Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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505090 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2008 Inspection date (Kate) Kathryn, Jane Ryder 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 1998. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 15 years. They live in a house in Royton, an area of Oldham. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom facilities are used for childminding. There is a safe and secure outside play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time and currently there are four children on roll attending various times. The registration does not include overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable home. They are kept safe from the spread of infection as the childminder cleans floor surfaces before children arrive, so that young, crawling children are well protected. Highchair trays, work tops and tables are kept clean and hygienic by regular washing with an anti-bacterial spray. The childminder follows appropriate nappy

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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 changing procedures, which help to protect young children. Children begin to develop a good understanding about healthy practices, as they routinely wash their hands before and after certain activities, for example, before eating they wipe their hands with anti-bacterial wet wipes and tissues are readily available to encourage them to blow their nose. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate and accident and medication records are available.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides opportunities for children's physical development, both inside and outside the house. She makes sure that young babies have space to crawl freely within her home and regular visits to toddler groups provides space for children to use a wide range of small and large equipment, such as pushing bikes, buggies and shopping trolleys.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has appropriate knowledge about individual children's dietary needs. She provides healthy snacks of fruit, bread sticks, raisins and plain biscuits and gives appropriate consideration to storing and re heating packed lunches. She makes sure children can quench their thirst by providing accessible cups of water and frequent reminders to young children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder organises space in her home to enable children to move and play safely in the ground floor rooms. Children develop a sense of belonging as child height furniture is available and they have access to a selection of toys that the childminder sets out. Children's developmental needs are met through the provision of a suitable range of safe and developmentally appropriate resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the appropriate safety measures the childminder follows, for example, furniture corner covers, kitchen cupboard locks and fire safety equipment protect children from potential risks. Children develop awareness of safety through practising monthly emergency evacuations of the house and through the use of safety harnesses and car seat belts during their trips out of the house. The childminder protects children well as she recognises danger, such as preventing a young baby from slipping on a fabric furniture throw.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has an appropriate understanding of the procedures to follow with any concerns and she has attended training. She has sufficient awareness about possible signs and symptoms of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder quickly develops warm relationships with children, they are happy and relaxed in her care. She interacts appropriately with the children, listening to and playing with them on their level. The childminder consults parents to make sure she has knowledge about children's individual needs and has a clear understanding about parental wishes. The childminder provides praise, which helps to raise children's confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children move around the childminder's home freely accessing play activities that reflect their interests and are appropriate for their age and stage of development, for example, young children enjoy posting shapes in a shape sorter and push the plunger to make the top spin. They easily access a range of toys in a toy box but do not routinely have access to sensory activities. They show interest and pleasure as the childminder holds their arms and rocks them backwards and forwards as she sings 'row, row, row your boat'. Children have opportunities for

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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 creative activities when they attend toddler sessions, however, activities are often very adult led and there are fewer opportunities for children to freely express their natural creativity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder helps young children make progress by introducing them to books and stories, repetitive words and singing their favourite action songs. She helps young children become strong and confident as she encourages them to weight bear and walk. She ensures children are physically supported and moving out of their grasp, encourages them to take steps by calling, smiling and clapping. Children make warm relationships with older children and enjoy listening to stories read by them. The childminder makes time to play with older children as younger ones sleep, when they for example, play board games together or play with jigsaws containing small pieces.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are well met. During a clear settling in period, the childminder finds out about children's home routines and their personal preferences. Children begin to develop a positive attitude to others and an understanding about the wider world through having access to a suitable range of resources which show positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability, for example, dressing-up clothes, books, dolls and home corner accessories.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well, the childminder gives them praise and encouragement which re-enforces positive behaviour and helps children develop confidence and self esteem. They begin to understand right from wrong through the age appropriate methods used by the childminder, such as distraction and explanation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder forms appropriate working relationships with parents. She begins to share and gather information during the pre-placement visits and provides new parents with a written copy of her policies and procedures. She communicates with them daily through informal conversations which helps to keep parents fully informed about the care of their children. The childminder demonstrates a clear knowledge about a complaints procedure and has prepared a recording system.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are kept safe and healthy as the childminder attends and updates training, for example, safeguarding children, 'Birth to three matters' framework and first aid. She has also arranged to attend future training, such as The Early Years Foundation Stage. The environment is appropriately organised and allows children to feel at home. The childminder uses her time effectively to ensure she meets the individual needs of children in her care, such as time to eat, rest and play.

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Organisation

All the legally required documentation is kept as required, in line with the National Standards. In addition the childminder has developed a number of written policies and procedures which are shared with parents during the settling in period. She also monitors the development of children under three years, using her local authority's 'tracking' system. The registration certificate 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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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last inspection, the childminder agreed to improve her knowledge of child protection procedures, to develop the range of resources reflecting diversity and to record children's full names on documentation. The childminder has attended safeguarding children training and as a result has developed her understanding about child protection procedures. She has provided a range of toy materials that reflect images of culture and disability which helps children learn about the wider world and records children's full names on all her documentation.

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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 have procedures for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and to keep a record of complaints and their outcome.

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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): • improve opportunities for young children to explore sensory play • improve opportunities for children to explore their natural creativeness by providing activities using a range of media and that are child led.

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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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