bury

Inspection report for early years provision

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501962 Unique Reference Number 16 February 2007 Inspection date Christine Marsh 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 has been registered since 1999. She lives with her partner and two children aged 13 and six years. They live in a house in a quiet cul-de-sac in Radcliffe, a suburb of Bury. Schools, a play group and a park are amongst some of the amenities within walking distance from the house. The ground floor lounge, kitchen dining room and the conservatory for the purpose of sleeping children only are used for childminding. Bathroom facilities are located on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently five children on roll who all attend various days and hours during term time or school holidays. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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. The childminder follows satisfactory procedures to protect children from illness and infection. Children are reminded to wash their hands to get rid of germs. This helps them to develop healthy hygiene practices. The home is clean and the childminder has a current first aid certificate. Parents sign permission for the childminder to administer medication. The giving of medication is discussed with parents, recorded, signed by the parent, and up to date. Children's health and well being is protected by these measures. Children who are sick or infectious do not attend which ensures infections are not passed on and safeguards children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a nutritious, balanced diet that promotes their healthy growth and development. For example, cereals, fresh fruit and toast are offered as snacks, although children sometimes opt for less healthy alternatives, such as crisps or mini chocolate bars. Children can help themselves to drinks at any time ensuring that they remain hydrated. Children have sandwiches or a snack on toast for lunch, whilst tea is always a hot, cooked meal with vegetables. Mealtimes are sociable, friendly occasions.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop physical skills and a healthy lifestyle through daily routines. Indoors children play physical games or dance to music together. This gives them opportunities to enjoy movement and encourage their physical well being. Children use the large, secure garden on dry days in the summer. This gives them opportunities to develop their gross motor skills as they play on the slide and a small trampoline. Children regularly walk to and from school, which gives them fresh air and exercise. Toddlers are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. In these ways children's physical needs are met appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into the home which is safe, clean and well maintained. Doors are kept locked with the keys nearby, but inaccessible to young children ensuring their safety. The indoor environment is spacious and children are able to choose where to do activities. They stretch out while playing with toys on the floor, and use the table for drawing. The environment is accessible and stimulating for children. This encourages them to choose from the wide range of toys available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

In the kitchen there are no hazardous substances within children's reach. Work surfaces are kept clear and children are supervised. A fire blanket and smoke alarms are in place and regularly tested. Children's safety is protected and the risk of accidents minimised because of these measures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection and of the appropriate procedures. The garden is completely enclosed and secure so children can play safely on the grass or paved areas. This gives them opportunities to use their bodies and develop a sense of physical

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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 wellbeing. Children go for walks with the childminder who watches them vigilantly. Toddlers are kept on wrist straps to ensure their safety, while older children are talked to about safety and staying close. Children develop a knowledge of road safety and act responsibly when they are outside.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are happy and settled. They concentrate well as they draw pictures sitting at the table and enjoy chatting to each other as they do so. When their drawings are finished they go to the childminder and give a full explanation of what is happening in their drawings. The childminder listens attentively and comments positively showing children that their ideas are valued.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play on the floor with toy cars. They play well together, content in each other's company and enjoying their school holiday. The childminder praises and encourages the children successfully promoting good behaviour. Children access a variety of activities from the clearly labelled and appropriately stored toys available. Jigsaws are available for older children on request as toddlers are at the stage of putting them in their mouths. Toddlers are engaged in different activities to distract them from the jigsaw activity. Children are taught right from wrong and reminded that they need to share toys safely as they play, helping them to develop socially. Children take part in a variety of activities benefiting from the childminder's encouragement and suggestions. The childminder provides a positive role model who explains rules. As a result children behave very well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are well known because of effective communication with parents and the childminder's observations of children's favourite activities. For example, as a child arrives the childminder apologises because another child has used some of the materials from the construction that they had made the day before. The child accepts this without complaining and goes to join another child playing on the carpet. The childminder showed sensitivity in explaining and apologising to the child because their work had been spoiled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have a limited awareness of the wider world as there are few resources or opportunities within the setting for them to develop their knowledge and understanding of other cultures and life styles. The childminder has considered issues to do with equality of opportunity and has bought some resources, such as books to reflect the diversity within society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder continues to have extremely positive relationships with the minded children and the children have very good relationships with each other. The childminder has a calm and consistent approach in terms of dealing with children's behaviour. Her expectations are consistent and appropriate for the ages of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are positive. The childminder makes sure that parents know about the daily routines and activities that their children are involved in. If the childminder is busy

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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 children wait quietly before asking her for something. Children are active learners suggesting games they can play and things they like to do.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has done further training in child protection since the last inspection. Her knowledge of this subject is now up to date. This together with her clear understanding of the National Standards means children are kept safe.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her time effectively. Children are supported as the childminder gets on well with children of all ages and has a sound understanding of child development. The daily routines for activities including times for eating and resting, create familiarity and security for the children. This helps them to relax and be content together. Children approach the childminder confidently and are happy in her company. She organises her time well to provide a rich mix of activities tailored to individual children's needs. Children's well being is further promoted by the good relationships that the childminder has with their parents. All documentation is up to date and appropriate, for example, the registration certificate is on display, and other documentation is well organised. Parents sign permission for the childminder to administer medication. This is discussed with parents, recorded, signed, and up to date. This ensures

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Organisation

children's health is protected. 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

Since the last inspection the childminder has done further training in first aid. The childminder's knowledge of this aspect is now up to date, which helps to make sure that children's safety is promoted in the event of accidents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take action in order to meet the National Standards. 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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Complaints 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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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): • develop personal knowledge and obtain more resources in order to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for 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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