Childminder in Bury

Inspection report for early years provision

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316689 Unique Reference Number 31 October 2007 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 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 1992. She lives with her three daughters aged 22, 18 and eight years in the Radcliffe area of Bury. The whole of the ground floor and the upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years at any one time and there are currently two children on roll. The childminder also cares for children over the age of eight years and there are currently four children attending.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the shops and parks. The family have three pet cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a National Vocational Qualification level 3 in childcare.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, child-friendly home where the childminder promotes satisfactory hygiene practices, such as an appropriate nappy changing procedure. Children develop personal hygiene skills as they follow routines, for example, they wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. A first aid kit is conveniently sited in the kitchen, however, some of the items in it are out of date. This affects children's health in the event of any minor accidents. The childminder has a current first aid certificate which helps her to care for children appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children sometimes help the childminder to prepare food, for example, they cut up pears or make their own mini pizzas. These activities develop their interest in food and help them to develop fine motor skills. They have fresh fruit for snacks and have drinks regularly to keep them refreshed. The childminder cooks hot meals for them at tea time. Children are provided with a nutritious diet that promotes their health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Fresh air and exercise are provided regularly by trips to local parks where children go on the tyre swing and the climbing frame. Older children often go to parks on scooters or roller skates and they play games, such as dodge ball as well as making up their own games. In the back garden children play skipping and make dens covering the climbing frame. Children develop their imaginations and their large muscles through these regular activities that contribute towards a healthy lifestyle. Indoors children draw pictures developing their fine motor skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. A welcoming and secure environment is provided by the childminder who is aware of health and safety issues. As a result, hazards and risks are assessed frequently. For example, the front door is kept locked and toys are removed from the floor when children are moving around to prevent them from tripping. The childminder uses reins with the youngest children when they go for walks and discusses road safety and safe places to cross. In these ways children are learning how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children develop their independence as they access drawing materials and additional toys to develop their play. They use the table in the kitchen to draw and play on the computer and relax in the lounge to chat and look at books. Children's development needs are met through the provision of a good range of safe, developmentally appropriate resources to play with. These include construction materials, books, plastic dinosaurs and toy food. These provide children with opportunities to develop their imaginations through their play.

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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 sound 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 happy, secure and confident in the childminder's home. They play very well together, taking turns and chatting, for example, as they play games on the computer. Older children

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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 support younger ones as they dance and jump together to pop music showing a sense of rhythm and enjoyment in their actions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children especially enjoy art and craft activities, such as making pictures with small beads that develop their concentration. They like drawing pictures and choose topics related to current interests, for example, pictures with spiders and bats are popular at the moment. Children enjoy making leaf pictures using leaves that they collected in the park yesterday. They show pride in their work and realise that it is valued as the childminder lets them choose whether to take work home or have it displayed in her home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children pick up books and turn the pages carefully. They are learning to treat books with respect and to enjoy them. Lift the flap books are popular with children who smile widely as they gaze at the pictures underneath. Books are used to support and develop children's developing vocabulary and language skills. The childminder supports older children with their homework when they need it helping them to gain confidence in their abilities. Children develop their self-esteem and a sense of achievement, through her praise and support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are very successfully catered for. The childminder knows each child and their family well. Children are well supported and are flourishing in her care. She works in partnership with parents to provide good quality care and stimulation tailored to children's current needs. The childminder liaises with other professionals and seeks opportunities to develop her skills through further training in order to support children's specific needs effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Equality of opportunity is actively promoted and all people are valued and treated appropriately. The childminder uses opportunities as they arise to discuss issues with the children and resources further support inclusion and value diversity. For example, a range of dolls provide positive images of different ethnic groups and books and toys represent people with disabilities leading full lives. Through these experiences children are learning to appreciate the diversity of the world and to value all people equally.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved. They are considerate towards one another and share and take turns appropriately. The childminder praises them for their good behaviour and for the attractive pictures they make. Parents are pleased with the service that the childminder provides and the support she gives their children. She looks after children and their brothers and sisters which helps the younger children to settle. Children benefit from having friends to play with of similar ages and others who are older or younger than themselves. These opportunities to mix with a range of age groups help children to develop social skills and to learn to care for others with different needs to their own.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a commitment to providing quality care for children. She is very experienced both as a childminder and through working at a local playgroup. She has a sound knowledge of topics related to childcare as she is currently studying for a degree to further develop her knowledge. Children benefit from her understanding of their emotional and developmental needs.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Ratios are always met so children have appropriate attention. They are encouraged to make choices and to help to decide what activities and visits they would like to go on. The childminder organises her time effectively to ensure that children are stimulated by activities that meet their current needs.

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Organisation

Documentation required by the National Standards is available. For example, parents sign to give their permission for the childminder to give them medication when this is required. The childminder supervises children carefully and they are not left alone with unvetted adults. These measures help to promote children's health and safety.

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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 complete a first aid course for infants and young children and to ensure that the back garden was made safe. These issues have been suitably addressed which protects 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 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): • ensure the contents of the first aid box are checked frequently and replaced as necessary.

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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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