Childminder in Bolton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY246765 Inspection date 17 February 2006 Inspector Ann, Theresa Flynn

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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 June 2003 and her provision is known as 'Junglers'. She lives with her husband in a semi detached property within the Little Lever area of Bolton. The majority of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding, apart from the living room area, with access to the first floor for bathroom use. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have two pet dogs. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She works with her sister, who is also a childminder and cares for children at the

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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 same premises. At present, she is caring for eight children, five of whom are under 5 years of age and all but one child are cared for on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are very well nourished as they are provided with a healthy, varied balanced diet. They enthusiastically learn about healthy eating by being involved in discussions about nutritious foods. Projects such as healthy eating, in which children are involved, allow opportunities to discuss, and compare various foods. The health of children is very well promoted. A clear sick child policy provides parents with information on how their children are to be cared for in the event of them becoming ill. Children consistently wash their hands before eating and after petting the dogs. Children's health and medical needs are well met as detailed information, regarding their medical history, is obtained from their parents prior to them starting their care with the childminder. Children thoroughly enjoy daily exercise and fresh air by going on walks and outings. They walk daily from school, and visit places such as Wacky Warehouse where they

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Helping children to be healthy

access, and use large play equipment to develop their gross motor skills. This contributes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Children approach the childminder with ease. They receive comfort which involves cuddles, helping to develop children's emotional well-being, and thereby promoting a healthy 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 well maintained and clean environment. The very good organisation of toys and equipment means children can move around safely and freely to independently access available and varied resources from storage boxes at their height. A very good range of safety measures and regular risk assessments are in place, such as, socket covers, safety gates and a lock on the outside garden gate. Thereby ensuring the premises remain safe for children. Children learn to keep themselves safe. Their safety away from their home is very well considered and addressed. They know safety rules with regard to crossing the road and understand the reason for holding hands near roads. Therefore children are learning to keep safe with adult support, thus promoting a healthy child. However, children are not involved in practising emergency escape procedures. The welfare of children is very well protected by the childminder. She has a good

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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 understanding of child protection issues, the need to document concerns and to contact social services, if she is concerned about the welfare of any child whilst in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with a broad range of opportunities to explore creative media, including painting and various forms of art and craft. They are very involved in activities geared to their particular interests. For example, children who are interested in resources such as Thomas the Tank engine are provided with a varied range, which are easily accessible. Their enjoyment is enhanced by individual adult-child interaction. Children gain very good knowledge and understanding about the world in which they live and about their environment. They spend time on outings into the community. They enjoy purposeful, activities, such as, discussing items in the shops when shopping. This maintains children’s interest and attention, helping to promote their all round development in a fun way. Activities are stimulating and varied and include experiences which children enjoy such as art and craft, colouring books, painting and use of a computer with age

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

appropriate games and activities. All the children have activity folders in which their 'work' is kept, which helps children to feel that their achievements are valued, thus promoting their confidence. Children become creative through exploration and discovery as they experiment with media and movement. Thus helping children to become competent learners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world through practical play. They are encouraged to respect and show concern for each other and ensure all children feel fully included in the setting by, for example, helping to care for the baby. Children are also developing their awareness and understanding about diversity, by having access to a range of resources which reflect these areas. Discussions about diversity helps to re-enforce their learning. Children's behaviour is good. They accept and work with age appropriate strategies, explanations, praise and encouragement, which encourages them to behave well and develops their confidence and self-esteem. Children are encouraged to share and to play together and are beginning to understand right from wrong. Behaviour management strategies are agreed with parents at the onset thus promoting continuity of care for children. The positive use of praise and encouragement, is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

helping children to develop their self-assurance, and thus encouraging children to become a strong child.

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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 Children's individual needs are well met due to the positive relationships which have been established with parents. Detailed, informative information is shared through clear written policies, parental agreements and contracts, which help the childminder and parents to work together in the best interests of the children. Verbal discussions and daily diary sheets provided at the end of each day helps to ensure that parents remain fully informed about the service their child receives.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children who attend. The childminder has a firm commitment to extending her knowledge of early learning and child development. Children benefit from attending a setting where the organisation of the day is well planned to best meet their needs. For example, space used by children within the home is well organised so that they can play, rest, eat and socialise in comfort. All documentation, which is over and above requirement, is maintained appropriately and in line with National Standards. All documents relating to safety and welfare of children contain all the necessary detail, are stored in a confidential manner and are regularly shared and updated with parents. However, parental consents for the photographing of children are not obtained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

During the last inspection there were five recommendations raised. Three were in relation to documentation, concerning availability of records, vetting procedures and written parental information. One relating to resources which reflect diversity. One relating to the development of children's physical intellectual and emotional needs. The childminder has developed documentation to ensure all records are available on premises, has an effective procedure in place for vetting individuals and has improved the written information provided to parents. There are resources available which reflect diversity and activities and experiences ensure children's all round developmental needs are met. Due to the action taken by the childminder in relation to the recommendations raised ensures the care and development of children who attend has been enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received one complaint relating to Standard 6 safety. The complaint related to children being allowed to walk down a road to school alone. Ofsted investigated the complaint raised in September 2004. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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 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. The provider has made a record of the complaint in their complaint record.

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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 children learn to keep themselves safe by practising emergency escape procedures • ensure all required parental consents are obtained especially in relation to the photographing of minded children

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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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