Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 301216 Inspection date 08 December 2005 Inspector Carole, Jean Bell

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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 1995. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 9 and 12 years in the Greenfield area of Oldham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school and pre-school. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children. There are currently four children on roll attending part time.

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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 family have a small pet dog and a cat. Minded children are taken to the local park, shops, pre-school and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about taking care of themselves and staying healthy. They benefit from very healthy and nutritious snacks and meals and a healthy eating policy is made available to all parents. Children's individual dietary requirements are taken into account to ensure they stay healthy. Children have good access to fresh fruit and drinks throughout the day promoting a healthy lifestyle. Children learn the importance of good hygiene through regularly reinforced daily routines. They know about washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating meals and snacks. They stay healthy because the childminder has a sick child and exclusion policy and good procedures to prevent cross infection. Documentation is in place to record accidents, medication and children's individual health needs. Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise which contributes to their

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Helping children to be healthy

good health. Visits to the river to feed the ducks, the park, toddler groups and outdoor play in the enclosed garden helps them further develop their physical skills and enjoy healthy exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is given a high priority in a safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised. Children are able to move about freely to select from a wealth of varied and imaginative toys and resources. All equipment is of very good quality, age appropriate and safe. Resources are well organised to allow children to make independent choices about their play and improve their confidence and independence skills. Children are extremely well protected. The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. The children's welfare is promoted by her clear understanding of her responsibilities under the Children Act and her response to any concerns. Children benefit from being cared for in a clean, comfortable, well furnished and cared for environment.

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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 The provision is good. Children are given a sense of pride in their achievements. Their creative art work is displayed by the childminder and they are given good support with their pre-reading and writing skills. The children present were very happy and settled in the childminder's care and are well supported in their play. Children are confident and self assured in their play and are able to select from a good range of high quality toys and resources. Children's development is fostered by the childminder's knowledge of the children's individual needs and personalities. Their play is enhanced as the childminder ensures that play can develop spontaneously with the provision of varied and imaginative resources. Children are given lots of individual attention and are stimulated by eye contact,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

conversation and questions which encourages their development and language skills. Children make positive relationships with the childminder and each other. They play well together and co-operate in their activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder speaks positively to the children at all times and works hard at building their self esteem. Their social skills and respect for people and property are developed through the use of good manners and a high emphasis is given to sharing and taking turns. Their efforts and participation are rewarded by praise and encouragement from the childminder. Children are learning about the world around them and are encouraged to value people and themselves as individuals. Their awareness of other peoples cultures, traditions and way of life is developed by the provision of good resources and activities. Their individual needs are competently met by the childminder. The children benefit from a positive partnership between the childminder and their parents. Children settle well because the childminder is aware of their individual needs through pre-placement meetings and the use of contracts. Information is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

shared with parents on a daily basis. This provides consistency of care for the children and involves parents in their children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for. They benefit from good organisation and care of an enthusiastic childminder. Their development is enhanced by the individual support they receive and the provision of a good range of activities provided in a homely environment. Children actively contribute to their care by making decisions about their play.

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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 The documentation and record keeping is effective and progress is shared with parents. The childminder is committed to her own professional development through ongoing training. However she should ensure that her first aid qualification is kept up to date. Children are protected from harm by the childminder's vigilance and supervision. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to: display her registration certificate; minimise hazards and provide resources that reflect disability. All these recommendations have been carried out, leading to a safer and more stimulating environment for the minded children.

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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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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 that first aid qualification is kept up to date

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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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