Childminder in Bury

Inspection report for early years provision

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316484 Unique Reference Number 06 March 2008 Inspection date Christine Marsh 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 1991. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 11 years old. They live in Tottington on the outskirts of Bury. All of the downstairs and the upstairs bathroom are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed back yard for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years, and there are currently four children under eight years on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to the local primary school, parks, the library and toddler groups. The family has four guinea pigs as pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean, child-friendly home where the childminder promotes good hygiene practices. Children develop skills and independence in their personal hygiene as they follow routines, such as washing their hands before mealtimes and after going to the toilet. They use individual towels which helps to reduce the risk of cross-infection. She has an

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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 appropriate nappy changing policy for babies and toddlers and supports parents in the toilet training of their children. In these ways children's good health is maintained and protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a first aid box that contains appropriate items. However, her first aid certificate has recently become out of date. This is a breach of regulation. The childminder is aware of the need to update her first aid knowledge and has booked herself a place on a paediatric course which is due to take place very soon.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder cooks a range of nutritious meals and provides fresh fruit for the children. These foods contribute towards a healthy diet. Children have continual access to drinks which ensures that they stay refreshed. The family has pet guinea pigs and children feed them carrots under the childminder 's supervision. Older children watch as the cage is cleaned out and the water bottle is filled. In these ways children are learning about taking care of animals.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of the importance of children getting fresh air and exercise regularly. Indoors young children are active, crawling through the play tunnel into the tent and treading on the musical mat, smiling at the tunes they make through their actions. They go for walks to parks where they feed the ducks. Children develop their large motor skills as they balance walking along painted lines in the park. Indoors, children develop their fine motor skills, for example, by turning the pages of books and playing with small plastic animals. Babies sleep in the travel cot and young children relax on the sofa with a blanket. The childminder makes sure they have an appropriate balance of active and quiet times which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder welcomes the children into her clean, well maintained home. Children are able to choose from a good range of age appropriate toys which meet the required safety standards. These toys are presented at floor level so children can access them freely. Books, for example, are kept in large transparent boxes and toddlers help themselves developing their independence. The childminder talks to children as they play, using language that is appropriate to their current level of understanding, supporting their developing language skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Outer doors are kept locked and stair gates are used to keep children out of the kitchen and to stop them going upstairs. The childminder talks to older children about the how to get out of the home quickly in the event of an emergency and she undertakes emergency evacuation procedures with them regularly. Through these experiences children are developing an understanding of how to keep themselves safe. On trips out the childminder uses a buggy for babies and toddlers, or appropriate seats in her car. In these ways children are kept safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended courses on child protection and she has a good knowledge of child protection issues and procedures. This knowledge helps to safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled, secure and confident in the childminder 's home. Toddlers ask her to read stories, such as 'The very hungry caterpillar' to them and they point to the pictures. They share number books counting and recognising some of the numbers. The childminder takes

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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 them to story time at the local library and to other activities there, such as a teddy bears picnic. In these ways children are learning about books and gaining enjoyment from their experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children look closely at their environment on their trips out. The childminder encourages them to be observant and talks to them so that gain the utmost from their experiences. For example, they look at the leaves and notice the frost on the trees, learning about the seasons and different types of weather.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing confidence in their mark making. They make cards and presents, such as pots for Mother's Day with the childminder. In these ways children are learning to develop their creativity and to value their contributions. Older children have the use of computer games, on a time limited basis, imaginative play materials and board games to relax after a busy day at school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are successfully catered for; children are highly valued as individuals. The childminder is aware of their distinct personalities and capabilities and she supports children appropriately helping them to develop and flourish. She works with parents to provide good quality care tailored to individual children's current developmental needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Through their daily activities the children are beginning to appreciate the diversity of the world and the value which people of all cultures have to offer. Toys, resources and first hand experiences reinforce this message as they reflect positive images of the diversity of the world. For example, children play with toy people that represent different ethnic groups and they meet other children, some of whom have disabilities, at different events they go to locally. The childminder always talks to children about any questions they raise or issues as they arise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn appropriate good behaviour through the childminder's consistent approach and her child friendly explanations of any rules. She praises children frequently and they beam in delight as she comments on their good behaviour. Children hug one another showing genuine affection. The childminder treats children with respect explaining what is going to happen next. For example, she sympathises when a favourite toy does not work and explains that they will go and buy batteries for it later. When children are especially good she buys them a children's magazine as a small reward. Children benefit from doing the activities and talking about the characters in their magazines.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents have very good relationships with the childminder. She has a settling in procedure that helps children and their parents to feel comfortable and secure with the care she offers. She seeks information from parents in order to help children to settle and to maximise their care and learning. They share information on a regular basis. For example, the childminder gives parents written information in a daily diary saying what children have eaten, logging nappy changes, and noting outings they have been on with her. The daily diaries, and a weekly sheet which outlines activities taking place, provide parents with information on their children's experiences in the childminder's care. The childminder has minded children from the same families and gets many of her children from personal recommendations. 'Thank you' cards show parents' pleasure with the service she provides for them and for their children. These positive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

relationships help children to feel secure in the childminder's home.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is very experienced and generally well organised, although her first aid certificate has not been renewed within the required time. She has relevant information, such as up to date registers that provide the arrival and departure times of the minded children, and appropriate medication records. The required adult to child ratios are met and she makes sure that she provides good levels of care and supervision. Children respond to her warmth and her genuine concern for them.

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Organisation

Routines are planned around young children's physical needs. She plans her time and resources effectively to provide children with access to a range of stimulating activities both inside and outside the home. Space is well organised to provide an accessible, supportive environment for the children. This helps them benefit fully from their experiences here.

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Organisation

Documentation is kept in accordance with the National Standards and is used to promote the well-being of the children. Policies and procedures are up to date and help keep parents informed about all aspects of their children's care. The childminder has a good understanding of children's needs and this helps her to promote children's development and their ability to enjoy and achieve.

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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

At the last inspection the provider was asked to provide a fire blanket and to ensure that accident and incident records are suitably detailed. These aspects have been successfully addressed protecting children's health and safety.

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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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents which can be seen 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 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): • complete a paediatric first aid course.

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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 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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