Branche, Lindsay

Inspection report for early years provision

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315495 Unique Reference Number 12 June 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 has been registered since December 1994. She lives with her husband, one adult son and two teenagers in a house in the Little Lever area of Bolton. Local shops, schools and amenities are nearby.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She provides care for children using the dining-kitchen, playroom, the lounge and the conservatory on the ground floor of her home. A secure rear garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder is currently caring for three children under the age of eight years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted. The childminder has given very thorough consideration to all aspects of health. She has effective hygiene procedures in place to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. For example, children wash their hands frequently. Young babies are introduced to hand washing as part of the daily routine. The children learn about the importance of good hygiene as the childminder discusses with them why they need to wipe their noses.

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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 Toys and resources, such as play sand, are maintained in a clean condition and children can play with them safely.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good understanding of nutrition for young children. She provides them with healthy snacks of fresh fruit every day. The children bring their own lunches, which the childminder stores at a safe temperature until children are ready to eat. The children can access drinks of water or fruit juice throughout the day, which ensures they are well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise which is beneficial to their health. They play outdoors in the garden in all weathers. The children bring Wellington boots and suitable clothing in order to benefit from experiencing the rain and snow. They walk to the local school, parks and amenities which provides them with daily opportunities for physical exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe home environment which offers them a good amount of space for their care and play needs. The childminder's home is a child friendly environment. Children can reach a wide range of good quality, well organised toys and resources. This enables them to have choices about what they do and develop their own play ideas. The range of toys and resources are suitable for the ages and interests of the children who are cared for. The childminder knows what the children like to play with, she ensures that toys which interest them are always available. In addition, she encourages them to explore new toys and develop their play experiences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children stay safe because the childminder supervises them well and ensures that very effective safety measures are in place. Children learn about emergency procedures when they practise fire evacuation drills every month. The childminder has given good consideration to safety issues. She has devised clear policies and procedures for safety in order to keep the children safe in the home and when they are out in the local area. She has a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures in order to safeguard the welfare of any children she may care for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are very happy and settled in the care of the childminder. She gets to know them very well. She is familiar with their characters, preferences and individual needs, which she meets very well. This ensures that children are settled and content in her care. The children clearly enjoy spending time with her. They spend time together doing the things which the children enjoy. They play a game of pairs with picture cards and share stories and songs. As they play the childminder talks to the children about what they are doing, asking simple questions, talking and counting together to encourage their learning and communication.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children have access to a wide range of stimulating play activities. They can explore toys and resources made from natural materials which encourage them to use their senses. This is developed further when the children explore textures and different materials, such as paint, corn flour mix and sand. Although the range of activities are age appropriate and of good quality, the childminder does not yet use the 'Birth to three matters' framework when planning activities for the younger children.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children generally behave well when in the care of the childminder due to the very positive approach she has. For example, they respond well to the frequent praise and encouragement they receive. The childminder understands how to deal with unwanted behaviour in a manner which is appropriate to the age of the children. They have many opportunities to become aware of differences as they play with a good range of toys, books and jigsaws which reflect different cultures, race, gender and disability. The childminder also talks to the children about differences in order to develop their understanding further.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's individual needs are accommodated very well by the childminder. She has a sound knowledge of child development and is able to support children very well. For example, she follows speech therapy advice in order to promote language skills. She works very well with parents and carers in order to provide the children with familiar care routines which help them feel secure. She works well with parents to establish toilet training and promote the children's development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her home, toys, equipment and time very effectively in order that the children are provided with good quality care. She has developed very clear and comprehensive policies and procedures relating to all aspects of care which she uses in her daily practice so that children's needs are met. These are made available to parents and carers, ensuring that they are very well informed about the childcare service. The childminder has an enthusiastic and dedicated approach to childminding. She attends short courses on a regular basis in order to develop her childcare knowledge and skills. She uses this knowledge well to develop her care practices to the benefit of the children.

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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 develop five areas of her practice. Since that time she has followed procedures to ensure all members of the household over 16 years are vetted. The childminder has increased the range of child height furniture which enables the children to play in comfort. In addition, the garden and low level glazing have been made safe. Finally, the childminder has developed her awareness of child protection issues and procedures. By addressing these issues successfully the childminder has effectively developed the procedures for the safety and welfare of the children she cares for.

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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.

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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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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 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 the provision for younger children, in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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