Greenhalgh Clair

Inspection report for early years provision

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316693 Unique Reference Number 22 February 2008 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 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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and son aged eight in a detached property in the Unsworth area of Bury, Greater Manchester.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The lounge, dining room, kitchen and bathroom on the ground 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 provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for eight children, who attend on a variety of placements. She is able to take and collect children from the local primary school and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in well maintained premises. They stay healthy because the childminder exercises hygiene practices to minimise the risk of cross infection. However, some items in the

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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 first aid box have expired. The children develop an awareness of hygiene practices and personal care routines as they wash their hands at appropriate times of the day. Effective arrangements are in place regarding the care of pets. The written sick children's policy ensures that appropriate measures are in place when children are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works with parents to meet their children's dietary requirements. Parents provide meals for their children and these are appropriately stored to prevent contamination. The childminder provides drinks and snacks which include fresh fruit to promote children's growth and development. The children are able to independently quench their thirst as drinks are readily accessible to them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Very young children are able to rest according to their needs as the childminder follows their individual daily routines; providing a secure environment. The children have opportunities to enjoy and develop their physical skills. They play in the garden; visit the park and a soft play centre. The children have access to a wide range of outdoor play equipment enabling them to learn about their bodies and develop control and coordination. Photographic documentation shows the children climbing in a soft play area; having a picnic in the park and playing on the swing in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a homely environment. They have lots of space to move around and to extend their play. 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. She also utilises the local library and swaps toys with other childminders to further enhance children's play experiences. Toys are attractively stored in boxes and low shelving units and they are labelled. The children are able to freely choose what to play with; enabling them to initiate their own ideas, extend their play and develop choice and independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of safety. 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 the children's understanding in keeping themselves safe through the use of daily routines, age appropriate explanation and play activities and stories.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended child protection training. She has a secure understanding of child protection matters and procedures; helping to safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children have access to a range of age appropriate resources and they are happily engaged and occupied. They also benefit from activities outside the home as the childminder utilises local amenities such as the park; library, a soft play centre and parent and toddler group. These activities help 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

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 takes an interest in what the children do and say and she joins in with their play. She shares warm relationships with the children, who are happy and secure in her care. The children develop good language skills as the childminder interacts with them at every opportunity to answer their questions, extend their language and to encourage imaginative play. The childminder offers lots of positive physical attention by means of hugs and cuddles and the children respond by openly seeking a hug when they need reassurance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children make connections as they play with construction blocks. They build a tower higher than themselves and are very proud of their achievement. The children then make a train and add a soft toy and take it on a train ride around the room. They enjoy playing imaginatively as they make drinks and meals for the dolls and use the tea set and pots and pans. The children enjoy recalling past experiences as they a look at photographs with the childminder and talk about visiting Santa and having a picnic in the park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder gathers information from parents about their children's individual needs to enable her to be in a position to best meet these needs. She provides an inclusive environment where the children are able to make a positive contribution and reach their potential. The children develop an awareness of their local community through trips out. They have access to a range of resources that reflect diversity; helping them to learn about the wider world. The children also celebrate their own and other festivals; helping them to value and respect other people's cultures and traditions. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder acts as a positive role model to the children. She is calm and patient, uses ‘please’ and 'thank you' and encourages the children to share and take turns. As a result, the children develop an understanding of what is expected of them. The childminder is vigilant and manages minor altercations skilfully. The children receive praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements; helping to develop their confidence and self-esteem. The children develop a good sense of belonging and they move around with ease and confidence. They are able to make decisions as they choose what to play with. The children share warm relationships with other members of the childminder's family. The older children show care and concern for the younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed a portfolio that includes some written policies and procedures. This is shown and discussed with parents at the introduction meeting; helping to forge good working relationships and a shared understanding from an early stage. The childminder encourages a gradual settling in period to help the children feel secure. Information is shared with parents at the end of each day to keep them informed about their children's daily activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder attends training to further develop her childcare practices. She has a valid first aid certificate ensuring she has up to date knowledge of what to do in the event of an accident or minor injury.

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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 The record of children's attendance is up to date and includes all required details. The childminder organises space, time and resources effectively to meet children's needs. Clear arrangements are in place with another childminder in case of an emergency.

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Organisation

The childminder has developed a portfolio that includes some written policies and procedures that work in practice to promote children's health, safety and welfare. All required documentation is in place. This is well organised for easy reference and stored securely to maintain confidentiality. However, the accident record does not include sufficient information regarding the nature of the injury.

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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 fire safety as she now practises the evacuation procedure with minded children on a regular basis. Written parental consent for emergency medical attention is now in place.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has been one compliant made to Ofsted relating to National Standard 2 - organisation. An Ofsted Early Years childcare inspector visited the childminder on 4 April 2007. Actions were raised and have been satisfactorily met by the registered provider. Ofsted is satisfied that 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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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): • ensure the first aid box is checked and replenished as needed • ensure the accident record includes information regarding the nature of the injury.

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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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