Childminder in Bury

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 316664 Inspection date 08 August 2005 Inspector Gillian Patricia Bishop

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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 1990. She lives with her husband, two adult daughters and a 12 year old son in the residential area of Unsworth, a suburb of Bury. All ground floor rooms are used for childminding. First floor rooms are not included with the exception of the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed back yard for outside play. The childminder may care for six children at any one time. There are currently nine children on roll, four of whom are over 8 years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and she takes children to parks and local soft play centres.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn good health and hygiene practices within everyday routines which encourages them to keep themselves healthy. They know to wash their hands before eating and they understand that they must wear sun hats and cream to protect themselves from the sun. The childminder's appropriate procedure for poorly children reflects their best interests and reduces the risk of cross infection. However, the first aid box within the home is not suitably stocked. Children are developing a sound understanding of healthy eating during snack times as they are encouraged to eat healthy foods such as fruit. They develop appropriate social skills as they sit at the table during meal times and they are able to keep themselves refreshed with regular drinks. Effective communication with parents ensures changes with regard to routines are discussed, children therefore rest and sleep according to their particular needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular opportunities to take exercise and learn new physical skills. They frequently visit soft play gyms and develop new skills such as throwing, catching and pedalling.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the child-centred environment, which is clean and well organised. Positive steps have been taken to ensure the home remains safe and secure. Children therefore, move around freely and independently. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they are reminded not to open doors and to keep the floor free from toys so they don't trip. Children are protected by appropriate documentation for car travel. They know they must wear seat belts and they understand the necessity to keep them on until the car has stopped. Children use a variety of suitable and safe toys and equipment which reflect their age and interests. Most are made accessible with the exception of games for older children which are stored higher up for safety. Children develop a sense of belonging as they are able to make their own decisions about what they want to play. This allows children to chose their favourites such as Lego and small world toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates some knowledge of child protection procedures. However, children's welfare is compromised because she is not familiar with local Area Child Protection Committee procedures or who to contact if allegation is made against herself or a family member.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and relaxed in the childminder's home. They ask questions and they make their needs known if they require a drink or a new activity. They develop confidence and self-esteem as they are encouraged to share and develop their own play ideas. Children show great interest and concentration in what they do as they happily play for long periods of time on one particular task. Children are provided with a good variety of activities, which reflect their interests and promote development. They learn to count using familiar toys such as 'Thomas the Tank Engine' and they develop their imaginative ideas with small world toys. Children's abilities are respected so they develop at their own pace, for example, when potty training. Children know and understand the behavioural expectations within the childminder's home. They act responsibly by putting away their own toys and they are aware they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

must play fairly when sharing toys. Children make positive relationships with their carer and they enjoy the company of her own children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are known and understood by the childminder who works well with parents in negotiating aspects of care. Good consideration is given to children with specific needs, which ensures they are well supported in their progress and activities. Effective communication systems ensure parents are regularly consulted as they receive daily information about their child's welfare. Children are developing an awareness of the wider world as they explore cultural differences. Children take interest in the personal experiences of others as they discuss the various festivals they celebrate at home. Behavioural expectations within the setting are high. Children are developing a strong sense of right and wrong which ensures they play and travel safely. They have a clear understanding of the 'house rules' and they learn to show care and concern for others as they learn to play in harmony.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for by the childminder who demonstrates a commitment to developing her activities and child care practice. Since her last inspection she has attended several additional training courses. Policies and procedures work in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and ability to make a positive contribution within the setting.

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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 Children are well settled and confident in the home and they benefit from the childminder's well established routines and practices. The best use of space has been considered to allow children to be independent and make choices and decisions about their day. Documentation is well kept and includes written policies and procedures for parents to view. Children's records are kept and shared with regard to confidentiality and they contain relevant detail and parental consents. Overall the setting meets the needs of all children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve children's safety within the home and monitor the use of the television. Children are now well protected by three working smoke alarms which provides an early warning system in the event of a fire. The childminder discourages children from watching the television outside planned times such as early morning. Children therefore benefit from set TV routines which are planned alongside other more beneficial activities.

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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 the first aid box is adequately stocked with suitable first aid equipment • develop knowledge of Local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures including who to contact in the event of an allegation being made against a family member. (ACPC)

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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 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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