Childminder in Wigan

Inspection report for early years provision

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322544 Unique Reference Number 15 January 2008 Inspection date Ann, Theresa Flynn 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 husband and teenage son in a semi-detached house within walking distance of Wigan town centre. Minded children have access to a play room located at the rear of the property and there is an enclosed decked area of the 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 currently has eight children on roll, five of whom are under five years of age. The childminder holds a level three qualification in child care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children begin to understand about good hygiene practice as they are encouraged to clean their hands before eating and following toilet use, using hand gel. Children explain how the gel "gets the germs off", therefore demonstrating their understanding of good hygiene practice.

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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 Children regularly access fresh air and exercise. They walk daily to school, walk to local facilities, such as the park. They are involved in activities in the garden using resources, such as a mini bouncy castle, bikes and scooters, all of which helps to promote the physical well-being of children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted well. A written sick child policy is in place, to which parents have access, informing them of how their children are to be cared for in the event of them becoming ill. Facilities enabling children to sleep in comfort are available, this helps to promote children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished as they are provided with healthy, nutritional snacks and meals, including a variety of fruits and vegetables. Drinks are freely available to children, which they access themselves from a water system housed in the play room, this helps to develop children's personal independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's understanding of healthy eating is promoted because the childminder involves children in discussions about healthy foods, which helps in promoting their understanding of healthy eating and how to maintain their good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a suitably maintained and clean environment. The good organisation of toys and equipment means children can move around safely to enjoy free access to a varied range of resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is maintained because the childminder has a detailed safety policy in place and undertakes regular risk assessments of the premises. Various safety measures are in place to minimise hazards, ensuring the premises remain safe for children, however, the hallway door contains glass, which may not be safety glass and could therefore be hazardous.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a written procedure in place regarding evacuation of the premises in an emergency, which involves blowing a whistle which is practised regularly, which develops children's knowledge and understanding about how to keep themselves safe in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is suitably protected because the childminder has a good understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. She is aware of the need to document in detail, her concerns if she is worried about the welfare of any child in her care. She is aware of the role of social services and maintains details of the local social services office, this, helps to keep children in her care safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with free access to a good variety of age appropriate activities, which aid their development, for example, crafts, books, sand, dolls and puzzles etc, all of which provides interest and enjoyment for children during their time at the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in activities away from the setting, as they go for walks, play in the park and occasionally travel by train to visit the seaside. This helps to enhance children's fun and enjoyment.

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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 Children are developing a sense of achievement by receiving stars for good 'writing work' and for various achievements. They receive regular praise for their efforts, such as when they remember the various objects contained in a basket, during the remembering game. The childminder states "fantastic" and "well done", which helps to develop children's confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn to develop early mathematical skills as they are encouraged to count the stars in their books, to develop their fine motor skills as they have opportunities to cut during the craft activities and are developing their imagination through construction, craft and dressing up activities, which helps to promote children's all round development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder follows the 'Birth to three matters' framework and has completed learning objectives and children's next steps to help the children in her care to progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning and understanding about the wider world. They learn through discussions, resources and activities, for example, the children are involved in discussing celebrations, such as Chinese New Year, which involves eating food, such as noodles. The childminder uses books to help her discuss the needs of others with the children and has resources in place, which she uses to heighten the children's awareness. This helps to develop the children's understanding of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are well met because the childminder provides an inclusive environment for all children who attend, for example, adapting activities to include all children and by providing for children's various choices for lunch. Children have difficulty using glue sticks during their craft activity and therefore the childminder uses an alternative type of glue for the children to use. The childminder demonstrates how she caters for children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed in a positive way. They accept and work with age appropriate strategies and children are provided with explanations to help them to understand right from wrong. Praise and encouragement is provided, as well as stars and sweets from a jar, which helps to develop children's confidence, self-esteem and sense of achievement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are well met, due to the positive relationships which have been established with parents. Information is shared through written policies and procedures, verbal discussions, consents and contracts, therefore helping the childminder and parents to work together in the best interests of the children. Parents are informed about the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which keeps them well informed about how their children are helped to progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder understands the requirement to ensure anyone over 16 years living or working on premises undergo a criminal record check, therefore ensuring children are protected.

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Organisation

Although the childminder stated both herself and her husband have undergone a criminal record check, there is no documentary evidence confirming this.

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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 day is planned for children following flexible daily routines, to cater to the individual needs of children. Space used within the home is well organised so that children can play, rest, eat and socialise in comfort and access play resources depending on their choice.

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Organisation

Children receive good levels of support. The childminder provides appropriate attention to the children present and is attentive to the children's needs, which ensures their individual needs are well met.

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Organisation

Required documentation is well maintained in line with the National Standards. All documents relating to the safety and welfare of children are shared with parents.

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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

Following the last inspection there were four recommendations raised relating to safety and documentation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All recommendations have received attention, the garden area has been made safe, children's individual records maintain confidentiality, the publication "What to do if your worried a child is being abused" has been obtained and the contact details of the local area child protection team is maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Due to the action taken, the care and safety of children has been enhanced.

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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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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): • promote the safety of children by ensuring the hallway door is made safe • ensure there is evidence to confirm all persons over 16 years of age living or working on premises have undergone a criminal record check.

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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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