Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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504979 Unique Reference Number 14 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 satisfactory. 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 1985 to care for six children. She lives with her adult son in a semi-detached house in Oldham. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the lounge, dining room, kitchen, upstairs bathroom and back garden. There is a pet dog in the household. The childminder provides an out of school service from local primary schools. There are currently eight children on roll, some of which, attend part time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn satisfactory hygiene routines, such as washing hands after toileting and before food. They are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. Children are adequately protected from infection through the appropriate exclusion of children who may be infectious and satisfactory nappy changing routines. Children stay healthy by partaking in physical activity in the garden using a range of equipment, such as swing ball, climbing frame and scooters. Furthermore, they benefit from fresh air and exercise by walking to and from school each day. Children rest or sleep according to their needs promoting their health and well-being.

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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 Children are nourished through being given healthy choices. For example, they enjoy breadsticks, carrots and fruit. They learn about healthy eating because the childminder talks to them about foods that are good for them. Drinks are provided throughout the day promoting children's good health. Children respond well to personal hygiene routines and demonstrate good levels of independence increasing their awareness of healthy practices. Children's health and dietary needs are satisfactorily met through appropriate discussions with parents and the recording of allergies and intolerances.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Space and resources are organised to allow children to move around freely and safely. Play areas are colourful, welcoming and child-centred. Children use suitable toys and equipment due to satisfactory routines for keeping them clean and safe. Children are cared for in a mainly safe environment through the childminder taking some precautions to minimise hazards, such as using socket covers and safety gates. However, the safety of the fireguard and the unsecured garden gate puts children at risk. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder puts adequate measures in place. For example, she uses reins, a double buggy and older children hold onto the pram and know to stay together when out and about. Although, the childminder has limited knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures which compromises their safety and welfare. Children learn to keep themselves safe through appropriate discussions

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

about road safety. Their safety needs are met whilst on the premises due to being closely supervised and the childminder's satisfactory awareness of fire precautions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop confidence and self-esteem because the childminder gives them lots of praise for effort and achievement. They engage in a good range of activities to foster their all-round development. For example, they enjoy playing musical instruments, making a picnic with play food and looking for snails in the garden. Children acquire new knowledge and skills through the childminder asking them relevant questions to make them think, and providing activities using themes, such as Jungle and Pirates week. Children are encouraged to make positive relationships from discussions about sharing and taking turns. They are freely able to make choices in their play and pursue their interests by selecting a favourite activity. Resources are organised to help children to become independent learners.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled because the childminder places importance on arranging a series of visits with parents to allow the child time to become gradually familiar with the surroundings. Children enjoy their time at the setting and are eager to play. Babies can explore and are interested in a range of manufactured toys, such as activity centres, stacking cups and rattles. Through a range of art and craft materials children develop their imagination and creativity, thus promoting their sense of achievement and enjoyment. For example, they make jungle pictures using paper plates, masks and 'Night time' pictures using chalk on black paper.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder who respects them as individuals and treats them with consideration and kindness. They are

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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 valued and made to feel important as their art work is displayed on the walls. Children become aware of the wider world from play resources reflecting equal opportunities, such as puzzles, dolls and Chinese bowls in the play kitchen. Children develop some awareness of the needs of others because the childminder talks to them about playing carefully around the baby.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

She ensures all the children are fully involved in the life of the setting by changing or adapting the way play it is provided to suit all level's of ability. Children behave well, they understand responsible behaviour from clear boundaries and explanations. Children are cared for by a childminder who generally works with parents to meet children's individual needs. For example, consent is obtained for medication and taking children out. However, the lack of parents written consent for emergency medical treatment impacts on the individual care of children. Children's care is enhanced through the daily exchange of information regarding their progress and welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are safe and protected through the childminder's awareness of the vetting of household members. She maintains adequate ratios, thus improving the safety of the children. The childminder organises her time, space and resources sufficiently well to meet children's needs. Children benefit from visits to facilities in the community. For example, they go to local adult and toddler groups, parks and the library. Their care and well-being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through some further training. For example, she has updated her first aid certificate, attended Asthma training and some art and craft workshops. Most required documentation is in place and shared with parents. Children's records are up to date and kept confidential. 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, improve fire safety precautions by maintaining the smoke alarms on all levels of the home in working order and ensure that the rotary clothes drier is stored in a safe position; increase knowledge and awareness of child protection and procedures and increase resources to promote positive images of disability. Working smoke alarms are fitted to every level of the house, the clothes drier is now closed when not in use, the childminder has set up a book for recording existing injuries which parents sign and a disabled doll in a wheelchair has been obtained. 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.

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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.

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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 satisfactory. 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 garden secure so children cannot leave unsupervised • make fireguard safe • obtain parents written consent for emergency medical treatment • increase knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures

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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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