Boyle, Sandra

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 308612 Inspection date 25 November 2005 Inspector Carol Ann Dixon

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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 has been registered since 1998. She lives with her husband and two teenage children. The family live in a semi detached property, which is situated within easy access of both Whitworth and Rochdale town centres. The family have a pet dog. The childminder attends the local toddler group and takes and collects children from the local school. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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 Children can access the whole of the premises including a secure rear garden and a secure area to the side of the house where they can take part in outdoor play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are healthy because the childminder follows simple hygiene practices to ensure children can play in a clean environment which minimises cross infection. The childminder ensures hands and faces are washed after lunch and ensures she washes her hands after nappy changing routines. The children are learning about good hygiene practices, such as cleaning their teeth, because the childminder talks to the children about the reasons for good practice. Children are learning about healthy diets through the provision of meals and snacks which reflect healthy eating. Younger children are provided with a drink at frequent intervals of diluted juice, which ensures the children do not become dehydrated. The childminder takes into account special dietary requirements, children's choices and discusses meals with parents in order to provide a varied healthy diet to cater for all needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children's emotional needs are met because the childminder cares for them in a supportive manner and offers them praise as they develop control over their bodies. Children enjoy a range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Regular walks to and from school, visits to the park and physical outdoor games, support children's physical development and well being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very welcoming and safe indoor and outdoor environment. Their safety is maintained effectively because the childminder has checks in place to ensure the home is clean and hazard free. She checks the premises each evening to ensure there is nothing that may pose a danger to the children. Children's safety is further promoted by the childminder ensuring all required safety features are in place, for example, socket covers and safety barriers. Children can choose from the wide range of resources available to them thus developing their independence and decision making skills. Younger children explore the environment and freely choose appropriate resources which are clean and safe. The young child attending learns about safety because the childminder is encouraging a basic understanding of safe practices, for example, learning not to touch the fireguard, through discussion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is given priority, the childminder practices fire evacuation

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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 procedures, ensuring that children are familiar and can get out of the house quickly and safely in an emergency. Children independently access a range of safe, quality furniture and equipment that meet safety standards and developmental needs. Children are not exposed to any hazards as all areas of the house are safe, with specific safety aspects in place, so that children can play and keep safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection in line with the Area Child Protection Procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and confident in the childminder's home where they enjoy a variety of activities which support their learning and development. They are able to play creatively and imaginatively through free choice, this supports their growing independence and confidence. Children's knowledge of the outside world is enhanced through participation in activities outside of the home, for example, they go to feed the ducks, visit toddler group and go shopping. Children are interested and enjoy the well planned activities, for example baking and creative activities, which promote their all round development. Children spend their time purposefully, playing alone or alongside each other, thus promoting their social skills. They make choices by selecting stimulating and exciting toys including books, animals, posting boxes and bricks. The children's self confidence and self esteem is encouraged by the highly effective support and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interaction from the childminder. The children learn because the childminder talks about colours, numbers, shapes as she constantly interacts and supports their play. They learn about size and shape when posting shapes in the shape sorter. Children acquire new knowledge and skills by receiving praise and encouragement from the childminder. They build towers with bricks and knock them down, responding with smiles when praised and are encouraged to persevere.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and included, promoting equality of opportunity. They participate in activities outside the home and in the local community, to develop their understanding of diversity. Children are beginning to learn how to manage their behaviour because the childminder sets boundaries and guidelines which are appropriate for all children. Children's behaviour is developed by the childminder reinforcing rules by saying no, distracting the child and being consistent and calm in her approach. The children's behaviour is further supported because the childminder uses lots of praise, gestures

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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 and claps. Children's individual needs are fully met as they are able to follow a daily routine that has been discussed with parents. Positive relationships with parents are fostered by effective communications, for example, the childminder provides parents with a written daily sheet of their child's daily activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are able to play and learn in an environment that is organised to meet children's needs by ensuring they can move freely and access good quality resources. This means they are independent and able to initiate their own play. The children feel at home within the setting as the childminder has provided familiar things which they are confident to explore. The childminder shares information with parents to promote the welfare of the children. She has all regulatory documents in place which ensures the needs of the children are met. The childminder is committed to maintaining an updated knowledge of childcare practice. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was recommended to attend a child protection training course and inform parents of Ofsted's contact details. Children's safety has been enhanced by the childminder's acquisition of updated child protection knowledge and partnership with parents has been further developed as parents are now informed of Ofsted's role and contact details should they have any concerns.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

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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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): • increase knowledge and understanding of birth to three matters framework.

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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

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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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