Childminder in Wigan

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 322563 Inspection date 15 June 2005 Inspector Ann, Theresa Flynn

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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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her partner and 4 children aged 5, 8, 9 and 15 years in a semi-detached property in Winstanley, Wigan. The play room, dining room and associated facilities are used for childminding purposes including a secure rear garden which is available for outdoor play. The property is close local amenities and presently there are five children on roll.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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 good. Children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves healthy through personal hygiene routines. For example, washing their hands after toileting. This is encouraged by the childminder who helps the children to wash their hands following toilet use and prior to meals. Children are well rested and sleep depending on their individual needs, thereby promoting their health and well being. Children enjoy physical activity as they have access to outdoor play and larger play equipment. For example, small bikes. Children's physical development is also enhanced by attending a local music and dance session on a weekly basis. Children are nourished and their health is promoted through the availability of a balanced and nutritious diet which caters for children's individual dietary requirements. Children’s thirst is quenched by frequent access to drinks which they access themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe and secure within the setting. They are able to move around the environment with ease as there is adequate space for them to play and when required rest. Children’s independence is increasing as they access resources from a range of activities and supplement these by self chosen toys from low levelled storage which promotes their independence. Children's safety is promoted within the setting, because the childminder has appropriate safety equipment in place. For example, fire blanket, first aid box, safety gates and a garden which is fully enclosed. Children's welfare is not fully safeguarded, because the childminder is not secure in her understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's development is enhanced through a range of activities both in and away from the setting. For example, the playroom is designed for the children with suitable age appropriate resources, which the children access themselves to make choices and increase their independence skills. Children are developing co-ordination through physical play both indoors and out. For

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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 example, children successfully climb onto a small trike and manoeuvre it around the play room with ease. Children relate well to each other. For example they share stickers which were received from a recent visit to the dentist, thereby developing their understanding about how to share. Children enjoy a range of varied experiences and activities to develop a variety skills. Activities away from the home such as parent and toddler groups provide children with opportunities to develop their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's view of the wider world and awareness of diversity is limited, due to a lack of opportunities to develop an understanding of the beliefs and cultures of others. A lack of resources which promote positive images of diversity hinders children's understanding of this issue. Children behave well and are learning to understand the difference between right and wrong. They are beginning to work harmoniously with each other as they begin to learn to share and take turns. Children’s individual needs are met sufficiently, the childminder engages in daily discussion with parents about children's individual needs in various aspects of their care, thereby helping to maintain continuity and consistency of care for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to feel at home and independent by the welcoming and organised play room in which children enjoy free access to resources. Children's needs are met through generally effective organisation, although policies and procedures are not formally maintained and therefore parents information about the service is provided only through general discussion. Children are protected by the vetting procedures in place and due to the childminder having completed relevant first aid training. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom care is provided.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to improve some documentation and make it available to parents and ensure that equipment reflects different lifestyles and promotes equality of opportunity.

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Improvements 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 childminder has made some improvements in the recommendations made. She has ensured that agreements regarding children are now in place. However she has not developed policies and procedures to share with parents. Children do not have access to adequate resources which reflect diversity. Children's care has only moderately improved due to the lack of attention to recommendations 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 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): • develop knowledge of child protection procedures • develop children's awareness and resources in relation to diversity • devise policies and procedures to ensure parents are well informed.

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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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