Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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505050 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2008 Inspection date Marina Anna Howarth 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 with the local authority and transferred to Ofsted in 2001. She lives with her husband and daughter aged twelve years and three adult children in the Lees area near Oldham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with toilet facilities located on the first floor and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. She is currently minding three children under five years during the day and two children over five years, before and after school and in the school holidays. She also cares for three children over eight years. She walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the library and park. The family has a cat. The childminder does not offer overnight care for children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children's health is promoted. She can respond to accidents appropriately because a current first aid certificate is maintained. She has systems in place to gather and record information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about their personal hygiene through their normal daily routines. For example, children have easy access to the sink with the provision of a booster step and liquid soap is provided. However, children currently use the same towel which may result in the risk of cross infection. Children are developing an understanding of why it is important to wash their hands as the childminder offers explanations. For example 'to get rid of the germs'.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has taken action to ensure that children stay healthy because the environment is well maintained and cleaned on a daily basis. She has devised good health and hygiene guidelines. For example, surfaces are wiped down with anti-bacterial spray before and after use. Toys and resources are also wiped down on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of healthy eating. She operates a flexible service as she will provide snacks and meals or the parents are able to provide their child's own. She ensures children's dietary requirements are met through obtaining the relevant information from the parents. Mealtimes are promoted as a relaxed social occasion as the children sit together while they are eating and the childminder converses with them. On occasions children are given opportunities to be involved in simple baking activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures that children are refreshed throughout the day through the provision of regular refreshments comprising of water, diluted cordial and milk. She explains that older children's independence is encouraged through the provision of a jug of ready made juice and cups, which are located within easy accessibility to enable them to help themselves.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are given regular opportunities to experience fresh air and exercise as the childminder takes them to the local park. They also have access to a rear, enclosed garden where they are able to climb on apparatus and play with bats and balls developing their motor skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to a clean, well-maintained, welcoming, child-friendly environment. The childminder has taken steps to organise her home to enable children to have easy access to all areas. All areas are presented in a child-friendly way with high consideration given to safety, visual stimulation and freedom of movement.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken action to ensure that risks in and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. She explains how she helps children to learn about their own safety through discussion about fire evacuation procedures which are practised every term. Children are also becoming aware of safety when they are on outings. For example, they are developing an understanding about the 'Green Cross Code' and they are aware that they must remain within the childminder's direct supervision at all times. Children are encouraged

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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 to tidy away their toys when they have finished playing with them to prevent others from falling over them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken action to ensure that risks around the home are minimised by conducting regular risk assessments which are reviewed regularly. She has devised comprehensive policies and procedures which are over and above the National Standards requirements. These are reflected in her practice ensuring children's safety remains paramount.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through discussion, the childminder is clear of her role and responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children. She knows where to go to for advice and support regarding child protection and who to report concerns to. She has an information booklet which is easily accessible and contains all the relevant contact numbers and organisations. However, her policy does not refer to current legislation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's house, they are confident, happy and fully involved in their play. Warm and caring relationships are apparent between the childminder and children, contributing to a child's sense of belonging. The childminder responds to children's individual needs well. Their development is promoted through a suitable range of age appropriate resources and activities. For example, the childminder sits on the floor with the children singing songs and playing action rhymes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident as the childminder spends time talking and playing with children at their level, giving them praise and encouragement or developing their language and understanding. They have formed sound relationships with the childminder and each other. For example, children snuggle into her when tired and are gently rocked to sleep. One child approaches the childminder while she is looking at a book with another child and states 'I'd like to join in,' and is welcomed warmly. Each child has opportunity to spend time alone with her which enables their individual play and development needs to be met. Children clearly thrive on the input given by the childminder who shows commitment to children's emotional well-being and security.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children participate in a variety of suitable play opportunities and activities, both inside and outside, which promote their development. This is extended by visits to the local toddler group and outings to the park. They are beginning to become independent as they choose between the toys and activities which the childminder has set out for them. All children have opportunities to be creative as they paint or make collage pictures and they participate in baking activities. Children's self-esteem is developed through the childminder's effective use of praise and support. For example, praising them for successfully posting the right shapes into the shape sorter.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has an equal opportunities policy which is shared with parents. She takes positive steps to develop children's understanding of the wider world through the provision of resources which depict positive images of race, gender and disability and through the celebration of different festivals.

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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 welfare is promoted as the childminder consults closely with parents and any other agencies that may be involved with children. This ensures that consistency of care is maintained and their individual needs are met effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of behaviour management, giving good examples of how she would approach a variety of situations for children of different ages. For example, she discusses boundaries with children and gives explanations as to why certain behaviour may not be accepted. Good behaviour is actively encouraged through giving praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has taken action to ensure that parents are kept informed about the service she provides and their child's progress. This is achieved through the provision of relevant information for parents. She has also devised an information pack containing policies and procedures relating to the setting which is discussed during the induction process. She ensures that information is exchanged with parents on a daily basis. This is accomplished through daily verbal communication.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder ensures that the needs and welfare of the children in her care are paramount by ensuring that all adults who come into regular contact with the children are suitably vetted. She has a high regard for the well-being of all children. She demonstrates a good commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills in childcare practice as she has attended a variety of training. She uses this knowledge effectively to provide children with a wide range of learning experiences.

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Organisation

There is a good range of play resources which are well organised to promote children's freedom of choice and easy access. The childminder utilises space around her home in an effective way that facilitates the different needs of children.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps detailed records of the children she provides care for. These include relevant information on children's individual needs. She has devised policies and procedures which are above the requirements of the National Standards and are relevant to her setting. She has a high regard to maintaining confidentiality and she ensures that parents are kept fully informed with regard to the good quality of service she provides. This is achieved through daily verbal feedback detailing the child's progress.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was requested to develop the range of resources to promote positive images. She now has a selection of books, puzzles and toys which promote positive images of race, gender and disability. As a result, children are developing their understanding of the wider world.

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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

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 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): • improve hygiene procedures for hand washing • develop knowledge and understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board legislation and ensue this is reflected in the child protection policy.

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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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