Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

503872 Unique Reference Number 07 March 2008 Inspection date Glynis Margaret Kite Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her son aged eight years in Failsworth area of Greater Manchester. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed back yard for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years, at any one time and is currently minding six children mainly on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Transport can also be arranged. The childminder attends parent and toddler and play groups.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. During school holidays she attends the local childminder's support group.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted to satisfactory standards. The childminder uses an anti-bacterial cleanser for cleaning equipment before and after lunch. She is mindful of children's needs, such as when they need to wipe their nose. However, effective hygiene procedures are not followed consistently, for example, children's hands were not washed before eating lunch. Other procedures which help to reduce the risk of cross contamination include excluding sick children and keeping the premises and equipment clean and tidy.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes account of children's individual dietary requirements, likes and dislikes. Children are offered a choice of food for lunch from a range of foods that she knows the children will eat. Children enjoy some fresh fruits and yoghurts. Children have access to a drink at all times. The childminder makes sure that bottles of water are in view and easy reach for children and she regularly reminds children to take little drinks, helping them to stay suitably hydrated.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Required records and documentation is in place with regard to the safe management of accidents and medication. The childminder has obtained written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment if necessary.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in premises which are maintained to satisfactory standards of decoration and repair. The environment is homely and welcoming to both children and their parents. Children are offered a suitable range of furniture, toys and equipment to support their care, learning and play needs. Children have free access to toys. The range of toys includes some which reflect the diversity within the local community.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes some positive steps to promote children's safety, for example, she uses safety equipment where required, such as stair gates and cupboard locks to reduce the risk of harm to children. A written fire procedure is in place, although the childminder does not practise emergency evacuations with children. This compromises children's safety because they may not respond appropriately in the event of an emergency situation. Children are sometimes transported in a vehicle belonging to a relative of the childminder, although parents have given their consent for this purpose, the childminder is unable to demonstrate knowledge of the vehicle's safety. A written policy is in place regarding the safety of children during outings.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through discussion the childminder demonstrates satisfactory knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. She has put in place a safeguarding children policy, however, this relates mainly to the overall safety of children and not necessarily protecting children from potential harm, such as abuse or neglect. The childminder displays useful guidance for parents on how to make a referral if they are concerned and they are also given a leaflet to take home with them.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder. Children are becoming more confident in making choices about their play. Children's imaginative play is encouraged through the provision of suitable toys and equipment, such as small world toys and books. Children enjoy creative play and remain focused for good periods of time, however, on occasions the childminder directs their play too much.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy to occupy themselves while waiting for lunch to be prepared and do this through watching television for a little while, exploring their own clothing and engaging in some imaginative play. Children are developing confidence to speak to others less familiar to them, but with the security of the childminder being present. The childminder is supporting children's language and speech development well. She has obtained a series of books which promote synthetic phonics. Picture books are also used to help children develop their speech and language skills, as they make up the story to the pictures. Parents are invited to support their children by taking home the books. Children are beginning to write some letters with the support of the childminder. Children demonstrate their knowledge of number and colour as they make cards for their parents for Easter.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have formed close relationships with the childminder and enjoy playing together. Children show a sense of pride in their own achievements and enjoy the praise they receive.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The individual needs of children are met satisfactorily. The childminder requested written information from parents regarding their individual needs and routines. However, not all parents return the records in a suitable time. Children's safety is compromised because the childminder may not have access to sufficient information in an emergency situation. Children make gradual visits to get to know the childminder, which helps them to settle in. Children learn about the wider world through discussion, play and by being part of a multi cultural group. Children learn to respect each other and to be kind and take turns. All children are treated with equal concern and respect by the childminder.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour management is based on a positive approach by the childminder. She has a written policy in place, which includes basic rules, such as no bullying. Strategies to manage children's behaviour include time out and discussion, depending on the age of children and their level of understanding. The childminder promotes the use of good manners at all times. Children behave well and demonstrate that they have adopted good manners as they say please and thank you without prompts.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Most information for parents is shared through verbal discussions on a daily basis. Written contracts are in place and a system for recording and sharing information about complaints with parents.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a suitably qualified adult. Children are closely supervised at all times by the childminder, which helps to make them feel safe and secure. The childminder ensures children have sufficient supervision and attention through maintaining adult child ratios.

p.5

Organisation

The space provided is satisfactorily organised, making sure children can play in comfort and safety. Children are able to make choices about their play and have freedom of movement within the childminder's home.

p.5

Organisation

Most of the required records and documentation is in place and several written policies and procedures are available for parents' information.

p.5

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has obtained written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment and advice as necessary. The steps taken improve the overall safety of children attending the setting.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 hygiene standards, in this instance, by ensuring children always wash their hands before eating • review the policy for safeguarding children to demonstrate how they will be protected from potential harm in relation to abuse or neglect • improve the overall safety of children, in this instance by implementing emergency evacuation procedures with all children • take steps to ensure that any vehicle used to transport children in is safe to do so

p.5

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 • support children's development by enabling them to be creative and explore their options in their own way • make sure that record forms are available for all children with regard to their individual needs.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6