Childminder, Out-of school day care in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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505069 Unique Reference Number 19 November 2007 Inspection date Carol Ann Dixon 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 adult daughter in Royton near Oldham. 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. The childminder walks to take children to and from the local school. She also attends local parent and toddler groups and takes children to the local park. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for eight children on a part-time basis. The childminder has a pet rabbit and dog. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children’s care is exceptionally well fostered through highly considered routines. Children's individual information is discussed with parents to ensure health and medical needs are identified and adhered to. These are recorded thoroughly in excellent documentation. Children gain an excellent understanding of good hygiene practices and personal care through daily routines. They understand that germs are prevented from spreading by wiping their noses, disposing of

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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 tissues in the bin and washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. They learn about dental care as they brush their teeth after meals. The childminder has devised an excellent range of policies and procedures, which are shared with parents, to support her childminding practice. For example, children who are infectious are not allowed to attend in order to prevent the spread of contagious illness to other children. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she can give appropriate care to children if there is an accident. She is meticulous about recording any accidents and provides parents with a copy for their information.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to develop healthy eating habits from a young age. The childminder is happy and confident to meet individual dietary requirements of which, she has obtained clear information from parents. The childminder is very aware that children need to drink plenty of water throughout the day, to keep them hydrated. All children have their own water bottle, so they can identify their own drinks. Younger children are offered regular drinks by the childminder. A daily diary containing details of the children's food intake is given to parents. The childminder follows guidelines from her training in food hygiene to ensure that surfaces, appliances and kitchen tools are clean and used appropriately. Children enjoy participating in cooking activities where, for example, they bake buns.

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Helping children to be healthy

Every day children benefit through either a planned or a spontaneous activity to promote their physical well-being. Inclement weather does not stop them going outside and they happily put on their wellington boots so they can go for walks in the rain and splash in the puddles. These activities are providing children with plenty of fresh air and exercise and helping them to find out how exercise keeps them healthy. Children explore and develop physical control of their bodies as they balance on beams at the park. The childminder has an excellent understanding of each child’s stage of development and encourages all children to develop new skills. Babies gain confidence to support themselves, as they practise walking whilst holding hands with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a secure, safe and very well maintained home. The childminder is extremely vigilant and has identified potential risks and put effective safety precautions in place to minimise them. Sharp knives and cleaning fluids are stored out of the children’s reach and plug socket covers are fitted to exposed sockets. Effective fire precautions and procedures are in place. A fire blanket and carbon monoxide detector are provided and smoke detectors are fitted on every level of the house. The childminder has planned the best way to evacuate the premises in an emergency and she regularly checks to make sure smoke detectors are in good working order. Children learn about fire safety as they frequently practise the fire evacuation procedure. Children are well protected because the childminder gives utmost priority to their wellbeing. She is well trained in and has a clear understanding of safeguarding children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are actively involved in organising their environment and helping to keep themselves safe. Older children are encouraged to help to tidy the toys away before getting different ones out. The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits. Children’s awareness of keeping themselves safe is effectively reinforced through stories, simple discussions and consistent practice. On outings they talk about road safety and what they must do to keep themselves safe on the roads. Children confidently choose what to play with from an excellent range of safe, high quality

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 age-appropriate toys and equipment which are easily accessible. Children are exceptionally well supervised and monitored by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children’s enjoyment and achievements at the setting are greatly promoted through the excellent documentation in place, including many photographs of the children, daily diaries detailing experiences and achievements, and examples of the children’s own artwork. The childminder has a very good understanding of how children learn and uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to meet children's individual needs. Activities are adapted to ensure that all children can participate. They spend time concentrating on self-chosen activities that are stimulating and educational, supported by an excellent range of toys and equipment, which enable them to explore and develop their skills. The childminder knows the children very well and continually provides them with challenge. She is very perceptive of children's needs and is aware of the different rates at which they learn. Children's confidence and self-esteem are skilfully nurtured

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and they are given time to explore and complete activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are lots of smiles, laughter and chatting as they play. Very good use is made of local amenities to extend the children’s play and learning opportunities. Children look forward to visiting the library, shops and local parks and attending toddler groups where they mix with other children and play with different toys and activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have frequent opportunities to explore an excellent range of messy, sensory and creative activities, such as musical instruments, painting, baking, cutting and sticking, sand, water and jelly. Children paint their hands, relishing the feel of the paint and then they take prints of their hands. The childminder is very supportive of children and effectively helps them to become increasingly skilful communicators. She constantly talks with the children about what they are doing and things of interest. Babies vocalise their pleasure and enjoyment in response to the positive attention they receive by gurgling and making sounds. Children and babies love to snuggle up with the childminder to look at books and listen to stories. They are becoming increasingly independent, as they confidently choose what to play with from the wealth of high quality resources. Young children excitedly crawl through the play tunnel; the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder encourages this by playing peek-a-boo with them as she waits at the other end. Babies enjoy exploring and playing with musical toys and activity centres and looking at themselves in the mirror. They stretch out and eagerly press the different buttons, to see what the centres do and the noise they make and eagerly bang the drum to make lots of noise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's needs are very well met and they are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder puts considerable effort into meeting individual care routines and works together with parents to provide excellent quality care. The children have lots of opportunities to learn about their local community and the wider world. They visit places of interest in their local community on a regular basis and celebrate their own and other festivals, helping them to learn about and respect other traditions. The children also have access to an excellent range of resources that reflect diversity. For example, books, puzzles, dressing up clothes and small world resources, helping them to learn about the wider world through imaginative play.

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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 Children's behaviour is exemplary. They are occupied and busy throughout the day and, therefore, play with a purpose and are not distracted or bored. Children are encouraged to understand responsible behaviour and show genuine care and warmth towards each other. The childminder is an excellent role model; she speaks warmly, calmly and very positively and does not use any negative words. Children know and understand the rules and boundaries and are encouraged to think about the consequences of their actions. Older children are encouraged to understand the needs of younger children and, consequently, they play with care and sensitivity when around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the excellent relationships between their parents and the childminder and, therefore, feel very secure and confident. Parents are valued by the childminder and they have access to a wealth of information about the whole organisation and routines of the service. Each child has a daily diary to take home each day that informs parents of all care practices, outings and activities. A notice board is sited in the entrance porch and displays the childminder's registration certificate and other useful information. There is excellent photographic evidence of the children participating in a wonderful range of play experiences.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a very well organised and caring home. The childminder has excellent relationships with the children and organises her day, so she is able to give them plentiful support, encouragement and attention. The home routine of babies and children is followed to help them settle and to ensure continuity of care. All childminding records and documentation are in place. The majority of these are clear, well maintained and stored appropriately. However, medication records are not sufficiently clear. The childminder has attended all the required training courses and regularly attends further childcare courses and workshops to help her develop her childminding skills. Comprehensive and detailed written policies and procedures have been formalised and are used effectively to inform and underpin childminding practice.

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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 the childminder was asked to maintain records of safety checks of toys and equipment, evacuation procedures and children's arrival and departure times. These recommendations have been fully implemented, thereby improving children's safety and well-being.

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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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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

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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): • ensure medication records are clearly detailed.

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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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