Childminder in Bolton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 315760 Inspection date 01 August 2005 Inspector Angela Rowley

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 1998. She lives with her husband and 14 year old son in the Harwood area of Bolton. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with access to the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children under 8 years. At present she is caring for five children aged under 8 years on a full and part-time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted and protected effectively. They are provided with individual towels and blankets and prevented from spreading infection because the childminder has a clear sick child policy in place. She adopts good hygiene practices when nappy changing and keeps her home and equipment very clean. Children enjoy and experience a healthy lifestyle. They walk daily to local shops, groups and benefit from physical exercise on a wide range of fun equipment in the garden. They grow their own fruits such as strawberries and tomatoes, which helps them learn about and enjoy healthy choices. They are well nourished as they are provided with a nutritious diet tailored to meet individual children's preferences. Young children learn to respond to their own bodily needs by freely accessing drinks when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well maintained environment. They are kept sufficiently safe and secure within the home. This means that they are able to move around freely and access some equipment of their choice. The childminder has a good understanding of potential risks and because she knows her children very well, she is able to make judgements about where preventative action is no longer required. However, children's safety would be further improved by the childminder keeping written records of such decisions in order to continually review and reflect on them. Children enjoy free play with a wide variety of toys and equipment, which the childminder sets out for them. Their independence is sufficiently promoted as they are encouraged to make choices from a smaller selection stored on open shelving. They use their toys fully to extend their play for example forming a pop band by using

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the tennis rackets as guitars and making a video shop using the shelves of video cassettes. Children's interest is kept continuously as the childminder frequently adds to her equipment. Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. The childminder has attended training and acquired information which gives her a good enough understanding of potential indicators, along with clear procedures to follow in the event of any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. All children enjoy a very broad range of interesting activities and experiences both in the childminder's home and the local community. This provides them with many

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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 valuable opportunities for fun and learning. Young children learn important pre-school skills such as number, colour and shape as the childminder skilfully introduces these concepts during everyday activities. They become skilful communicators because the childminder engages them in ongoing dialogue about their activities and experiences. She questions them well which extends their thinking. Children learn and enjoy because the childminder uses her knowledge of child development effectively to plan age appropriate activities. Young children enjoy finger painting, colouring and gluing whilst older children are provided with resources to undertake intricate craft activities such as making finger puppets and Venetian masks. They become independent thinkers and planners because the childminder is

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

led by their ideas and interests. They have fun, enjoy and extend on their play because it is well supported. For example, what starts out as a craft activity making finger puppets results in a whole puppet performance videoed by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are loved and highly valued as individuals. They are settled and secure in the childminders care. They develop high levels of self esteem as their achievements are continually praised and the childminder uses terms of endearment which makes them feel special. They respond to her affection positively saying 'I love you' and by drawing pictures with similar written messages. Children develop positive attitudes towards the wider community during play with books and some toys, which promote positive images of culture, ethnicity and disability. Craft activities are also undertaken relating to different cultural festivals. Children behave very well. They begin to understand right from wrong through clear, consistent messages. Age appropriate methods are used to manage them, such as distraction, explanation and time out. Sensitive reminders to share and take turns helps them consider the needs of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents are very good. Children benefit from long standing relationships and clear communication systems which are in place. The childminder is sensitive to parents needs and provides a good range of information about the service and their child's activities. This ensures that they are fully involved in all aspects of their child's care. Children's needs are well met because of good gradual admission arrangements and pre-admission details are requested. This ensures that the transition between home and their childminder's is smooth and consistent.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the needs of children who attend this setting are met. Children's health, safety and development are promoted well as the childminder has a good awareness of early years issues and has undertaken relevant training to keep her knowledge

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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 updated. She shows commitment to continual improvement and quality assures her own provision to ensure that standards are maintained. The setting is effectively organised to provide clear space to meet the play needs of different age groups. Children are well supported as the childminder plans her time and differentiates effectively to ensure all children's play and developmental needs are met. They have a strong sense of belonging because it is a welcoming child centred environment where their photographs and toys are displayed. Clear recording procedures ensure that the provision is well managed, and a good range of policies and procedures compiled for parents presents a professional approach.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no recommendations raised at the last inspection.

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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): • conduct and regularly review risk assessments of the premises detailing any action required to minimise risks and evidencing why any action is not taken.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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