Childminder in Bolton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 315498 Inspection date 19 May 2005 Inspector Julie Ann Slater

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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 registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 8 and 18 years. They live in the Harwood area of Bolton, close to local schools and shops. The childminder uses most of the ground floor for childminding. There is a lounge, play room/kitchen and conservatory. Children use the upstairs bathroom. There is a large enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have three pet rabbits which are housed in the garden. The childminder is registered to provide care for four children under eight years and

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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 is currently minding four children, three of whom attend part time. No overnight care is provided. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis and she is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder has obtained a level 2 qualification in child care and education, and has achieved Level 3 in the Quality First Assurance Scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm home where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines. They know, for example, that they wash their hands to 'wash away germs and dirt'. The childminder has good procedures in place to maintain good health and prevent the spread of infection. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They are offered choices from a selection of nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder takes account of parents wishes, the children's preferences and any special dietary requirements when planning meals and snacks. Younger children are offered drinks regularly throughout the day, while the older children help themselves to drinks. Children enjoy regular outdoor activities which improve their physical skills and help them develop control of their bodies, for example riding wheeled toys and climbing on the frame in the garden. The childminder encourages children to be confident and to

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Helping children to be healthy

try out new skills appropriate to their stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder gives high priority to maintaining children's safety, both inside and outside the home, by the use of safety measures such as fireguards and safety gates and also by ensuring appropriate procedures and documents are in place. Children choose activities from a good range of toys and resources that are clean, safe and appropriate to their age and level of development. The childminder explains safe practises, such as picking up toys so that no one falls over them. This helps children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. Children are well protected. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and has undertaken first aid training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable at the childminder's home. They are confident and friendly and they relate well to each other. Children benefit from socialising with other

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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 children and adults at local toddler groups. Younger children are interested in visitors and are confident when asking questions. They talked about a recent visit to the fire station, the noise of fire engine, the fire hoses, the firemen's boots and the helmets they tried on, showing how much they gained from this experience. Children enjoy a variety of activities which increase their skills and extend their experiences such as baking, singing, stories, role play, playing musical instruments and creative activities. Although the childminder plans children's play, the planning is not yet formalised, therefore on occasions children are not fully challenged. Children become independent by having the opportunity to make their own choices from the activities available to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

An informal story time is very much enjoyed by children. The childminder skilfully encouraged all children to participate and be fully involved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a good range of resources and activities that increase children's awareness of diversity and the world around them. For example, the children learn about different religious and cultural festivals across the world, such as Chinese New Year, Eid and Easter. Children enjoy visits to places of interest, such as a farm and the local fire station, where they learn about different jobs and lifestyles. The children confidently described their visit to the fire station. Children generally behave well. They care for one another and play well together. The childminder agrees children's individual care needs with the parents, and shares information with them on a daily basis. The childminder meets the children's needs well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at ease in the childminder's home, they move freely about the rooms which gives them confidence to make their own choices about toys and activities and to access them. The childminder organises her time and resources effectively to meet the needs of the children. The children benefit from a flexible routine which revolves around their needs. The childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures to promote the welfare and care of the children. She shares them with the parents to keep them informed about her childcare practise and their child's activities. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement and development as part of an accredited quality assurance scheme. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that the glass in the patio doors was safe or inaccessible to the children. The childminder has improved the children's safety by replacing the glass with toughened safety glass that conforms to British Standards.

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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): • further develop planning to meet children's individual needs to reach their full potential, for example through the Birth to three 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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