Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY101675 Inspection date 18 April 2005 Inspector Patricia Graham

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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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her partner, also a registered childminder, and two children aged seven and three years in Failsworth, Oldham. The whole ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five full time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group.

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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 good. Children enjoy the good selection of play materials provided. The children are interested in their play which promotes good health. Children enjoy physical activity and have access to a good indoor and outdoor play area which is used creatively and aids their gross motor development for example as they play ball games and use push and pull toys. They become progressively aware of how their bodies move and also enjoy other physical activities such as music and movement which contributes to their good health. All children are able to be active and rest according to their needs. Children begin to understand the importance of good hygiene practices. They are aware they need to wash their hands and brush their teeth to be clean and healthy. The childminder actively supports children to develop personal hygiene routines and promotes good hygiene practices in the setting by ensuring the toys and environment

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Helping children to be healthy

are clean. As a result children are cared for in a clean and well maintained setting which reduces the risk of cross infection. Children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet which is promoted through discussions and play. There is high regard to planning activities which promote health and well being. This is supported by healthy snacks and drinks also being provided to the children. Children have their dietary needs met because the childminder discusses healthy eating with parents and encourages healthy packed lunches to be brought for their child.

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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 setting where positive steps have been taken to promote children's safety. This means children are able to move around the home independently. Children are kept safe on outings. This is achieved by the childminder raising awareness of road safety through discussions and games which allows children to have a responsibility for themselves and others. Children are independent as they freely choose activities from a range of safe and developmentally appropriate play materials which are of good quality. The childminder ensures toys and equipment are safe to use and organised at child height. The childminder has relevant documentation in place which ensures children are safe, for example there are effective systems in place to ensure the safe collection of children. Children are protected because the childminder has a good level of understanding of child protection issues and is aware of procedures to follow to keep

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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 interested in the child centred environment and are keen to find out things for themselves. The childminder spends her time talking with the children which helps develop their confidence and self esteem. In return the children communicate well with the childminder, they speak confidently and express their views. They are happy and settled at the childminders house and play happily together in a stimulating environment and socialise with other children at local toddler groups. Children become independent as they choose from a broad range of quality toys and activities. For example music and movement, action response games, imaginative play and jigsaws which are suitable to their age and stage of development. The childminder is aware of children's abilities and provides toys and resources accordingly. As a result children are developing in all areas of their development. The children are happy and contented in the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are recognised as individuals and their differing needs are well met. The childminder provides children with good quality play opportunities and experiences which promote positive images of society, for example dressing up clothes which reflect different cultures and books which reflect different religions. As a result children are developing good self esteem and respect for others. Children's individual needs are met in accordance with parents wishes and positive steps have been taken to include children with special needs. This is achieved by working in partnership with parents and outside agencies to ensure children are fully included in all aspects of learning and play opportunities. As a result children make good progress in all areas of their development. This is supported by additional training being undertaken by the childminder. Children play and interact well. Each child receives praise and encouragement which

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Helping children make a positive contribution

is reflected in their good behaviour and positive role modelling given by the childminder. Children are happy, settled and confident in the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have independent and safe access to all areas with in the setting. Space and resources are well organised to provide an accessible and stimulating environment where children are able to freely select toys of their choice. Policies and procedures are in place to promote the safety, care and well being of the children. These are shared with parents which keeps them informed about all aspects of the service and care provided. As a result children's care is enhanced by effective organisation. This is supported by parents being fully informed of their child's day and activities undertaken. However, children's individual records are not updated. Overall,

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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 cared for and their individual needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has improved children's safety. A lock on the bathroom cabinet is now in place and prevents children having access to cleaning materials. The childminder has made improvements which promote a positive contribution. Children freely select toys and resources of which many reflect positive images. As a result children gain awareness of differences in society and have respect for others.

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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): • implement a system for reviewing children's records which ensures medical details are updated at all times.

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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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