Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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301171 Unique Reference Number 20 March 2007 Inspection date Carol Ann Dixon 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 1996. She lives in Chadderton with her husband and three children aged 14, 16 and 18 years. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years, and is currently minding two children under eight and three children over eight. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a bathroom upstairs and there is access to a rear bedroom. Outside there is a front enclosed garden for outdoor play. Children may be taken to, and be collected from, local schools for out of school care. Younger children can be taken to local carer and toddler groups to extend their play opportunities and social skills within a group setting, and also to other local places of interest. 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 satisfactory. The children benefit from the childminder's sound knowledge of health issues and detailed policies and procedures. The childminder has regular cleaning routines to ensure the children are cared for in a hygienic environment. Children are actively encouraged to learn about good hygiene procedures, such as washing hands with anti-bacterial soap after using the toilet. The children are kept safe from infection because the childminder has comprehensive sickness procedures which are clearly communicated to parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered a healthy diet in close consultation with parents. The childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of the importance of healthy eating, offering nutritious options, such as lean meat and fruit. The children are learning to make healthy food choices and enjoy sitting together at the dining table for their meal. Water is available at all times to ensure children do not become thirsty and sugar free juice is also provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy participating in a range of physical play activities and are gaining good control and coordination over their bodies. Babies learning to walk are provided with space and equipment to assist them to practise this. Children have daily opportunities for physical activity in the garden and through outings and visits to local parks. These activities provide plenty of fresh air and opportunities to develop large muscle skills and coordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in secure and welcoming surroundings where they can move around safely and freely. The children remain safe because the childminder is aware of hazards and supervises the children at all times. Detailed policies and procedures, such as emergency evacuation plans and health and safety procedures are implemented to ensure children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a broad range of suitable and accessible toys, resources and equipment. These are regularly checked for cleanliness and damage by the childminder. She ensures the choice of resources are appropriate for the children's age and stage of development. Children are secure in the childminder’s care, because she generally reduces risks and minimises dangers within the home and outdoors. For example, when walking to and from school, the childminder ensures the children walk ahead of her so that she can supervise them at all times. Children’s awareness of keeping themselves safe is reinforced through simple discussions and practice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder has an adequate awareness of her role in safeguarding children. She is very aware of the importance of recording any incidents or concerns and observing any changes in children's general behaviour. However, she does not have local contact numbers or a clear understanding of local authority procedures.

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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 satisfactory. Children are content and relaxed in the childminder's care. They benefit from a broad range of interesting and stimulating activities, such as puzzles, crafts and art work. Children are involved in a variety of play opportunities both inside and outside the childminder's home, such as trips to the local library and park. They attend a toddler group where they have opportunities to socialise with other children and experience varied activities. This also encourages their learning, confidence and independence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from consistent routines for eating, resting, playing and walking to and from school. The childminder continually chats to children giving them praise and encouragement, which develops their self-esteem and sense of belonging. Older children enjoy baking and various craft activities, they recently made cards for Mother's Day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn as they play because the childminder talks to them and asks questions to encourage their thinking. Younger children benefit from the childminder's effective use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which informs her planning and addresses individual children's needs. Babies love to explore the contents of a treasure basket and enjoy building towers from bricks with the support of the childminder. They imitate sounds and begin to link words with actions as they join in with action rhymes, such as 'row, row your boat' and 'wind the bobbin up'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a satisfactory range of books and resources which provide positive images and promote the children’s understanding of differing lifestyles and the wider world. Regular outings and trips to places of interest, such as parks, the local shops and toddler group are helping children to become a part of the local community. The childminder has a positive attitude to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are responsive to the encouragement and meaningful praise that they receive from the childminder. They are finding out about the boundaries that are in place and behave well. The childminder has an effective partnership with parents. She takes positive steps to ensure that they are kept well informed about all relevant policies and procedures. There is a clear complaints procedure, and the childminder is aware of her responsibility in respect of responding to and recording any complaints received. Daily discussions and a diary keep parents up to date about their child's day, progress and any issues.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has attained a recognised childcare qualification and is working towards another. This is enabling her to continue to develop and improve her childminding skills and enhance the quality of care provided. She has good relationships with children, ensuring they receive lots of encouragement, support and attention. Most records and documentation are in

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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 place, well maintained, stored appropriately and retained for inspection. There are some minor omissions in medication records. The childminder has developed a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures that she uses to inform and underpin her practice. 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 last inspection the childminder was required to address several actions relating to safety. She has taken appropriate action to respond to all of these, and children's safety has consequently been enhanced. As a result of this inspection, a recommendation remains with regard to the childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures.

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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 any 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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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): • improve knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures • ensure that medication records are appropriately detailed.

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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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