Childminder in WiganOfsted inspection, 6 Jul 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY250546 Inspection date 06 July 2005 Inspector Maria Keane

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and 5, in a semi-detached house in Wigan. The property is situated on a cul-de sac and has a fully enclosed rear garden. The property is close to shops, parks and other children's play facilities. The ground floor areas of the house, which includes a designated playroom are used for childminding purposes. Toilet and wash facilities are provided with-in this area. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and regularly attends local toddler groups. She is registered to care for five children at any one

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 time and is currently minding five children, two of which are her nieces. Three of the children attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children enjoy a range of activities that promote their good health. They have regular walks, play in the rear garden and visit local children's play facilities. The children enjoy outdoor activities and have many opportunities to run, climb and gain control of their body. Children are cared for in a clean, well-maintained environment. They learn about the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The children enjoy washing their hands after using the toilet and blowing their own noses. Their welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's ability to keep clear documents relating to the safe administration of medication and the recording of any accidents sustained to them. However, the childminder has not obtained written consent to seek medical advice or attention in the event of an emergency from parents. The children learn about healthy eating through the provision of healthy meals and

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Helping children to be healthy

snacks. They are offered drinking water and a range of juices, which are easily accessible to all children. The childminder takes account of the parents wishes and children's choices. She provides healthy meals which meet children's individual dietary requirements, as well as offering them a range of different tastes and textures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are happy and demonstrate a good sense of belonging, for example they sing during play and confidently share their experiences with the childminder. The children benefit from having ample space in which they play purposefully. They independently select activities from a wide range of toys and equipment, and confidently request toys if they are not as easily accessible. The children are safe and secure. The childminder maintains safety, both indoors and out. She identifies and minimises risk which means children can move around freely and independently. The children learn about safety through discussions, for example why safety gates are in place and the importance of holding hands on outings. Positive steps have been taken by the childminder to ensure children are kept safe in the event of a fire. The children's welfare is safeguarded to a satisfactory level, for example the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder ensures that checks are completed on unknown visitors and that children are not left unsupervised at any time. Although the childminder has a basic knowledge of child protection issues there are weaknesses in her understanding of

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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 the local Area Child Protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are content in the childminder's care. They form good relationships with the childminder and each other. The children are valued and have good self-esteem through the childminder's ability to listen and quickly respond to their individual needs. The children are confident and use language well to inform the childminder of how they are feeling and to share their knowledge, and experiences. For example, children discuss what pegs are used for and where animals go when they are ill. The children choose from a good variety of activities and resources. They enjoy creative and imaginative activities which gives them the opportunity to dress up and produce pictures using a range of materials. The children learn about number and size through activities such as, measuring children's height on the displayed wall chart and spontaneously using number through play and daily routines. They learn

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

about the world around them as they go out on family outings in the summer and visit groups in the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have many opportunities to learn about diversity. As part of their play they look at pictures, posters and a photo album to discuss the differences and similarities of people and countries. They learn more about other countries through books and activities such as, creating flags and displaying them for children to see. The children learn to respect each other. They have painted their hands and cut them out to make a friendship ring. The children learn about acceptable behaviour and the childminder promotes good behaviour through praise and encouragement. The children benefit from a good partnership between the childminder and their parents. The childminder verbally informs the parents of their child's day and ensures their wishes are respected. She keeps some records on children's individual requirements and parents are encouraged to share information with her about their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

child. This provides children with continuity of care. The parents written response to the childminding service is very good. They highlight the childminders ability to offer a good quality, flexible service which meets their needs and the needs their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. Therefore, they are confident and very able to select resources in order to lead and develop their own play. The children are comfortable when moving around rooms, this includes the outdoor play area. The children benefit from a good balance of individual

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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 attention from the childminder and group play opportunities. The childminder is committed to developing good quality provision. She has a clear understanding of the National Standards relating to young children and is interested in updating her knowledge and understanding of child care issues. It is the childminders intention to develop her practice further through the use of the new Birth to Three Matters framework. The childminder maintains most records and documents relating to the care of the children. Theses are well organised and are easily accessible in the event of an emergency. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last inspection two issues for improvement were identified. The childminder has worked hard to improve resources and activities which allow children to learn about equal opportunities and diversity. Children now enjoy a range of activities and resources that positively reflect race, culture, gender and disability. In addition, the childminder ensures that all relevant documents are in place for all children cared for which has further safeguarded children's welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since the last inspection

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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): • update knowledge of child protection issues in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures • obtain written permission from parents which will allow you to seek medical advice and attention in the event of an emergency.

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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 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

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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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