Childminder in Rochdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY222855 Inspection date 14 July 2005 Inspector Judith, Mary Horsfall

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 runs her business from her home which is situated on the main road close the centre of Milnrow. Extensive secure gardens are available for outdoor play. She shares her home with her husband and their 3 daughters aged 8, 12 and 15 years. The family have one pet cat. The child minder registered with OFSTED in August 2002. She has completed a childminding introduction course and holds relevant certificates in First Aid and Food Hygiene.

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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 She takes the children to various local facilities including parks, playgroup and school runs. There are currently seven children on roll, some of whom attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children benefit from the childminder having detailed health and hygiene policies. The house is clean and well maintained with suitable facilities for the children to rest and sleep. These include discussions with parents about individual children's dietary preferences and being sensitive to children' s allergies. The children are cared for in the case of accidents because the childminder understands first aid, however the first aid kit is not complete. The children are very enthusiastic about the healthy home cooked meals and the childminder takes active steps to encourage the children to eat five portions of fruit and/or vegetables per day. The children are learning about basic health and hygiene procedures through discussion and extended activities. These include chatting about potty training then at story time reading a book on the topic. Children enjoy playing outdoors, particularly in the large garden where they practise

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Helping children to be healthy

running, climbing and swinging on the play equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a welcoming, child friendly home which is warm, clean and well maintained. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor space, which allows the children to move freely and develop their independence. The rear lounge offers children a large space with masses of freely accessible, safe toys, child sized furniture and resources which are suited to children of varying ages. The childminder has systems and routines in place to ensure the children are kept safe, both in the home and on trips outdoors. Children are learning about their own safety including road hazards and using steps by discussion with the childminder during daily routines . The children are further protected because the childminder has undertaken training to increase her knowledge of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children settle very well and make themselves at home in a confident manner,

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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 sharing and co-operating with each other. The children are encouraged to develop through their play opportunities with the childminder helping the children to learn colours, fruits, shapes and numbers. The children make positive choices from the large range of resources and activities on offer with current favourites being dressing up and computer games. The children's individual needs are identified and the childminder works with parents to ensure those needs are met. Children ask questions, socialise and are beginning to understand the differences between right and wrong. Their confidence and self-esteem are raised by the regular use of praise, reward systems such as star charts and colourful displays of the children's artwork on the walls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children including those with special needs are welcomed and cared for by the childminder in a positive manner. Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of wider society. They enjoy many local activities such as swimming, museum trips, indoor play centres and social visits with other childminders and their children. They also have access to many resources showing aspects of wider society although images of disabled people are limited. Parents are consulted about children's individual needs and are given feedback each day about their children's progress and welfare. This encourages a sense of belonging and continuity in the care of the children. Children are beginning to develop a sense of responsibility, as the childminder talks to them very clearly about their behaviour and why it is important to care for other people and their possessions.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised with all of the relevant paper work in place. Documentation is very detailed and clear. This helps promote the safety, development and wellbeing of the children. Children's records are stored in a confidential manner and unauthorised persons are not permitted to have contact with the children. The children play with interest and are supported in their daily activities, enabling them to make progress in all areas of their development. Parents are kept informed about the provision, with the childminder sharing policies and procedures. The children are cared for in a supportive, caring environment where their individuality is valued. The childminder has an understanding of child development which ensures that the children continue to make progress in all areas.

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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 Overall the provision meets the needs of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, one action was raised. This related to improving knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder has now undertaken the necessary training. She demonstrates a clear comprehension of child protection procedures and as a result, the children are now further protected.

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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 the contents of the first aid kit meet the required standards • ensure that resources depicting positive images of disabled people are available to the children.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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