Bloor, Jacqueline

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 315486 Inspection date 21 July 2005 Inspector Ann, Theresa Flynn

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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 has been registered since November 1999. She lives with her 6-year-old son in a terraced property in Horwich near Bolton. The middle room on the ground floor of the property, as well as two bedrooms and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. An enclosed garden area is available for outdoor play. The childminder may care for a maximum of three children under 5 years at any one time and there are currently six children on roll. The childminder's daily routine involves attending toddler groups on a regular basis.

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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 understand the importance of personal hygiene and staying healthy through daily routines, as they consistently wash their hands after eating or visiting the toilet or after touching the dog. The childminder teaches children about what is dirty such as not eating biscuits which have been on the floor, or sharing drinking cups. Children's rest requirements are met well as they receive ample opportunities to sleep in accordance with their own individual needs. The childminder promotes children's learning about being healthy. Fresh air and exercise is enjoyed by children on a daily basis. For example, outings to places such as the duck pond, park or to a local field for picnics and to play football, therefore, enhancing their physical development and well-being. Meals and snacks are healthy and nutritious and cater for children's individual dietary requirements. The five a day rule for fruit and vegetables is followed which promotes

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Helping children to be healthy

children's access to a balanced diet. Children have free access to drinks, each have their own cup and for older children drinks are freely accessible to which children help themselves, therefore, promoting personal independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and secure. They move around the environment with ease as there is adequate space for them to play and rest when requiredt. Children are kept safe as they play indoors because suitable safety equipment is in place which helps to protect children from injury. However, the fire blanket is still in the packaging and not appropriately housed, therefore, compromises children's safety. The childminder risk assesses the places she is to visit away from the setting to ensure they are suitable for children and therefore, children are kept safe on outings. There is a varied range of age appropriate resources available to children and the childminder supervises the choice of toys to restrict unsuitable toys being accessible to young children. Access to varied resources helps to provide a stimulating environment which promotes children's all round development. Children are very well protected by the childminder. She has a clear understanding of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the procedure to follow if she is concerned about a child, giving high priority to children's welfare.

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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 are developing good levels of self esteem and confidence by developing their personal skills such as helping themselves to drinks and selecting their own resources. Constant support and praise from the childminder helps to develop children's esteem and independence. The childminder demonstrates warm, caring relationships with the children and is very attentive to their needs and therefore, children are happy and settled. Children's understanding of the wider world is being developed by activities outside of the home, using visits to the duck pond, park and a local playing field to widen children's experiences. Resources are freely available to children as they choose the resources they wish to play with from the toy box within the room they play. Children are developing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

independence and an understanding about choice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's awareness of diversity is developed through involving them in activities which include various cultures and festivals and by actively discussing with children the wider world. The individual needs of children are met and exceptionally well supported by the childminder. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of equal opportunities and special needs. She has experience of children with various special needs and demonstrates an understanding of their requirements. Good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder helps to develop children's self esteem. The childminder has realistic expectations of children's behaviour and manages behaviour well in agreement with parents. Children are learning to distinguish between right and wrong as they are encouraged to be kind, friendly and share during their play. Children's care is enhanced and they benefit significantly from the positive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

partnership the childminder has with parents. She works with them to ensure continuity of care by following routines which contributes to children's well being.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Time is well managed by the childminder and a good balance of indoor and outdoor play is used to extend learning and development for all the children. Children benefit from the childminder's active involvement with local based facilities such as playgroups and therefore, children's learning and development is enhanced. Children are well supported because the childminder draws on advice and support in order to monitor her practice and to evaluate the service provided to children.

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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 Documents are maintained in line with National Standards. However, policies and procedures are not specific to the setting. For example, one policy names a carbon monoxide alarm which the childminder does not have, thus providing contradictory information. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom care is provided.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's care has been improved because the childminder has attended to all three recommendations raised at her last inspection. Improvements have been made to documentation because the childminder has obtained a copy of the booklet 'what to do if you are worried a child is being abused' and has included details of Ofsted within the complaints procedure. She has made some improvement to the resources which reflect diversity to help to raise children's awareness.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there has been one complaint relating to standard 6 safety. The complaint was concerning leaving children unattended in a car. The complaint was investigated by visiting the childminder to discuss the concern. The outcome of the complaint is that the childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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 fire blanket is housed appropriately • ensure policies and procedures are appropriate to the setting.

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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 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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