Childminder in Rochdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303470 Inspection date 07 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 satisfactory. 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 April 2005. She lives with her husband and three teenage children in a mid terraced property situated close to Rochdale town centre. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, this includes a sitting room for quiet activities, a lounge/dining room and a kitchen. First floor rooms, with the exception of the bathroom, are not used. The property does not have a suitable area for outdoor play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends local toddler groups. Children are taken to the local park and library.

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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. Children take part in effective hygiene routines such as washing hands at appropriate times. This ensures that children learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They are protected from infection through the childminder's daily cleaning routine and the effective sick child policy. Children make use of the local park and therefore benefit from regular fresh air and exercise. They begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet as the childminder has a good understanding of children's individual dietary needs and works in partnership with parents. Children drink fresh juice or water regularly throughout the day which contributes to their good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from an environment where the majority of appropriate safety equipment is available, such as stair gates, fire blanket and smoke alarms. However, some items are not being effectively used to promote children's safety. Fire evacuation procedures have not been practiced to help children learn about fire safety and how to respond in an emergency. Children are generally able to play safely as the childminder gives satisfactory regard to the safety of children both indoors and outdoors, for example, emergency contacts numbers are accessible at all times. The childminder helps children understand how to keep themselves safe by having boundaries in place and talking to them about the consequences of their actions. Children are able to play where resources are easily accessible. They feel safe and secure in the home through the provision of appropriate toys and resources that are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

suitable to their age and stage of development. Children play with toys and use equipment that meets the required safety standards. This ensures children’s safety around toys and equipment is maintained. Children are protected at all times as the childminder is aware of her duty to protect children and would follow child protection procedures if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. On the whole children’s welfare is promoted and individual needs are met through activities that include opportunities for social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Children are mostly provided with a sufficiently varied range of activities as the childminder has an adequate understanding of how young children learn and progress. However, the range of equipment is limited in some areas which

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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 restricts children's opportunities to develop their imaginative play and extend their creative ideas. Intellectual capabilities are developed well as children learn to handle books, share stories, count and talk about shape and colours as part of everyday play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Good use is made of local amenities which helps children to develop a sense of belonging and begin to be aware of their local community. Children are able to follow their normal daily routine, as discussed with their parents. Relationships with parents are friendly and positive and daily verbal exchanges ensure parents receive general information, in an informal way. This promotes continuity and consistency of care for the children. Children are given lots of praise to reinforce their achievements. They respond well to the positive methods used by the childminder to manage their behaviour and as a result are well behaved.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The generally effective organisation of the environment allows children to make some choices about their activities. This means that they are usually confident in initiating their own play. Children benefit from having lots of time and individual attention from the childminder. Parents are fully informed about how children spend their day, progress and achievements and the childminder's responsibilities. The childminder's knowledge of the required documentation and the correct procedures to follow is sometimes inconsistent. As a result parents are not requested to complete all documentation sufficiently. At the time of this inspection, the childminder had not completed an appropriate first aid course. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration.

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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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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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain written permission from parents at the beginning of the placement regarding the seeking of any emergency treatment • improve fire safety precautions • ensure the completion of an appropriate first aid course • ensure that hazards on the premises are effectively minimised.

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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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