Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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503825 Unique Reference Number 26 July 2007 Inspection date Susan Magaret Lyon 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 2001 to care for five children. She lives with her husband and two children in a detached house in Oldham. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the lounge, kitchen, dining room, play room, downstairs toilet and back garden. There are no pets. The childminder provides an out of school service from local primary schools. There are currently eight children on roll, all attending part time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy through effective hygiene routines, such as washing hands after toileting and before food. They are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment due to good daily routines and an effective nappy changing procedure. Children are well protected from infection due to a detailed exclusion policy being in place and using their own hand towels which are used once and then laundered. Children's good health is enhanced because the childminder provides daily physical activities using a broad range of equipment, such as hoops, balls and slides. Strong emphasis is placed on fresh air and exercise as children wear appropriate clothing

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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 and foot wear when visiting the park to feed the ducks and splash in the puddles. Children rest or sleep according to their needs contributing to their health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished through healthy foods. For example, they enjoy fruit, breadsticks, raisins and crackers. Their health and dietary needs are met from discussions with parents and the recording of allergies and intolerances. Children learn a great deal about healthy eating because they are involved in choosing and preparing a range of ingredients to use when making pizzas. Displaying of posters and charts showing '5 a day' fruit and vegetables increases children's awareness of healthy eating. Drinks are provided throughout the day promoting their good health. Children confidently respond to routine, such as personal hygiene and sitting at the table to socialise at snack time contributing to their increasing awareness of healthy practices

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Space and resources are well organised to allow children to move around freely and safely. Play areas are bright, colourful and welcoming. Children use suitable toys and equipment through the childminder taking all reasonable steps to ensure they are clean and safe. Children are cared for in a mainly safe and secure environment as the childminder ensures effective precautions are in place to minimise hazards, such as socket covers, alarmed front door and use of a visitors book. However, the accessibility of the hosepipe and electrical leads puts children's safety at risk. The childminder places high priority on keeping children safe on outings, such as using wrist straps and reins. They learn to keep themselves safe through discussions about crossing roads safely and not putting toys in their mouths.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is enhanced due to the childminder's positive attitude to fire prevention. They develop an understanding of fire precautions through some children being made aware of and practising the emergency escape plan. A high level of supervision is maintained to keep children safe and well cared for. Children are protected because the childminder fully understands her role in child protection and appropriate procedures to follow if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely confident and self-assured in the setting as they are involved in decision making regarding planning inspiring days out, such as experiencing a North American day. Children are highly motivated and enthusiastic as they join in an excellent range of stimulating activities. For example, they make fish tanks using herbs as seaweed and collect leaves, twigs and conkers for pictures. Children are very happy and settled due to the childminder giving high priority to allowing them to settle in at their own pace and joining in activities as they are ready. Children acquire new knowledge and skills through a wealth of educational resources and posters adorning the walls creating a rich learning environment. The childminder is highly skilled in challenging children's learning, such as extending a pizza making activity to include the children excitedly looking up information about the country of Italy. Furthermore, she

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

shows excellent understanding of skilfully questioning to make them think. For example, she asks 'what does the yeast do?' during baking. Children demonstrate excellent understanding of cooperating well together as they organise themselves into two teams for board games. Children are freely able to make choices in their play and pursue their interests, for example by selecting a favourite activity. Extremely well organised resources help children to become highly confident and independent learners. Children can explore and are interested in an

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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 excellent range of textures of natural materials to develop their senses, such as treasure baskets and household objects. Children are vibrant and animated as they show and talk about their art work using an abundance of craft materials. For example, they make snow shakers, teddies with moving arms and legs and teddy bear masks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children feel a great sense of belonging through a very trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. They are highly valued and made to feel important as they are consulted about where they want to go and what they want to do. The childminder speaks to children with great respect and consideration and as a result children are well mannered and polite. They develop great interest in the environment by being actively involved in planting and growing vegetables. Children become aware of the wider world through an excellent range of play resources, such as books showing different cultures, black dolls and opportunity to eat noodles with chop sticks. They develop extremely good awareness of the needs of others through being encouraged to help the younger children and the displaying of posters about feelings. Activities about exploring feelings significantly enhances their understanding of the needs of others. For

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Helping children make a positive contribution

example, they write down what makes them happy and sad. The childminder ensures all the children are fully involved in the life of the setting through giving utmost priority to reviewing play plans and making adaptations or changes to suit all level's of ability. Children behave extremely well. They demonstrate an excellent understanding of responsible behaviour as they devise their own ground rules, such as 'we share' and 'we are kind to our friends.' Children are cared for extremely well by a childminder who works closely with parents to meet their individual needs. For example, meticulously detailed records are kept including written consent from parents for numerous aspects of care. Children's care is significantly enhanced through the exchange of daily diaries using photographs to inform parents about how children have been and what they have done.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safe and protected through the childminder's awareness of the vetting of household members. She maintains appropriate ratios at all times, thus improving the safety of the children. The childminder organises her time, space and resources extremely well to meet children's needs. For example, she plans interesting outings during the holidays like strawberry picking. Children benefit from visits to facilities in the local community, such as shops, parks and the library. Children's care and well-being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training. For example, she has attended Asthma training, Outdoor play and 'Birth to three matters' framework. All required documentation is in place including a 'welcome to my home ' pack for new parents. Children's records are up to date and kept confidential. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve child protection procedures by obtaining the government guidance 'what to do if a child is being abused,' always recording existing injuries and improve documentation for health to include parents acknowledgement of any medication administered. The childminder has obtained the current guidance for

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 safeguarding children and parents are asked to sign a record of existing injuries. An effective system is now in place for parents to sign giving consent for the childminder to administer medication and when medication has been given. These improvements further enhance the care and safety of children attending the setting.

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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 complaints 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 electrical leads and the hose pipe in the garden are safe or inaccessible to children

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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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