Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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504966 Unique Reference Number 03 September 2007 Inspection date Patricia Graham 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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged 16 and five years in the Failsworth area of Oldham. The whole ground floor of the childminders home is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for one child under five all day, one child under five part-time and one child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler groups. The childminder has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from illness and infection because the home is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness and the childminder follows effective hygiene routines. For example, good nappy changing procedures ensure hygienic disposal of nappies and anti-bacterial cleaner is used on all food preparation areas. This minimises the risk of cross infection. Children are

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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 protected from illness and infection because the childminder has good systems in place for recording accidents and administering medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because the childminder promotes healthy eating and works in partnership with parents. As a result, parents provide healthy packed lunches and the childminder offers a good selection of snacks between meals. Children learn the importance of healthy eating through discussions and activities offered by the childminder. They talk with confidence about good foods and giggle with excitement as they feed unhealthy foods to the 'Greedy gorilla'. Children are continually refreshed as they independently access their own cups of fresh water or milk throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have ample opportunities to engage in outdoor activities, which contributes to their good health. They have continuous access to the enclosed garden and refine their physical skills as they play a variety of ball games and ride wheeled toys. At other times, children enjoy frequent trips to the park and to places of interest, which promotes a healthy lifestyle. Children are totally assured as the childminder offers lots of cuddles and a consistent routine, for example, sleep patterns are discussed and agreed with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have a good sense of belonging as they confidently move around the spacious home. Their developmental needs are well met as they explore a good range of toys and resources, which are well maintained and appropriate to their age and stage of development. Toys are beautifully presented and well organised, for example, effective use of a store cupboard means children can easily self-select toys and resources. Consequently, children's independence is fostered.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's risk of injury is minimised because the childminder has a good awareness of safety. She offers good supervision and ensures toys with small pieces are stored above toddler height, which promotes children's safety and well-being. Children are developing a good awareness of safety through discussion and good practice. For example, they know to hold hands on outings and understand why they need to look both ways when crossing the road, 'In case you get run over'. The childminder has relevant documentation in place, such as emergency contact numbers and appropriate car insurance, which further promotes children's welfare and safety. However, written consent is not yet in place for transporting children in a vehicle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected effectively because the childminder has a good level of understanding on child protection issues. She is fully aware of the importance of working in partnership with parents and outside agencies for the well-being of the child. The childminder has relevant contact numbers accessible, which means she can act promptly and report any concerns relating to child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely settled and enjoy all aspects of their play and learning because the childminder plans a range of stimulating activities, which offer a balanced day. For example, children develop their social skills through regular attendance at the local groups. At other times they are given choices because a broad selection of toys and resources are easily accessible. This means they are able to initiate their own activities and play opportunities. For example,

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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 develop their creativity as they make musical instruments, using a variety of props, such as a teapot and a variety of tubs provided. They are able to extend their play as they select musical tunes and sing with great gusto to their favourite songs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are offered a range of play materials, which meet their developing needs and ensure they are fully included in all activities. For example, older children refine their writing skills as they use fibre pens whilst younger children practise mark making with chunky crayons as they make beautiful pictures. Children interact confidently with their peers and show respect for each other as they take turns playing lotto games together. They play imaginatively with the character figures and children display good levels of concentration as they construct detailed models using the colourful bricks. Children benefit from having tactile experiences as they roll and mould the play-dough. However, they have limited opportunities to explore using all of their senses as natural materials are not always provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and treated with equal concern. Their personal needs are successfully met because the childminder liaises with parents to establish children's needs and interests. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities issues and provides children with meaningful explanations to help them learn about others. For example, children know some people wear glasses 'To help them see better'. This helps children understand differences, which increases their awareness and respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the home because they are continually stimulated and receive lots of support from the childminder. They thrive from the praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder who celebrates their achievements. This boosts children's confidence and self-esteem. When dealing with incidents the childminder is extremely calm and consistent in her approach and successfully use strategies, which are appropriate to children's stage of development. Consequently, children are extremely happy and play harmoniously with their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnership the childminder has developed with parents. She ensures relevant information is obtained from parents and has good systems in place for the regular exchange of information. This contributes significantly to children's care and well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in required ratios, which support their care and well-being. The home is well organised and space is effectively utilised to maximise play opportunities for the children. As a result, children confidently move between rooms and engage in a range of activities, which promotes their learning and development.

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Organisation

The childminder has most documentation in place, such as an attendance register, which clearly records times of arrival and departure. This positively supports children's health, safety and well-being. The childminder has a much organised approach to her documents and children's confidentiality is maintained as their records are filed in a secure manner. The childminder has a clear understanding of notifying the regulator of significant events, which ensure children's safety and well-being. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to seek written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. She now has good systems in place for recording parental consent. This positively promotes children's health and well-being.

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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 they can see 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 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 that written parental permission is given before transporting children in a vehicle • provide increased opportunities for children to explore resources, such as natural materials, to develop their senses.

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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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