Childminder in Wigan

Inspection report for early years provision

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322789 Unique Reference Number 18 October 2007 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 1999. She lives with her four children aged 19,17,15 and 13 years of age in Shevington village near Wigan. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding two children who attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder helps to run the local parent and toddler group and takes children on regular outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children's health is satisfactorily promoted. A sick child policy is in place, of which parents receive a copy, to inform them of how their children are to be cared for in the event of them

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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 becoming ill. However, medication brought by children to the childminder's home, is kept within the children's bags and is therefore accessible to children, compromising their good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and following activities and toilet use, thereby developing children's understanding of good hygienic practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children regularly access fresh air and exercise. They play in the garden and in the childminder's driveway which has a car port allowing children access to fresh air in all weathers. They visit the park and enjoy playing on large apparatus. They walk daily to school and visit other facilities, such as indoor play areas. All of which helps in promoting the physical well-being of children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished as they are provided with healthy, nutritional snacks, including a variety of fruits. Drinks are freely available to children, which they access themselves, helping 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 and involves them in activities which help them to understand about healthy eating. For example, matching vegetables within the childminder's fridge, 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 organisation of toys and equipment means children can move around safely to enjoy a varied range of resources, which they freely access.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is maintained because measures are in place to minimise hazards, such as smoke detectors, cupboard locks, fireguard and socket covers. The childminder ensures the premises remain safe for children by undertaking informal risk assessments of the premises.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder develops children's understanding about safety as she includes them in practicing emergency evacuation procedures on a regular basis, which are recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings by the use of a pram for the younger child and wrist straps. Children also have arm bands with details of the childminder in the event of children becoming lost. When on outings the childminder takes all parental consent forms and emergency contact details with her in the event of an emergency. Children are spoken to about the dangers of the road, helping to develop children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe when away from the setting.

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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 and is aware of the role of social services, helping 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 a variety of age appropriate activities with which the childminder becomes involved to enhance and develop children's learning. For example, involving herself

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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 with the young child present by having eye to eye contact and chatting regularly to the child who responds with smiles and gurgles, thereby offering appropriate support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with a variety of activities which are suitable for their age and stage of development, such as baking, dancing, painting, chalking, music and musical instruments, crafts, books and resources for younger children are also available, 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 walk home from school, they visit the park, indoor play areas and toddler groups. This helps to enhance children's fun and enjoyment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning and development is facilitated by the use of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework. The childminder uses the framework to aid children's learning requirements, helping them to progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn and understand about the wider world. They learn through discussions, resources and activities. For example, the children were involved in making dragons for Chinese New Year. 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. Activities are adapted depending on children's stages of development, thereby catering well for the needs of individual children.

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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 treats, which involves the children. For example, choosing where they want to go on a day out, helping to develop their confidence and self-esteem.

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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 and contracts, helping the childminder and parents to work together in the best interests of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A file of photographs is provided to parents highlighting the various activities with which children are involved and who their friends are, again helping to keep parents informed. However, although a written complaints policy is in place including the address of the regulator, there is no telephone number for the regulator provided. The childminder is aware of the need to maintain a record of complaints, although there is no format in place for recording complaints.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. 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 one to one attention to the child present, being very attentive to the child's needs, thereby ensuring children 's individual needs are well met.

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Organisation

Required documentation is very 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 was one recommendation raised relating to the location of the first aid box.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The first aid box is now housed in a suitable location.

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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 children's good health by ensuring medication is inaccessible to children • develop documentation by including the telephone number of the regulator within the complaints policy and by devising a format for recording complaints.

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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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