Childminder in Rochdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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316085 Unique Reference Number 29 January 2008 Inspection date Jannet Mary Richards 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 has been registered since 1998. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in the Middleton area of Rochdale. The whole ground floor of her home is used for childminding, with bathroom facilities upstairs. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder has use of a car and attends the local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. The family has a two pet cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic home environment. Toys and equipment are clean and well maintained, and the childminder follows guidelines to ensure that children stay healthy. When they have infectious illnesses, for example, she asks parents to keep them at home in

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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 order to minimise the risk of the spread of infection. During the daily care routines children develop skills which help them to stay healthy, such as washing their hands frequently.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide the main meals for the children, which the childminder stores appropriately in a refrigerator until they are needed. The childminder discusses the children's dietary needs thoroughly with parents and carers. The childminder provides the children with some snacks during the day. Some of the snacks are healthy, such as fresh fruit, although some are less beneficial to their health, such as biscuits and ice lollies.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children spend some time outdoors most days. This provides them with opportunities for fresh air and exercise which promotes their health. They go for walks in the local area, for example, and play with a good range of toys in the childminder's garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are made to feel very welcome in the childminder's home. They have ample space to play, sleep and eat. They can choose from a wide range of good quality toys and resources. The children are able to choose what they play with as the toys are well organised and within easy reach. The children also help to tidy the toys away when they have finished playing. This allows the children to have plenty of choices about what they do and to develop their independence skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home environment is safe for children. Appropriate measures are in place, such as safety gates and smoke alarms, which help to keep the children safe. The childminder also supervises them very well to ensure their continued safety. When the children are out and about with the childminder they discuss safety issues. They learn about road and water safety and how to use playground equipment, such as swings, appropriately. This enables the children to develop strategies to stay safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of the procedures in order to safeguard the welfare of any children she may care for. She has attended training on this subject recently, ensuring her knowledge is up to date. She also provides parents with information about safeguarding and protecting children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well and are happy and content in the care of the childminder. She gets to know the children very well indeed, as she dedicates her full attention to caring for them and playing with them. In response the children are secure and confident in her presence. The quality of the interactions between the childminder and the children is good. Children clearly enjoy being with the childminder as they talk together about what they are doing, sing together and enjoy each other's company. The childminder questions the children as they play in order to encourage their thinking and communication skills. They talk about the beginning sounds of their names as they make a glitter collage of names, for example. The childminder has a sound understanding of child development and how to encourage and support children so that they make progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy a wide range of activities. They particularly enjoy developing their imagination as they dress up and act out familiar scenes. They love to listen to stories and make up their

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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 own from the pictures they see in their books. They paint and make collage pictures often, confidently using tools, such as scissors. Outside the home they visit toddler groups regularly in order to socialise with other children. They go on outings to local parks and farms. The varied activities provide the children with opportunities to experience different places and experiences which encourage their development and promote fun and enjoyment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder creates an atmosphere of caring and respect which children respond to very well. They behave very well and develop confidence and positive self esteem. The childminder has a sound understanding of behaviour management strategies in order to deal effectively with age related behaviour, such as temper tantrums. The children play with a good range of toys and books which have positive images of different people in society, effectively raising their awareness of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder knows the children very well and responds to their individual needs in a sensitive manner. She has a sound commitment to including all children and accommodating their individual needs. She has developed very good working relationships with parents and carers. She takes time to discuss what the children have been doing each day and consults with parents on all issues relating to the children. She offers a very flexible service to accommodate the needs of the children and their families well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her home, toys and equipment well so that children can play safely and enjoy the time they spend with her. She dedicates her time to caring for the children, and they thrive on the individual attention they receive. The childminder is fully committed, often attending training events, so that she has an up-to-date knowledge of childcare issues. She is able to use her knowledge to ensure good quality care for the children.

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Organisation

The documentation relating to the care of the children is suitably maintained and recorded. The childminder has a clear understanding of the records she needs to keep, which support the care of the children.

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Organisation

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

Since the last inspection the childminder has amended her recording systems. She now obtains all relevant parental consents and signatures. This ensures that the documentation fully supports the care of the children and meets the requirements.

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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 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): • increase the range of snacks which promote the children's health and provide them with healthy choices

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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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