Childminder in BoltonOfsted inspection, 30 Mar 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 307259 Inspection date 30 March 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 satisfactory. 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 1998, she lives with her husband and three teenage daughters in the Clifton area of Swinton. She is close to local schools, parks and a marina where children can feed the ducks. The registered area used for childminding purposes is the dedicated playroom on the ground floor and the bedroom above the playroom for sleeping children. Children use the ground floor toilet. A garden is available at the rear, however, this contains a water feature, therefore the childminder prefers to take children to the park, with parental permission, for outdoor play. There are no pets.

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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 There are four children on the register. Children may attend full or part time sessions. The childminder is able to offer places to children with special needs and those for whom English is an additional language.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder implements good health and hygiene procedures. She sets high standards and the children are learning from her example. The premises are kept clean and children's toys and equipment are routinely cleaned to help prevent cross contamination. Children are also protected from the spread of infection because the childminder implements an exclusion policy for sick children. All children engage in physical activity on a daily basis, such as walking to and from school or walks around the local marina to feed the ducks, which contributes to their overall health and well-being. Quiet times in the day enable children to rest and sleep as required. Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of a healthy nutritious diet. She offers freshly made home cooked meals and light lunches, such as omelettes or soup with crusty bread. Fresh fruit and yoghurts are offered for dessert and snacks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents receive daily information about their children's intake of food and drinks. Younger children are becoming independent as they are encouraged to feed themselves with finger foods at snack time. Positive relationships are established as children sit together for meals and snacks, this promotes meal times as a social occasion. Babies are nurtured through hugs and cuddles. The childminder offers soothing words smiles and lots of eye contact, as a result babies are secure, happy and confident in the care of the childminder.

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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 homely environment where potential hazards are identified and minimised, allowing children to move around safely and play independently. The dedicated play room is presented in a child friendly way, and has children's work displayed which adds to the welcoming friendly environment. Children's learning and play is encouraged through the provision of good quality, safe and developmentally appropriate toys and equipment. Children access these freely thus developing independence. Children are encouraged to tidy up toys after they have finished playing with them to promote respect for property and to prevent accidents. The childminder is watchful and vigilant, ensuring that children are safe as they play. The childminder has several effective procedures in place to ensure children are safe and well cared for in her home. For example, she makes good use of safety

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

equipment such as gates and socket covers. She is clear on emergency evacuation procedures and ensures all exits are kept clear. Children are learning about keeping

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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 themselves safe during outings as they learn about road safety, and safety within the home. Children are further protected because the childminder has a clear knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. The policy is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They are becoming more confident with each day as they learn new skills. Children freely explore the environment and access toys and equipment of their choice. Children also benefit from routine activities within the wider community where they mix with their peers and extend their learning and play in different environments, such as toddler groups. Early communication skills for babies are encouraged as the childminder responds to their facial expressions, noises and gestures, verbally and with smiles. Children enjoy creative activities and are rewarded by having their pictures displayed. The childminder supports language and mathematical development through the wide range of activities available, such as stories and sorting/matching. The children interact well each other and the childminder. Children clearly enjoy their time with the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder and have lots of fun, this is communicated through lots of smiles and gurgling. Children are learning about sharing and taking turns as they participate in group activities. The childminder supports them well through encouragement and praise. The childminder has a flexible approach and provides toys and activities based on the children's interest and their stage of development. The childminder has a good understanding of the developmental needs of the children in her care and as a result, children benefit from appropriate levels of support, care and attention given.

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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 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. The childminder is sensitive to the needs of children identified as having special needs and caters for them well. She is also able to care for those children 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. Parents are provided with an introductory pack which clearly states what they can expect from the childminder and some details of her policies and

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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 procedures for childminding. The childminder implements a range of strategies, based on children's ages and stage of development, to manage behaviour, such as discussion, distraction and time out. She has clear expectations of how children should behave in her home. She uses positive language and is consistent in her approach, thus children quickly learn the rules. Children are well behaved and respond to the boundaries set by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder follows appropriate procedures regarding the care and supervision of children. She ensures all adults on the premises have the relevant checks and ensures children are never left alone in the presence of others. Her practice is based on several well written policies and procedures, to ensure appropriate care and attention is given to the children in her care. The childminder ensures that the children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort and organises the resources well to promote children's independence. Children have good opportunities to move around freely and safely. Required records and documentation are in place and meet the required standard which contributes to the continuity of care for the children. However, the childminder is in breach of her current registration conditions with regard to the ages of the children she is registered

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Organisation

to care for. Overall, the provision meets the needs of those who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has recently attended another first aid course to ensure she remains up to date and has obtained carbon monoxide detectors. These actions improve the overall safety of 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 satisfactory. 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

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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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 the conditions of registration are adhered to 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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