Childminder in Wigan

Inspection report for early years provision

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322680 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2008 Inspection date Angela Rowley 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 has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and seven year old son. They live in a terraced property in Atherton, Greater Manchester. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom are used for childminding. A secure yard to the rear of the house is available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of five children under eight years. At present she cares for four children who attend on a part time basis. She attends carer and toddler groups with children and walks with them to and from school and nursery.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has developed some clear procedures to ensure that children's health needs are met. Children are protected from illness and infection by adopting suitable hygiene practices along with written procedures, such as the exclusion of children when infectious. The childminder clearly knows about and responds to individual health needs and uses mostly suitable recording

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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 methods to safely manage medicines and minor accidents, although her procedures do not include obtaining written permission for each occasion she is asked to administer medicine, which breaches regulations.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's good health is suitably fostered through the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Children are encouraged to eat some healthy foods and they are able to respond to their own bodies by accessing drinks from individual cups, whenever they are thirsty. Children benefit from daily walks into the local community, including walking to and from school, visits to soft play provisions and activity groups. Opportunities to encourage physical exercise are extended as they access some outdoor play at the childminder's home.

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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 well maintained home which is made welcoming to them by bright displays of posters and children's artwork. They move around and explore freely in clear space. They relax and play with a sufficient selection of suitably selected toys which are freely accessible to them. An extensive range of toys and equipment are available and stored so that children can see them in transparent storage boxes. Children know what is available to them and ask if they want alternatives.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective steps are taken within the home to reduce potential hazards to children. The childminder is clear about fire safety procedures and has raised children's awareness by practising with them. She conducts regular risk assessments within her home and minimises hazards to children by using appropriate safety equipment where needed. Some measures have also been taken to increase children's awareness of staying safe, for example, young children wear wrist straps when walking near the main road to school and they practise road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are suitably safeguarded. The childminder has sufficient knowledge to identify potential indicators of abuse and neglect. She has produced a written policy, attended training and holds clear information about steps to follow in the event of concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and relaxed in the childminder's care. They explore showing their confidence in the childminder's home. Relationships are calm and positive. The childminder encourages conversation and asks children questions as they play which encourages them to think. She helps babies to become skilful communicators as she emphasises key words, which they attempt to repeat. Good use of treasure boxes and heuristic play also encourages young children to explore.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with a suitable range of activities to keep them occupied and provided with some new experiences. They go on regular outings into the community, such as to toddler groups and the local woods and all children take part in many creative activities, such as painting, collage and baking. The childminder is developing her understanding of guidance, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework, although as yet she is not using it in a planned way to help her track and plan for children's learning opportunities and progress using the extensive range of toys and equipment that she has available to her.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder knows each child very well and responds quickly to their individual needs and interests. They are secure in her care as they follow consistent routines. Children play with a suitable range of toys which help raise their awareness of the wider world and they take part in occasional activities which further enhance their experiences, for example, making 'rangoli' patterns when they are exploring Diwalli.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Expectations for children’s behaviour are delivered in a clear and positive way and so all children are aware of right and wrong. They are happy, confident and are learning good manners. Children play cooperatively as the childminder models respectful interaction and they know what is expected of them because they discuss simple rules of the house, such as not standing on furniture. Their self-esteem is good as the childminder offers the children lots of praise in order to encourage positive behaviour along with stickers and other rewards as incentives.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents are satisfactory. Daily verbal exchanges ensure that details regarding children's routines and continually changing needs are known and met. A comprehensive range of written information is provided for parents including policies and procedures, contractual agreements and written permissions which all facilitate working in partnership. The childminder has never received any complaints from parents, however, she is unaware of the requirements in regulations regarding the written records to be kept and the way in which to respond.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's mostly good organisation. They are able to explore with confidence in a child centred home. The childminder uses her knowledge and experience well in caring for the children. They benefit from her conscientious approach as she develops ideas through training. A good range of short courses have been attended, which enhances the quality of care children receive. Children are suitably supported as their hours of attendance are appropriately organised.

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Organisation

Most required documentation is in place. It is appropriately completed and well organised, with confidentiality being respected. Additional records, such as policies and procedures, clearly demonstrate how the childminder aims towards quality practice and manages her provision effectively. The certificate of registration is clearly displayed for parents to see.

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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 it was recommended that the childminder improve her procedures for ensuring that written parental permission was requested to seek emergency medical treatment if needed. The childminder has made improvements to the management of children's health because she has appropriate documentation in place and makes sure that this is completed by parents before each placement commences.

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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

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 provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • review medication procedures to ensure that written parental permission is obtained for each medication required • review the organisation of play opportunities and planned experiences to provide a broader range of continuous provision linked to identified next steps for learning • improve knowledge and understanding of complaints procedures in line with regulations.

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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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