Childminder in Wigan

Inspection report for early years provision

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322860 Unique Reference Number 07 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 1987. She lives with her husband and two children, one adult child and one child aged eight, in a detached property in Astley.

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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. The family have a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for five children under eight years of age. The childminder is able to take and collect children from the local primary school.

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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 good hygiene practices to minimise the risk of cross infection. Effective arrangements

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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 are in place regarding the care of pets. The written sick children's policy ensures appropriate measures are in place when children are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are well nourished and develop an awareness of healthy eating because the childminder provides snacks and meals that are well balanced and nutritious, helping to aid children's growth and development. The children have access to drinks enabling them to quench their thirst independently. The childminder ensures babies have drinks at regular intervals.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder follows babies individual sleep and meal routines, helping to provide a secure and familiar environment. Babies are able to move around freely and practise their large physical skills such as sitting, rolling, stretching and leaning forwards to reach toys. The childminder supports the younger children well in their play and exploration. The older children have opportunities to enjoy and develop their physical skills as they play in the garden, visit the park and a soft play centre. They have access to a wide range of outdoor play equipment, helping them to learn about their bodies and develop control and coordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely environment and they have lots of space to move around and to extend their play. The childminder organises space appropriately 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 range of resources to meet the needs of the children being cared for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the environment in which children are cared for is safe and secure. She has practised the evacuation procedure on one occasion with the children, however, this is not done on a regular basis. The childminder keeps children safe on outings as she takes a first aid box, a mobile telephone with children's contact details, drinks and spare clothes to cover any eventuality. The childminder supervises the children well enabling them to play safely and independently. She encourages their understanding of keeping themselves safe through explanation and the use of house rules.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound 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, visits to a museum, parent toddler group and a childminder drop in session. 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

The childminder spends time playing with the children and she sits at the same level as the children as they play. Babies begin to find a voice and listen and communicate as the childminder nurtures their attempts to communicate. She listens to baby talk and responds in gentle tones, helping to reinforce early speech patterns. The childminder has a good understanding of children's individual needs and meets these needs well. She shares warm relationships with the children, who are happy and secure in her care.

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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 Babies have access to a range of resources that are colourful, tactile and that make noises, helping them to explore using their senses. They shake rattles, listen to musical toys and enjoy the feel and sound of crinkly materials.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder celebrates children's birthdays to make them feel special. The children develop an awareness of their local community through trips out. They also have access to a range of resources that reflect diversity, helping them to learn about the wider world. 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 uses age appropriate strategies to manage children's behaviour. She acts as a positive role model as she treats the children with care and concern and uses 'please' and 'thank you'. As a result, the children develop an awareness of what is expected of them. The childminder encourages positive behaviour and praises children's achievements, helping to develop their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder encourages a gradual settling procedure to help children feel secure and develop a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder invites prospective parents to an introduction meeting to discuss the service to be offered, parent's wishes and children's needs. She has developed some written policies and procedures and these are shown and discussed with parents at the introduction meeting, helping to forge good working relationships from an early stage. The childminder shares information with parents each day to keep them informed about their children's daily activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is in breach of a condition of registration as she has on occasions used the rear garden for childminding purposes when there is a condition stating it must not be used.

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Organisation

The childminder has attended some training since the last inspection to further develop her childcare practices. She has a valid first aid certificate ensuring she has up to date awareness of what to do in the event of an accident or minor injury.

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Organisation

The record of children's attendance shows that ratios are maintained to promote children's care. The childminder organises space, time and resources appropriately to meet children's needs.

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Organisation

The childminder has developed some written policies and procedures and these work in practice to promote children's health, safety and welfare. however, the complaints procedure does not include Ofsted's contact details. Most required documentation is in place. This is well organised and stored securely to maintain confidentiality, however, the childminder does not record existing injuries.

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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 a number of actions and recommendations were agreed in relation to safety and documentation.

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Improvements 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 childminder has improved safety as cleaning materials are now inaccessible to children. The children are now adequately supervised at all times when they are at play and when they sleep. She ensures that all documentation is available for inspection purposes and that all records are retained for a reasonable period of time. The recording of existing injuries remains a recommendation.

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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 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): • practise the evacuation procedure on a more regular basis with minded children • comply with conditions of regsitration at all times. • record existing injuries and ensure the complaints procedure includes Ofsted's contact details.

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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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