Childminder in Rochdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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301183 Unique Reference Number 21 August 2007 Inspection date Carol Ann Dixon 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 outstanding. 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 1990. She lives with her husband and three children aged seven, 12 and 18 years in Royton, near Oldham. The whole ground floor is used for childminding, with toilet facilities on the first floor and there is a fully enclosed rear 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 minding four children under five years and five children over five years, before and after school. She walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practices which promote their physical, nutritional and health needs. They are cared for in a warm and spotlessly clean home, where they receive exceptional support and guidance from the childminder. Children are gaining an excellent understanding of good hygiene and a real desire to become increasingly

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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 independent in their personal care. For example, they are helped to understand the routine for hand washing after using the toilet as the childminder has displayed a visual reminder in the bathroom. Children display an understanding of the routine as they visit the toilet and explain that they have washed their hands and put the tissue in the bin upon their return. Children delight in daily planned walks, visits to local parks and outdoor activities which provide them with plenty of fresh air and exercise, as a result they learn how exercise keeps them healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted as drinks are readily available at all times. Older children can freely access drinks from a jug of water or juice and the childminder ensures younger children are regularly offered drinks. Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet that includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Excellent partnerships with parents ensure children are encouraged to eat a balanced diet, try new foods and choose healthy options. Children’s dietary requirements and preferences are well catered for. The importance of adopting healthy lifestyles is effectively promoted through activities such as baking and shopping for fruit at the supermarket. Discussions about healthy foods form part of the daily routine as the childminder sits with the children at meal times. Older children enjoy recording their fruit and vegetable intake on daily record charts which encourages their understanding of the importance of eating five portions

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Helping children to be healthy

Caring relationships are extremely well established and the childminder ensures that younger children have consistent routines and their own meal and sleeping patterns are followed. Consequently they thrive within the environment, feel secure and their health and emotional well-being is secured.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a safe and very well maintained home. The childminder ensures children can access necessary items such as their coats which are on child height coat pegs. This helps them to have a sense of belonging and enhances their independence. The childminder is extremely vigilant, she has clearly identified potential risks and put in place highly effective safety precautions to minimise them. Children frequently practice the emergency evacuation plan. This increases their awareness of responsibilities and what to do in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The exceptionally safe environment enables children to choose and have freedom of movement where they can relax in comfort or engage in more energetic play. Children are cared for using suitable high quality equipment so that significant parts of their daily routine, such as eating and sleeping, are safely catered for. Space is organised very effectively to promote their growing independence and to facilitate all kinds of play experiences such as art and craft activities, imaginative and water play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are actively involved in organising their environment and keeping themselves safe. They adhere to simple rules such as helping tidy up, walking inside and not climbing on furniture. The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits. Children are aware that they should let the childminder know if they are leaving the room to go to the bathroom upstairs. This allows the children to develop their independence. Children’s safety is of immense importance to the childminder who has up to date knowledge of first aid practice. Activities, discussions and stories on safety issues such as road safety and strangers successfully reinforce the importance of children looking after themselves.

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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 Children choose what to play with from a broad range of safe, high quality age appropriate toys and equipment. This promotes their confidence, ability to make choices and become independent. Children are exceptionally well supervised and monitored by the childminder. She skilfully assists them to choose resources appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are well protected as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures and gives utmost priority to their welfare. She is clear about her responsibility to report any concerns and informs parents of this as they receive a copy of her child protection procedure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children experience a wealth of stimulating activities and thoroughly enjoy their play and learning which significantly contributes to their development. Children are inspired and freely able to express themselves through a variety of media such as painting, printing, collage and mark making with different materials. The childminder gives high levels of care and attention and uses her understanding of early years guidance, such as 'Birth to three matters' to provide excellent experiences for all children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans her daily routine to include activities inside and outside the home. Children take the bus or train to interesting places such as the museum or lake where they enjoy feeding the ducks. They regularly attend toddler groups where they enjoy music, dancing and socialising with other children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder monitors children's progress and development and uses her observations to plan for their next stages. This ensures children are challenged and make good progress in all areas of development. Their day is extremely well organised to provide an extensive range of activities which stimulate their interest. Children eagerly build models with construction equipment and play imaginatively as they dress the dolls and take them for a walk in a pushchair. They delight in exploring a wide range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as water play, baking and model making. They play very co-operatively and offer support to each other. For example, older children help the younger ones to roll the play dough out as they use various rollers and cutters to mould and create shapes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled and enjoy choosing their favourite toys and equipment. Younger children freely and confidently move from one activity to another with praise and encouragement from the childminder who supports them well and ensures the environment is stimulating and fun. They engage in lovely interaction with the childminder as they sit together to look at books during a quiet time after lunch.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children have extensive opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through exciting activities, resources and outings. They have access to a superb range of books and equipment that provide positive images. They eagerly participate in activities that help them learn about their own and the religious and cultural beliefs of others. For example, at Chinese New Year they made dragons and they enjoy tasting food for religious and cultural festivals. This gives them an excellent awareness of wider society and helps them to understand others. They delight in learning about their local community and visit lots of places of interest as well as regular country walks, picnics and visits to local parks.

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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 The childminder has high expectations of children and supports them to take responsibility for their behaviour. They respond to her requests for help with tidying away equipment and the recognition they receive for positive behaviour. Children are valued as individuals and treated with equal concern. Any children with learning difficulties or disabilities are fully included and supported by the childminder who works closely with parents to ensure children's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works hard to create a stimulating, child friendly environment for children. She follows parents' wishes with regard to daily routines for younger children, thus ensuring continuity of care between home and the setting. The childminder has implemented a range of written policies and procedures, including the procedure for managing complaints, which are shared with parents. Parents receive daily feedback about their children's progress and activities. An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children’s well-being. The childminder actively seeks parents’ views about their children’s needs and interests before the child starts and on a regular basis throughout their attendance.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children enthusiastically explore their surroundings and participate in activities in the exceptionally well organised home where indoor and outdoor space is used to maximise play opportunities for children. Children delight in receiving lots of encouragement and attention from the childminder. They benefit greatly from the extensive, relevant training that the childminder has undertaken. She is committed to keeping her knowledge up to date and has attended various training courses to maintain and improve her skills. The children are very well protected and cared for by the childminder, who has a detailed knowledge of child development. She regularly monitors and improves upon the quality of care provided as part of an accredited quality assurance scheme.

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Organisation

Documentation is exemplary, with the children's individual records regularly updated and stored in a confidential manner. All of the required documentation is in place which contributes to the children's health, safety and welfare. Policies and procedures are of a high quality and are also implemented on a daily basis to underpin the childminder's practice. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and to notify Ofsted of significant events. She has fully addressed these actions by attending updated child protection training and ensuring her understanding of when it is necessary to notify Ofsted of incidents relating to the care of children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also recommended to improve hand washing procedures and documentation relating to accidents, medication and arrangements with parents regarding the care of their children. These recommendations have been implemented ensuring that hygiene standards and continuity of care are enhanced.

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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

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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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