Childminder in Bury

Inspection report for early years provision

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316600 Unique Reference Number 29 October 2007 Inspection date Susan Janet Lee 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 was registered in 1991. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 16 in a terraced property in Prestwich, Manchester.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The lounge, playroom and kitchen dining room on the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding purposes. There is a 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 and is currently caring for five children. She is able to take and collect children from the local primary school and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Babies benefit from routines that are consistent to their experiences at home because the childminder follows their individual sleep and meal routines. This helps to provide a secure and familiar environment. The children have lots of opportunities to enjoy and develop their physical

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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 skills as they walk to and from school in the fresh air; play in the garden and visit the park on a regular basis. All of which contributes to their good health and physical development. Photographic documentation shows the children learning about their bodies and developing control and coordination. The children explore bushes in the park and find places to hide. They balance on the climbing frame and use their bodies to move the seesaw backwards and forwards, they have fun splashing in puddles on rainy days.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy because the childminder exercises good hygiene practices to minimise the risk of cross infection. For example, she uses antibacterial spray to wipe work surfaces, ensures potties and high chairs are cleaned after use and follows good standards of hygiene when changing nappies; helping to protect the youngest children. Older children learn about personal care routines as they wash their hands at appropriate times of the day. They are familiar with this routine and know they need to wash their hands to get rid of germs. The written sick children's policy ensures appropriate measures are in place when children are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has attended training regarding food hygiene and nutrition awareness. She works in partnerships with parents regarding the provision of food and drink. A menu is displayed for parent's information. The children are well nourished because the childminder provides snacks and meals that are balanced and nutritious. Snacks include toast and fresh fruit and meals are home cooked and include vegetables; helping to aid children's growth and development. The childminder ensures that the youngest children have drinks at regular intervals to keep them hydrated. Older children are able to independently quench their thirst as drinks are readily accessible to them. The childminder encourages the children to try new tastes. At snack time, the childminder gives the babies a piece of orange to try. They children enjoy this and want more.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of safety and all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that the environment in which children are cared for is safe and secure. The childminder supervises the children well enabling them to play safely and independently. She encourages their awareness in keeping themselves safe through daily routines and age appropriate explanation. The children develop an awareness of what to do in the event of an emergency such as a fire as they practise the evacuation procedure with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and homely environment. Children's artwork, posters and certificates are displayed; making the environment stimulating and interesting for the children. The children benefit from a dedicated playroom that is well resourced. The childminder organises space well to accommodate separate active and quieter activities. There is a good selection of equipment and furniture available allowing babies and older children to play rest and eat in comfort. The childminder provides a wide range of resources to meet the needs of the children being cared for. Toys are stored at child height enabling the children to freely access toys. This enables them to initiate their own ideas and develop choice and independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Required procedures are in place and the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection matters and procedures; helping to safeguard children's welfare.

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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. The childminder records daily play activities. She observes the children at play and uses this information to plan a broad range of activities to help them develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. The childminder has also developed children's files to illustrate the children's enjoyment and development. These records are supported by examples of children's work, photographs and written observations.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children also benefit from activities outside the home as the childminder utilises local amenities such as, the park, story time at the library, museums and parent toddler group; helping to widen children's experiences and give them opportunities to socialise with their peers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder spends lots of time playing and talking to the children and sits at the same level as the children as they play. She shares warm relationships with the children, who are relaxed and content in her care. The childminder has a good understanding of children's needs and meets these needs well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies are able to move around freely. They have access to a wide range of toys that are colourful, tactile and that make noises; helping hem to explore using their senses. They make connections as they build with stacking blocks and press buttons to make music play. The babies have fun posting shapes and driving cars through tunnels. They begin to find a voice, listen and respond. The childminder listens when they babble and responds in gentle tones to help reinforce early speech patterns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children clearly enjoy their time with the childminder and with their friends. They develop their fine motor skills and hand eye coordination as they thread bobbins to make a necklace. The children enjoy being imaginative and playing pretend games with dolls and prams. They later enjoy a quiet time as they relax and read books to each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder encourages a gradual settling in period to help the children feel secure. She has developed a port folio that includes written policies and procedures. This is shown and discussed with parents at the initial meeting; helping to forge positive working relationships and a shared understanding from an early stage. The childminder gathers detailed information from parents about their children's individual needs to enable her to be in a position to best meet these needs. She asks parents and older children to complete a booklet called 'all about me' to find out more information about the children's likes and dislikes. Effective systems are in place to keep parents informed about their children's daily activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children develop an awareness of their local community through trips out. They have access to a range of resources that promote positive images of race, culture, gender and disability; helping them to develop an understanding of the wider world. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children develop a sense of belonging. They move around with ease and confidence and proudly show off their pictures on the wall. The children share warm relationships with other members of the childminder's family and older children show care and concern for the younger children.

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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 The childminder uses age appropriate strategies to manage children's behaviour. When a child becomes upset, the childminder gives the child a cuddle then distracts their attention to one of their pictures on the wall. The childminder is able to successfully manage minor altercations between the youngest children and she helps the older children to problem solve to find solutions to minor disputes. As a result, the children learn to negotiate and play well together. The children develop an understanding of what is expected of them as the childminder acts as a good role model. She praises the children's efforts and achievements; helping to develop their confidence and self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The record of children's attendance shows that ratios are maintained to promote children's care. The childminder organises space, time and resources effectively to meet children's needs. She has regard for children's well-being as she attends training to further develop her childcare practices. The childminder has recently attended first aid certificate; ensuring she has a valid first aid certificate and that she has up to date knowledge of what to do in the event of an accident or minor injury.

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Organisation

All required records are in place and these are well organised. The childminder has developed written policies and procedures and these work in practice to promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. However, there are some omissions. The child protection procedure does not refer to current legislation and relevant contact details are not available for use. The complaints procedure does not include the correct contact details for the regulator and the complaints record does not include a written format to follow should a concern be raised.

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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 recommendations were agreed in relation to safety and documentation. The childminder has improved safety as hazards in the garden have been addressed. The record of children's attendance is now kept up to date.

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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): • develop the child protection procedure to include current legislation and ensure relevant contact details are available • ensure the complaints procedure includes the correct contact details for the regulator and develop the complaints record to include a written format to follow should a concern be raised.

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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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