Childminder in Rochdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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316114 Unique Reference Number 11 January 2008 Inspection date Judith, Mary Horsfall 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 1995. She lives with her husband and three teenage children in Milnrow near Rochdale, Lancashire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five years on a part-time basis. The childminder takes children to and from local schools and nurseries. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group, music sessions and play gyms.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay very healthy because the childminder has highly effective policies and procedures in place. For example, each child has their own toothbrush, toothpaste and hand towel to promote hygiene and minimise the risk of cross infection. A comprehensive health and safety policy is discussed with parents at induction and is thoroughly implemented. Children are

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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 protected against infection because the childminder understands the importance of hygienic practice, using disposable gloves and an apron when changing nappies and encouraging all babies and children to wash hands after using the toilet or having their nappy changed. Children are beginning to learn to take control of their own good hygiene practices by wiping their own noses and washing their hands before eating and drinking. The children benefit from the childminder extending their learning about health and hygiene as they excitedly recount stories of a story book character who has problems because he does not look after his teeth.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected in cases of accident or illness because the childminder has a suitable first aid kit and holds a current first aid qualification. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs because the childminder has a comprehensive sleep policy. Children's changing sleep needs are discussed with parents and regularly reviewed and recorded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs well met because the childminder works closely with parents, placing a high priority on health eating. For example, the childminder gets parents and children involved in topics about food and healthy lunchbox contents. Children are purposefully involved in creating scrapbooks with pictures of healthy foods, creating collages and identifying foods they enjoy. A detailed food and drink policy ensures parents are aware of the importance of healthy eating. Children generally bring their own packed lunches which are stored in the refrigerator and nutritious snacks, such as fresh fruit are available every day. Fresh drinking water is available at all times to ensure children do not go thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed into a clean, well maintained home. They feel at home because their artwork is well displayed and there is a wide range of suitable, safe, accessible, fun toys and resources which are appropriate to their ages and stages of development. Children are well protected against harm because the childminder has many comprehensive safety and environment policies which are actively implemented. For example, toys are wiped each evening with antibacterial spray and daily risk assessments are undertaken. However, the exposed hearth poses a risk to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to keep themselves safe because the childminder explains the importance of safety. For example, when visiting the train station children are informed of railway safety. Children also undertake project work about staying safe. They have made artwork on issues, such as not handling matches, road safety, use of seatbelts in cars and tidying up after themselves. They enjoy learning through practical activities, such as dressing up as a school crossing patrol person and role playing crossing the road with a child-sized crossing and 'lollipop'. The childminder is highly committed to keeping the children safe and has well organised contingencies prepared in case of emergencies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role in child protection procedures. There is a comprehensive child protection procedure which is shared with parents and all the necessary documentation is in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are making good progress in learning, leisure and personal development because the childminder is highly knowledgeable in the area of child development. Children acquire new

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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 knowledge and skills because they have free access to a broad range of purposeful and developmentally suitable toys and resources. For example, children really enjoy outdoor activities, such as playing with pots and pans to make sounds and going on a bug hunt where they discover the world of mini-beasts. Each child has an 'All about me' book which records their progress and is shared with parents. Babies are offered good levels of challenge, such as encouraging them to stretch and crawl towards a toy and to repeat new sounds as they begin to vocalise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's self-esteem and confidence are effectively cultivated because the childminder offers them frequent, enthusiastic praise for their efforts and achievements. Each child has a scrapbook crammed with their artwork and they proudly show their collages, printing and other crafts, feeling a real sense of accomplishment. Children's independence is promoted as they are asked to get involved in the day-to-day life of the setting and help to tidy away their toys before moving on to a new activity. Children's dignity and privacy are respected by, for example, being sensitive during toileting procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled and generally co-operate well together. They are learning to be considerate of others, and older children are aware that small items which are a choking hazard must be kept away from babies. Children take control of their play and the childminder gives them time and space to direct their own activities, such as creating a picnic or indulging in messy play. Children benefit from a wide selection of activities off-site, such as visits to play gyms, the local library, song and rhyme sessions and toddler group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are skilfully cared for by a childminder who understands the importance of valuing each one as an individual. A detailed equal opportunities policy supports the childminder's commitment to helping children learn about people in the wider world. This is supplemented by a good range of activities and resources which positively reflect the broader community. For example, the children have access to books about disabled people and all children are able to play with all toys, with no separation on grounds of gender. Cultural festivals, such as Christmas, Chinese New Year and Diwali are celebrated by making handicrafts, story telling and food tasting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are welcomed into the setting and the childminder has a clear understanding of the value of inclusion. Activities are adapted to ensure that all children including those with learning disabilities and difficulties take a full and active part in the life of the setting. A thorough behaviour policy is agreed with the parents and annually reviewed to ensure a consistent approach between home and the setting. Children benefit because a great emphasis is put on encouraging positive behaviour and explaining clearly to children why some behaviour is not acceptable. Children are polite, well behaved and beginning to understand the importance of good manners. Children are well served by a strong partnership with parents policy. Parents are encouraged to enter the main room used for play and to talk to the childminder each evening about the children's progress and welfare. A clear complaints procedure ensures parents are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

aware of how to make a complaint should the occasion arise.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Efficient organisation and the creative use of space, time and resources ensure children's safety and well-being are robustly promoted. Children are well protected because the childminder has

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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 a clear understanding of the importance of having all adults in the household undertake the necessary checks and that children are not to be left unsupervised with unauthorised persons. Adult to child ratios are rigorously maintained to ensure children's play and care are well supported.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are of a high quality, with many exceeding the requirements of the National Standards. They work very well in practice to promote children's health, safety, achievements and enjoyment. Records are stored confidentially and children's individual records are available to parents.

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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 previous inspection there was one recommendation about making hazardous substances in the bathroom safe or inaccessible to children. This has now been fully addressed, improving the safety of children.

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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 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 hearth is made safe.

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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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