Childminder in Bolton

Inspection report for early years provision

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315683 Unique Reference Number 24 April 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight, 14, and 17. The family have a pet budgerigar. They live in a semi detached property in the Harwood district of Bolton. The whole of the ground floor, and upstairs bathroom, is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. There are currently three children on roll. The childminder attends various carer and toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. The children are cared for in a clean home where the childminder promotes effective hygiene practice by helping children learn the importance of hygiene and personal care as she acts as a good role model. Children wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children are seen playing with dolls, bottle feeding them and changing their nappies. They show their understanding of the need to care for themselves and others through this imaginative play.

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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 The childminder's first aid certificate has expired. This is a breach of regulation and means that her knowledge of first aid is not sufficiently up to date in the event of children having any minor accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing healthy choices with food. Nutritious meals include home cooked stews with chicken and fresh vegetables and snacks on busy days. Fresh fruit, yogurts and sugar free drinks are also offered. These keep children well nourished. Children are kept refreshed and hydrated by the continual provision of sugar free drinks in their own cups.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities to walk to and from school and benefit from fresh air and exercise. Sometimes the childminder takes children out to local parks where they play in the playground on slides and swings, or feed the ducks. Other physical activities include an exercise video for young children that they enjoy, and shows that they put on indoors as part of their dressing up activities. Outside in the garden there are toys to play on such as a scooter and a climbing frame. Children benefit from the opportunities to develop their muscles through this exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, child-centred environment. The childminder provides a range of safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate resources. Children can access these independently. Some, such as a large dolls house, are on the floor, and others are at the children's height. Activities and games can be done on the child sized table and chairs in the lounge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safety is considered inside and outside. Doors, and the gate in the back garden, are kept locked and children are supervised at all times. Appropriate safety equipment is in place, such as a stair gate and children are not allowed into the kitchen. Children are seen reminding the childminder of this rule. They are learning to keep themselves safe by understanding and following the rules she sets. For example, when they go for walks older children hold her hand or hold onto the side of the buggy, while younger children go in the buggy. Car seats that fit children of different ages are used, and the childminder has spares for emergencies. Children are kept safe on trips out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are appropriately protected. The childminder has documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded. For example, she has a sound understanding of child protection issues in line with the local authority procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident in the childminder's home. They behave well responding to the childminder's consistent expectations. A range of toys and activities meet children's learning needs. Children see the childminder as someone they like to play with. For example, they play with magnetic darts and talk about the numbers on the dart board. They regularly bake with the childminder making buns. Coloured sprinkles and rice paper characters that the children choose are used to decorate these. Children are exercising choices and engaging in interesting first hand experiences.

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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 Children choose which activities they want to do. For example, children are seen doing art and craft activities, drawing with felt tip pens, using stickers and making tissue paper pictures. They are developing physical skills as they do these activities and they are happily absorbed in their work.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is sensitive to their need to relax as well as to learn through play opportunities. Children have a variety of activities and experiences each day. For example, they walk to the local library, and to visit other children, which provides stimulation and different experiences. Children are read to from a variety of books that cater for a range of ages. Children are active learners who demonstrate imaginative skills and enjoying acting out every day experiences. For example, they iron in the dolls house, and explain what the toy figures are doing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a good relationship with the childminder. Children are beginning to appreciate the diversity of the world and the value which people of all cultures and ages have to offer. The childminder talks to children when issues occur and this is reinforced by the positive images of the world presented by the toys on offer. The childminder has an interest in children with learning difficulties and disabilities and is aware of the need for communication with parents and other professionals to ensure effective working.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning appropriate boundaries and acceptable behaviour. For example, house rules are known and accepted as the childminder explains the reasons behind them. Children are beginning to learn to understand right from wrong and to wait and take turns when this is necessary. A clear behaviour policy and the childminder's fair treatment of children helps them to develop suitable relationships with each other. Praise is used frequently to help children realise that they are behaving well and to reinforce appropriate behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents have sound relationships with the childminder. Daily discussions take place when children are dropped off and collected so that information is passed on effectively. Children are developing their self-esteem and their sense of achievement as a result of these communications.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder is aware of the need to protect children and all necessary checks have been undertaken. She supervises children well never leaving them alone with anyone who has not been properly vetted. She has a sound understanding of how to keep children safe and this is reflected in her policies. Children are kept safe and protected through her vigilance and care.

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Organisation

The childminder uses her time well to make sure that children have a range of interesting and motivating experiences in a caring environment. Space is used to promote the safety and learning of the children who move confidently around the environment.

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Organisation

The childminder is generally organised and has documentation, such as her certificate of registration, available. Policies and her operational plan, provide a useful framework that show her commitment to childminding. She has some knowledge of the National Standards and has appropriate information on issues from her initial childminding course and some more recent training. She has done a first aid course that includes a paediatric element, however the

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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 certificate has expired. This is a breach of regulation which compromises the health of the children being minded. Overall, the provision does not meet 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 asked to make sure the front porch is not obstructed. This has been addressed. She was also asked to practice the emergency evacuation procedure with the minded children. The childminder has done this. She has talked to children about the need to keep safe in the event of an emergency. Children's safety is promoted by these measures.

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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 can be seen on request. The complaint 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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