Childminder in Rochdale

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

316284 Unique Reference Number 17 October 2007 Inspection date Judith, Mary Horsfall Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and six in Norden, Rochdale, Lancashire. Rooms used for childminding purposes are the kitchen, playroom, utility room and toilet on the ground floor. There is an enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

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 three children under five on a part time basis, and one child over five during school holiday. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines, such as washing hands after toileting and before food. The home is clean and hygienic which minimises the risks to children. The childminder undertakes good hygiene practises such as using disposable gloves

p.2

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 when changing nappies to reduce the risk of infection. Children have access to physical activities in the garden where they make good use of the space outdoors to carry out various activities such as painting, cycling and using the climbing frame. They also have daily fresh air and exercise on their walks to and from school. Children rest and sleep according to their needs in consultation with parents. Although the childminder has a suitable first aid qualification, the contents of the first aid kit are limited and not fully compliant with the National Standards.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit because the childminder provides nourishing meals for children, taking parents wishes into consideration. Specific dietary needs are discussed with parents and recorded on the children's individual files. Children are offered choices such sandwich fillings and types of juice to drink and they are beginning to learn about healthy eating because the childminder talks to them about foods which are good for our bodies. Drinks are readily available for children, which they independently access through the day. Children begin to learn the importance of healthy eating through discussions about foods that are good for them.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder takes suitable precautions to minimise hazards and to keep children safe. The play areas, particularly the dedicated playroom, are colourful and welcoming, with colourful posters and children's art work displayed on the walls. Space and resources are well organised to allow children to move around freely and safely. Children use a good range of suitable, accessible, safe toys and equipment. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder has put adequate safety measures such as using reins and wrist straps in place.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives high regard to children's safety through close supervision. Her awareness of fire precautions contribute to children's safety whilst on the premises and she is vigilant in supervising the children. However, children are not fully protected because the childminder does not have a clear understanding of her role in child protection and the appropriate procedures to follow if needed.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and self esteem because the childminder uses frequent praise and encouragement. They are very interested in a wide varied range of activities, both in the home and in the local community. Children are confident and talk freely about their home and family life. They are polite and demonstrate curiosity and interest in the world about them. Children are making positive relationships with the childminder who takes time to understand their individual needs and preferences in consultation with parents. Children freely make choices in their play and actively pursue their interests, such as creating characters and scenarios with toy animals.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children acquire new skills and knowledge from time spent with the childminder discussing colours and how to complete a jigsaw. The childminder is aware of each child's abilities and ensures that suitable activities are on offer which challenge the children and develops their skills. Resources are well organised to help children become independent learners. Children are happy and settled because the childminder gives them individual care and attention.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for by the childminder who works well with parents to meet children's individual needs. For example parent's views are actively considered when beginning to potty train children. Care is enhanced through the daily exchange of information regarding children's progress and welfare. A satisfactory complaints procedure is in place and shared with parents to help protect children. The childminder ensures all the children are fully included in the life of the setting through adapting the way play is provided and offering suitable activities on a daily basis.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel a good sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. They are valued and made to feel important through praise and recognition of their efforts and achievements. However, children lack opportunities to become aware of the wider world through limited play resources and activities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are beginning to understand responsible behaviour through clear boundaries and explanations. However, the behaviour management policy is out of date and is not fully compliant with the National Standards. It includes mention of physical punishment from previous guidance which is no longer applicable and the childminder was not aware of the need to record and inform parents of any physical interventions.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are safe and well protected through the childminder's awareness of the vetting of household members and that children are not to be left alone with other adults. Adequate ratios are maintained to improve the safety of children and the attendance register is correctly completed. The childminder organises time, space and resources well to meet children's needs. Children make suitable progress because the childminder has a broad knowledge and understanding of child development.

p.4

Organisation

Children benefit from visits to facilities in the local community such as the library, park and toddler group. Most required documentation is up to date, shared with parents and kept confidentially. Generally policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, enjoyment and achievements.

p.4

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection two recommendations were made. These were to obtain prior written permission for medication and to correctly complete the attendance record. These two issues have been addressed, improving the safety of the children.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • ensure first aid kit complies with requirements of first aid organisations • ensure children have access to resources and activities which promote equality of opportunity • review behaviour management policy and procedures • increase knowledge of role and responsibilities in child protection procedures.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5