Childminder in Bury

Inspection report for early years provision

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316580 Unique Reference Number 05 March 2008 Inspection date Shirley Leigh Monks-Meagher 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 a registered childminder since 1988. She lives with her husband, who acts as her occasional assistant, and her adult son in the Elton area of Bury. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding, including a bathroom, and there is a secure rear garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently eight children on roll, including two who are over eight years. Most attend on a part-time basis. She takes and collects children from the local school. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups, is a member of the National Childminding Association and of a local childminding support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where they develop a high level of independence in relation to personal hygiene. Signs, designed by the children themselves,

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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 remind them to wash their hands after using the toilet to remove germs and prevent illness. The childminder is aware of how to limit the spread of infectious diseases and operates sensible sickness and exclusion procedures. She protects children's welfare by consulting with parents about medication and keeping appropriate records of any medicine that she gives to children at their request. However, the documentation she uses for parents prior consent is indeterminate and very general.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about eating healthily and benefit from a nutritious diet. The childminder provides home cooked meals, such as corned beef hash, roast dinners and pasta with sauces, and includes a good variety of vegetables, both openly and covertly. For example, she chops cauliflower very finely and mixes it with the broccoli or carrots that the children are happy to try. Children enjoy fresh fruit or toast for snacks. An occasional treat is sampling the outcome of activities, such as making pancakes or baking cakes. Babies are held closely as they have their bottle and follow their own individual eating and sleeping patterns. The childminder has a clear understanding about keeping children well hydrated and encourages young children to drink as they wake from their nap. Individual feeding cups are constantly in sight and reach of the toddlers, and replenished frequently.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop a healthy approach to being active both outdoors and indoors. They enjoy physical play in the garden and walks to feed the ducks; they also walk frequently to or from school. Visits to indoor play centres enable children to stay fit and healthy when the weather is poor. Children particularly enjoy music and movement at 'Active Dance' sessions and dancing to nursery rhymes at the childminder's home. They are developing strength, learning to move their bodies in different ways and refining their coordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe and secure environment because risks are substantially minimised due to the childminder's conscientiousness. Clear risk assessments are carried out to reduce potential hazards inside and outside her home, and vigilant supervision ensures children are safe at all times. The children play in a child centred and welcoming play room where they can easily and safely access toys and resources. Their work is displayed on the walls for others to see increasing children's sense of value and boosting their confidence in their abilities. Systematic maintenance and cleaning of an excellent range of high quality toys and resources, minimises risk to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of the importance of creating a balance between encouraging children's freedom and setting limits to maintain safety. Safety issues are discussed and explained to children. They learn safe and sensible procedures for when they are out walking, such as where they walk, holding hands, crossing the roads and know how to evacuate the premises in the event of an emergency. The effective use of house rules and boundaries is helping children to take responsibility for their own and others safety. For example, they do not run indoors, climb on furniture and older ones are becoming aware of the need to treat younger children gently and with care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder has a secure understanding of issues, signs and symptoms which raise professional concern about a child. She keeps all relevant reference materials close to hand. Her written child protection statement confirms her commitment to safeguarding children's welfare, and confidently demonstrates her understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of such concerns.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Young children are very happy, settled and at ease in the childminder's care and develop, warm trusting relationships. For example, they snuggle happily with her as they become tired and look to her for reassurance when they are confused or uncertain about the inspector. A high level of one to one care is afforded to them and they are offered lots of attention, support and genuine affection. Children have lots of fun with stimulating activities that are helping them to become good communicators and competent learners in a safe and supportive atmosphere. For example, a variety of textured items captivate the babies interest as they search through the treasure basket whilst toddlers are engrossed in their imaginations using wooden tracks and trains. When the train falls off the track they find small wooden police cars and ambulances and rush them to the scene to help "fix everything". They narrate their actions and this is

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses language well to aid the children's development and understanding in other areas. For example, she challenges them to think about what colours they are using or where a puzzle piece will fit. She encourages them to predict what the puzzle pieces will depict, and to work co-operatively. Children are pleased with the warm praise and encouragement they receive for their efforts. This encourages them to be motivated learners who are confident to repeat their actions and try again. The childminder is skilled in her interactions with the children, but is equally skilled in allowing them time to develop their own ideas. Consequently, the children concentrate and persevere well at their self chosen activities. The childminder knows the children well and has a good idea of their abilities, interests and preferences. She is secure in her understanding of recognised early years frameworks, such as 'Birth to three matters' and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

can make appropriate developmental links. She takes lots of photographs of the children playing with their friends and whilst these demonstrate the types of activities and opportunities the children have enjoyed, these are not fully utilised to record or plan for children's next steps in learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder gets to know the children and their families very well. She works in harmony with parents to make sure she meets the children's individual needs effectively. There is a very good level of information for parents in written and verbal form about the children's care, business arrangements and her approach to such matters as equal opportunities, inclusion and behaviour management. Parents have recently completed a questionnaire devised by the childminder to canvass their opinions, thoughts and suggestions. Parent's describe the childminder and the care she offers their children as 'a service second to none, reliable, professional and of high standard'. All speak of how happy their children are in her care. Children develop effective three way relationships with their parents and the childminder. This helps them to feel valued and respected as individuals and helps them to settle at the childminder's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This also has a positive effect on children's behaviour. Children are very at ease, confident and generally behave well. The childminder understands how children use their behaviour to communicate their feelings. She uses praise and encouragement well to keep their self-esteem high and keep them motivated.

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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 Children develop a positive attitude towards others. Their play materials, activities and environment respect similarities and differences and positively represent our diverse society. For example, children enjoy the story 'A Day at the Zoo' which is about a group of disabled children, and then draw or colour pictures to represent the story. They celebrate a variety of festivals and traditions, such as Chinese New Year, Shrove Tuesday and Mother's Day, through simple activities, thus helping them to respect their own and other faiths and cultures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children benefit from a well organised environment where they feel at home. Their play spaces are organised effectively and the resources meet their individual requirements. They are confident in the daily routines that help them feel part of the minded family and the wider community. For example, they quickly get themselves ready when they have to take others to nursery. The childminder has a positive approach to her professional development. In addition to the required elements of training, she has attended several courses on working with young and vulnerable children. She makes good use of opportunities made available from the local Sure Start and also has links with other childminders for additional support.

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Organisation

Most aspects of the childminder's documentation are clear and they are very well organised. Records, such as attendance registers and accident records, are kept up to date and filed so information is easily found. The childminder has a good understanding of notifying Ofsted about changes which affect her registration, such as the building of the conservatory and exceptions in conditions linked to the ages of children minded.

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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 childminder agreed to improve fire safety and provide parents with details of the complaints procedure.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder frequently undertakes emergency evacuation practise drills with the children who attend her setting. These are recorded in a log book and the information is used to test its effectiveness and highlight any problems as part of the childminder's risk assessment procedures. Smoke detectors are checked regularly and the information is logged. The childminder has produced a comprehensive written complaints procedure which she shares with parents and which advises them of the regulators details and her mandatory duty to record any written complaints. As a result of these actions children's safety and well-being is enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted have received concerns relating to National Standard 11 (Behaviour). The concerns were originally shared with another agency. A childcare inspector from Ofsted Early Years then visited the provision on 16 October 2006. Actions were raised and satisfactorily met by the registered provider. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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): • consider ways of recording and planning for the children's learning and development, for example, by using observations and photographs • review the documentation used for obtaining prior parental consent to administer prescription medication to children.

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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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