Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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503849 Unique Reference Number 29 August 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 six children. She lives with her husband and three children in an end terraced house in Oldham. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the lounge, kitchen, play room, upstairs bathroom and back garden. The childminder provides an out of school service from local primary schools. There is a pet dog and cat in the household. The childminder has a child care qualification. There are currently eight children on roll, all attend part time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because of good hygiene practices, such as washing hands after toileting and before food. They are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. Children are protected from infection through a detailed sick child policy which includes the exclusion of children who are infectious. Furthermore, the spread of infection is prevented by clean face cloths being provided which are used once and laundered. Children partake in physical activities to keep healthy. For example, they visit the local parks and enjoy indoor activities, such as dance, music

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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 action songs. Also children benefit from fresh air and exercise as they walk to and from school each day. Children rest and sleep according to their needs enhancing their health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished through being given healthy choices including fresh fruit, salads and vegetables. Their individual dietary needs are met through discussions with parents and the recording of allergies and intolerances. Children learn about healthy eating through relevant discussions with the childminder about foods that are good for them and by planting and growing their own vegetables to eat at mealtimes, such as tomatoes, peppers and pod peas. Drinks are provided throughout the day promoting children's good health. Children respond well to routine, such as sitting at the table and socialising at lunchtime and carrying out personal hygiene tasks, thus increasing their awareness of healthy practices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Space and resources are well organised to allow children to move around freely and safely. The play room which is dedicated to childminding, is welcoming, colourful and child-centred through the use of pictures, posters and charts displayed on the walls. Children use suitable toys and equipment which are checked daily for safety. Children are cared for in a mainly safe and secure environment as the childminder takes precautions to minimise hazards. For example, socket covers are in place and safety gates are used. However, the opening of low windows in the lounge and the placing of furniture directly underneath puts children at risk of accidents. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder has clear rules about walking and staying together and crossing roads safely. Children learn to keep themselves safe through relevant discussions regarding stranger danger and using stairs safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety needs are met whilst on the premises due to the childminder's satisfactory awareness of fire precautions. They are also kept safe through close supervision. Children are protected because the childminder has an adequate understanding of 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 good. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the childminder giving them lots of praise for effort and achievement. They engage well in a good range of stimulating activities, such as cutting out and sticking large posters, den making and using pasta and cardboard rolls to make rainmakers. Children acquire new knowledge and skills from using an abundance of educational resources. For example, they look at books and maps to find out about different countries. Children are encouraged to make positive relationships as the childminder places importance on discussions about friendships and getting along together. Furthermore, children learn to take turns and cooperate well together whilst playing board games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are freely able to make choices in their play and pursue their interests. For example, by selecting a favourite activity. Well organised resources help children to become independent learners. Children are happy and settled. They are eager to join in activities and enjoy their time at the setting. Through a broad range of art and craft materials children develop their imagination and creativity, thus promoting their sense of achievement and enjoyment. For example, they enjoy making photo frames using pasta, they make vases and paper flowers and use leaves to make pictures.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. Strong emphasis is placed on getting to know children as individuals and priority is given to settling in new children gradually at their own pace. The childminder talks to them with great kindness and consideration and, as a result children are polite and well-mannered. Children are valued and made to feel important as their art work is displayed and they are included in decision making regarding activities and outings. Children become aware of the wider world through a wide range of resources. For example, books showing disability, cultures and festivals, Asian dishes, toy wheelchair and multi-cultural baking.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop awareness of the needs of others through appropriate discussions about feelings and being encouraged to help the younger ones at story time. All children are fully included in the life of the setting by the childminder changing or adapting the way play is provided to suit all level's of ability. Children behave well. They understand responsible behaviour from clear boundaries and explanations and the displaying of 'house rules.' Children are cared for by a childminder who works with parents to meet children's individual needs, for example by obtaining signed consent forms. The care of children is enhanced through the daily exchange of information regarding their progress and welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are mainly safe and protected although the childminder's son is not vetted yet. The childminder maintains adequate ratios, thus improving the safety of the children. She organises her time, space and resources well to meet children's needs. Children benefit from visits to facilities in the local community, such as parks, shops and library. Children's care and well-being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills from further training. For example, she has completed a qualification in childcare and education, attended food hygiene, Asthma training and updated her first aid certificate. All required documentation is up to date and children's records are kept confidential. A comprehensive range of detailed policies are shared with new parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain books and puzzles to reflect diversity; access a first aid course; ensure that the attendance register is fully completed and provide a copy of up to date vehicle insurance. The childminder has obtained a wide range of resources reflecting diversity, she has completed a first aid course on 23/06/2007 and the attendance register is completed and up to date. The childminder no longer uses a vehicle to transport minded children. 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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Complaints 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

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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): • make windows in the lounge safe • ensure all persons over the age of 16 years undergo checks

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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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