Childminder in OldhamOfsted inspection, 27 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY298577 Inspection date 27 September 2005 Inspector Susan Magaret Lyon

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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 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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her partner and two children in a semi detached house in the Oldham area. She was registered in 2004. The rooms available for childminding are lounge, play room, kitchen/dining room, downstairs toilet and back garden. She is registered to care for five children and there are currently two children on roll. There are pet rabbits kept in the garden. The childminder offers an out of school service from Higher Failsworth Primary school.

p.2

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of personnel hygiene through good daily routines, such as washing hands after toileting and before food. They use disposable wipes to prevent the spread of infection. The home is clean and hygienic. The childminder provides nourishing meals for children. Drinks are readily available for children, which they independently access through the day. Children begin to learn the importance of healthy eating through discussions about foods that are good for them. Children have regular access to physical activities in the garden using a broad range of age appropriate play equipment. They enjoy walking to the park and visiting local play facilities, providing them with opportunities to be active, thus promoting their physical development and well being. Children rest and sleep according to their needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder takes extensive precautions to minimise hazards and risks to children in the play areas. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder has appropriate safety measures in place and makes boundaries clear. They learn to keep themselves safe through explanations about "stranger danger" and staying together. Children use suitable and safe toys and equipment. Space and resources are well organised to allow all children to move around safely and access toys freely and independently. The childminder's awareness of fire precautions contribute to children's safety whilst on the premises, although smoke alarms are needed on every floor. The childminder gives high regard to the safety of children both indoors and outdoors through close supervision. The play areas are colourful, welcoming and child centred.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection and would follow appropriate procedures if needed.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and self esteem through the childminder praising them for their efforts and achievements. Older children are engaged in a broad range of stimulating activities to foster their all round development. However, play for younger children can be further developed to include natural materials and sensory experiences. Children acquire new skills and knowledge because the childminder spends time talking and discussing with them and helping them to learn about

p.3

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 colours and numbers. They are encouraged to make positive relationships through sharing and taking turns. Children are able to make choices in their play and pursue their interests for example, selecting a favourite toy. Resources are organised to help children become independent learners. They are happy and settled because the childminder provides individual care and attention and provides close supervision.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for by the childminder who works well with parents to meet children's individual needs. Their care is enhanced through the daily exchange of information regarding their progress and welfare. She ensures all the children are fully included in the life of the setting, including children with special needs, through adapting the way play is provided and offering suitable activities on a daily basis. Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. They are valued and made to feel important through praise and recognition of their efforts and achievements. However, children lack opportunities to become aware of the wider world due to limited play resources and activities. Children behave well and begin to understand responsible behaviour through clear boundaries and explanations. They develop good awareness of their own needs and

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

the needs of others through talking about feelings and being sensitive to the younger children's needs.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safe and protected through the childminder's awareness of the vetting of household members. She maintains adequate ratios, thus improving the safety of children. The childminder organises time, space and resources well to meet children's needs. Children benefit from visits to facilities in the local community. Their care and well being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training. All required documentation is up to date, shared with parents and kept confidentially. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • fit smoke alarms to every level of the house • develop a suitable range of activities for the younger children, for example by using the Birth to Three framework. • develop children's awareness of the wider world through increasing play resources reflecting equal opportunities.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.5