Childminder in Bolton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 504910 Inspection date 06 February 2006 Inspector Glynis Margaret Kite

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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 1996. She lives with her partner and two older teenage children. The family live in the Farnworth area of Bolton. Children have use of the lounge, dining room, kitchen and upstairs bathroom. In addition there is an enclosed rear garden. The home is close to transport links, shops and schools. There are other amenities nearby. The family have several pet guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, a hamster, a cat and a dog. These are cared for both indoors and out. The childminder works with two assistants who are used on an "as required" basis. There are six children on the register at present. Children attend for a variety of

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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 sessions, including before and after school and during school holidays. There may be a maximum of six minded children on the premises at any one time. The childminder supports children with special needs and those for whom English is a second language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder promotes good hygiene practice well. Children benefit from good daily routines, which promote personal care and hygiene. Children are supported well in order that they will learn to understand why it is important to wash their hands before they handle or eat food and at other times of the day, for example, after messy play. The premises are kept clean and tidy, including the immediate disposal of rubbish, such as nappies and left over food, thus setting a good example. Children benefit from routines which include cleaning toys and equipment, through their participation in these activities they are learning about different aspects of good hygiene practice. The overall health and wellbeing of children is further promoted by the childminder because she implements an exclusion policy for sick children, thus preventing the spread of infection. Children are effectively cared for when they are

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Helping children to be healthy

unwell, which helps them to feel secure and comfortable while waiting for parents to arrive. The dietary needs of individual children are catered for well. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that she is maintaining routines and offering a balanced diet to children in her care. Children enjoy snacks of fresh fruit and vegetables with their meals. Children enjoy and benefit from home-cooked meals for example, chicken and vegetable broth. The childminder has good knowledge of the children's individual dietary requirements, for example, children with allergies to certain foods or those with specific likes or dislikes. Children freely access drinks throughout the day; these are available in their own cups for ease of identification by children and to promote good hygiene practice. All children participate in activities which promote physical development and periods of rest or sleep are included in the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are maintained to a satisfactory standard of decoration and repair, which contributes to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Children benefit from the natural light and fresh air which is achieved from the open windows. The play-areas are maintained to a comfortable temperature. Risk to children is minimised because the childminder makes good use of safety equipment, such as gates, socket covers and a fire guard. She also implements safety procedures both on and off the

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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 premises. Through discussion, children are learning about keeping themselves safe during routine activities, for example, by tidying up toys when they have finished playing with them and road safety while out in the community. Children enjoy freedom to select the toys and activities they want to play. These are stored in low-level units some with clear fronts that help children to see what is inside. This effectively promotes choice and independence. The toys and play materials are of good quality and safe for use by the children. The childminder provides furniture and equipment which is appropriate to the needs of children in her care, for example, high chairs and bouncy chair for babies. The childminder is secure in her knowledge of child protection issues and procedures. She is confident that she would recognise signs of abuse and neglect

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and act appropriately to protect the welfare of the children in her care. She recognises the value in keeping accident, medication and attendance records up-to-date with regard to concerns. Her procedures are based on the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They are confident and enjoy a wide range of toys and activities. Children particularly enjoy creative activities, which are offered on a daily basis. The childminder supports language and mathematical development through the full range of activities and daily routines, such as counting at snack-time, stories and singing number rhymes. The children enjoy playing independently and are beginning to interact well with each other and the childminder. Younger children are beginning to learn about sharing and taking turns as they participate in age-appropriate games, such as throwing and catching a ball. The childminder supports them well through encouragement and praise. She gently guides them with prompts and reminders, while recognising their individual needs and stage of development. The childminder has a flexible approach and provides

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

toys and activities based on the children's interest. The childminder has a good understanding of the development needs of the children in her care and, as a result, children benefit from opportunities to try new skills and experiences. Many of the toys and play materials provided are made from natural materials, such as wood and are available for all children which helps to stimulate sensory development. All children engage in physical play on a daily basis, this may be in the garden or during trips out to other provisions or the park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. To enable the childminder to meet the individual needs of children in her care, she

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 exchanges lots of information with parents and records the details. As a result, children's routines are maintained and their needs met well. A programme of gradual visits enables parents and children to meet the childminder and her family and become familiar with the surroundings. Children benefit from these visits and settle quickly. All children are treated equally and with respect. They have access to a wide range of toys and resources which promote individual development and raise awareness of the diversity within the wider community. The childminder is sensitive to the needs of children identified as having special needs and those for whom English is a second language. Children benefit from the close working relationship that the childminder has established with their parents. They regularly exchange information, both in writing

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and verbally. This ensures that children's needs are met. The childminder's practice is based on several written policies which are shared with parents and clearly identify the procedures to be followed regarding the care and wellbeing of the children. However, the childminder has not updated her information with regard to the complaints procedures. The childminder implements a range of strategies to manage children's behaviour, such as discussion, distraction and timeout. She uses positive language and is consistent in her approach, thus children quickly learn the rules and respond positively to them. Older children are invited to contribute towards setting the ground rules, which helps them to learn and understand why certain behaviour is unacceptable. Children behave well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder follows required procedures regarding the care and supervision of children. She has clear knowledge and understanding of the National Standards and implements them well through clearly written policies. Children are supervised well and have good opportunities to move around freely, making choices and demonstrating levels of independence. The childminder is keen to attend further training and has recently completed the Birth to three matters framework course. Required records and documentation are in place, most of which are kept up-to-date and reviewed regularly. All records are readily available for inspection. Overall, the provision meets the needs of those children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the provider has produced a book to record the times in which any assistants may care for the minded children. Therefore the overall safety of children is enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A concern was received from another agency regarding the action taken following an alleged incident of 26 April 2005. The concern related to child protection issues

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Complaints 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 (National Standard 13). We investigated this concern by carrying out a visit on 09 June 2005. An action was raised and met. The provider remains qualified for registration. 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): • update the complaints procedure to take account of changes to the National Standards for Childminding.

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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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