Childminder in Bolton

Inspection report for early years provision

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315624 Unique Reference Number 11 January 2007 Inspection date Jannet Mary Richards 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 lives with her husband, one cat and one dog, on a residential estate located on the outskirts of Bolton. Minded children have use of a large conservatory arranged as a playroom and bathroom facilities are located on the ground floor. The bedrooms are used for children to sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden which is used for outdoor play. The home is situated close to the M61 motorway and Bolton Ring Road. Public transport and local play areas are within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for six children under the age of five years, most of whom attend on a part-time basis. She has an appropriate childcare qualification.

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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 follow established routines which help them to become aware of the importance of good hygiene. They have their own toothbrushes and towels, for example, which they use to brush their teeth and wash their hands as part of the meal and snack routines. The childminder develops their awareness of why this is important when she discusses hygiene with the children. The children are able to follow familiar routines from home and have their own drawer to store belongings, such as comforter blankets, which effectively fosters their emotional well-being and helps them to develop a sense of belonging. Clear procedures about excluding children when they have infectious illnesses, which are displayed for parents' information, help to reduce the spread of infection and maintain children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy meals and snacks contribute to children's health. They enjoy a choice of fruits during the twice-daily snack times. At mealtimes they are provided with nutritious home-cooked meals, such as chicken casserole and hotpot. During the day they have a choice of milk or water which is always available to them to ensure that they are adequately hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Daily access to fresh air and the opportunity to develop physical skills helps the children to develop healthy lifestyles. Each day they go for walks in the local area. They often play in the garden and visit a local activity play centre on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home environment provides a safe, child-centred space for children's care and play. Children benefit from the very welcoming playroom which has displays of photographs showing them playing at the childminder's and with their families. This helps to make the children feel very welcome and valued. The very wide range of well-organised toys and resources provides the children with many choices. The children learn to care for the toys as they choose what they play with and help to put them away when they have finished.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children stay safe as the childminder gives good priority to safety issues. The home environment has features, such as stair gates, socket covers and smoke alarms which help to reduce the risk of accidental injury to children. In addition, the children learn how to keep safe through activities organised by the childminder. They set up a roadway and cars in the garden, for example, to learn about crossing roads safely. They later practise what they have learned when they go for walks with the childminder. The children learn about emergency procedures, such as fire evacuation through practising fire drills on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures in order to safeguard the welfare of any children she cares for.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content in the care of the childminder. The effective gradual settling-in programme whereby children visit with their parents, allows them the time to get to know the childminder and settle very well. The childminder gets to know their individual characteristics and develops good relationships with the children in her care. The children clearly enjoy her company, chatting together as they play and sitting on her knee for a cuddle. The childminder asks the children simple questions as they play to encourage their learning such as 'how many?' and 'what colour?'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy a wide range of play activities. Each day they have time for child-led play when they choose from the wide variety of toys available. The childminder also plans some interesting adult-led activities, such as collage, crafts, baking and painting. All activities are flexible enough to allow for the children's interests at any given time. Children's progress is recorded in the form of photographs which depict the children learning new skills, such as feeding themselves and becoming mobile. The childminder has given consideration to the aspects of the 'Birth to three matters' framework which she uses in practice to promote the children's development. She has not yet linked these to her observations of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children respond well to the childminder's calm and positive approach. The children enjoy each other's company as they play together and their behaviour is good. They learn to respect others as they play with a range of toys and books which have positive images of race, culture, gender and disability. The childminder uses day-to-day opportunities to talk to the children about differences to develop their awareness of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children benefit from the good partnership between the childminder and their parents and carers. They work together effectively to meet the children's individual needs and provide a consistent approach. The childminder has a good awareness of how to meet children's additional needs. Parents and carers are kept fully informed of what the children have been doing and what the childminder has planned. Information is displayed on a very informative notice board, comprehensive policies and procedures and daily diaries are available, in addition to the daily informal discussion about the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the effective organisation skills of the childminder. Her home is very welcoming to children with toys, furniture and equipment arranged attractively to make them feel welcome. She plans and prepares activities and meals before the children arrive, allowing them to benefit from her full attention throughout the day. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development which she uses well in practice to meet the children's needs and encourage their development.

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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 The documentation relating to the care of the children is well maintained and fully supports their care. Comprehensive policies and procedures are used well in practice to the benefit of the children, whilst also providing detailed information for parents about the childminding service provided.

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Organisation

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

At the time of the last inspection the childminder was asked to address two issues. Since the inspection she has significantly increased the range of written documentation relating to children's health, for reference and information about individuals. This has led to an improvement in the documentation available for children's health issues which can be used for quick reference and to meet the individual needs of the children. During the inspection the childminder also demonstrated an awareness of the second issue raised, relating to informing the regulator of any changes. She has a good understanding of this requirement.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there has been one complaint to report. Ofsted received information regarding an alleged incident between household members. Ofsted investigated this by visiting the childminder on 15 March 2005 to discuss the information. An action was raised in relation to National Standard 14 - Documentation. The childminder has confirmed her understanding of the action raised and remains qualified for registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • continue to develop an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and consider using the aspects to record observations of 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 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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