Childminder in Bolton

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

315730 Unique Reference Number 05 July 2006 Inspection date Victoria Gail Halliwell Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1992. She lives with her partner and daughter aged 14 years in the Westhoughton area of Bolton. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time, she is currently minding three children under five and three school age children.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks or uses her vehicle to take and collect children from school and nursery. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends several local toddler groups.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good heath is effectively promoted by the childminder. Good standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout her home and some good systems are in place to help prevent the spread of infection. Through routine explanations and experiences children are learning the importance of good hygiene. They enjoy washing their hands in the well equipped cloakroom using liquid hand wash and individual paper towels from the dispenser. Individual flannels are available for washing their faces and children routinely brush their teeth following meals. Posters, to promote children's awareness of the importance of regular hand washing and brushing their teeth, are prominently located at low level. Excellent precautions are taken to protect young children from the effects of sunlight and hot weather. Children are well protected with suitable clothing, such as headscarves and sun cream before playing outdoors in a shaded

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

area of the garden. Time outdoors is limited by the childminder, who when bringing children indoors relocates activities to the coolest area within her home.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing healthy eating habits. They enjoy a varied range of healthy and appetising snacks, such as raisin toast, raw vegetables and dips, yoghurt, fruit and banana muffins. A large daily record of children's meals and snacks is displayed for parents information. This record is also used by the childminder as she reflects on what the children have eaten, so she can monitor how many of their 'five a day' fruit and vegetable portions the children have eaten. Children are consulted about what they would like to eat and the childminder is aware of their favourites. Lunchtime is usually a cooked meal, for example, Shepherd's pie with mixed vegetables, although choice of sandwiches and salad are offered as alternatives during the warm weather.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to play outdoors during the summer months which increases energy levels and helps keep them healthy. The childminder creates an inviting outdoor play environment which encourages the children to play out in the fresh air and sunshine. Children move freely and enjoy using a wide range of resources outdoors, for example, the home corner, sand tray and completing table top activities on the low-level table.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a child-centred family home. Children and their parents are warmly welcomed into a visually stimulating playroom which holds an abundance of children's play materials. Information relating to children's activities, their good behaviour and the childminder's registration are prominently displayed. Children's play materials are well presented and many are easily accessible, so children can make meaningful choices about what they play with. Toys and equipment are very well maintained. The childminder checks all resources conform to appropriate safety standards to ensure they are safe and suitable for use.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the possible hazards within her home and has taken appropriate steps to make her home safe, for example, using safety gates and cupboard

p.3

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 catches. As a result, children of all ages are able to move around safely. Risk assessments are routinely completed to take account of children's mobility and stage of development. Children are becoming increasingly aware of their own safety and take some measures to keep themselves safe, for example, walking carefully along the roads or using age appropriate play equipment when visiting the park. Good arrangements are in place to ensure the safety of sleeping babies, who are checked frequently by the childminder and are positioned where they can be heard at all times.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder who has a clear understanding of child protection issues. She has attended relevant training and is able to identify possible signs and symptoms of abuse. If concerned about a child she is able to take appropriate action to protect children from possible harm.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. She knows individual children well and responds in a gentle and caring manner to meet their needs. For example, when a toddler in her care becomes tired earlier than usual due to the hot weather, she gently wipes his face and hands with a cool flannel and settles him down for a sleep before his lunch. The other children are fed as usual and his lunch is freshly prepared for him after his sleep. All children benefit from the warm and loving relationships that have developed. Affectionate hugs and cuddles are routine. Babies are warmly greeted with smiles as they wake, the childminder gently lifts them and talks quietly allowing them to come round in their own time. Children who are collected from nursery are encouraged to share their experiences. The childminder skilfully asks open ended questions to find out what they have been doing.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are stimulated by the child-centred environment in the childminder's home. A good range of brightly coloured toys and play materials entice children into both the play area and the rear garden to play. Good attention is paid to small details, for example, role play activities are much more meaningful as the play kitchen is extremely well resourced with realistic accessories and play food. Children enjoy a varied routine which includes regular visits to local toddler groups, the library and park. They also enjoy regular visits to places of interest so they can learn from first hand experiences. For example, bottle feeding lambs and calves at a farm. The childminder provides an interesting range of activities and spontaneously promotes children development. For example, encouraging them to count, or name shapes and colours when completing puzzles. She completes a written journal, which identifies children's progress and

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

some areas for future learning, but is not yet using the Birth to three matters framework.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is a positive role model and children are encouraged to respect and appreciate one another as individuals. Special occasions and achievements are valued and the children join together to celebrate each others birthdays. A good range of resources, such as posters and books which reflect positive images of culture and disability, are positively displayed and

p.4

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 easily accessible. Children have occasional opportunities to learn about the lifestyles and beliefs of others. For example, making Chinese lanterns at toddler group. Such activities are not undertaken by the childminder at home.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved, they are learning right from wrong as a result of clear explanations. Simple house rules, for example, 'be nice to one another', 'don't say hurtful things' and 'look after the toys', provide the children with clear guidelines. As a result, they are aware of the childminder's expectations. A written statement is shared with parents which states discipline is taught through love and understanding. Parents are well informed about their child's good behaviour. The large star chart is prominently displayed and stars are awarded for a wide range of achievements to ensure each child feels valued. In addition verbal praise is continually given in recognition of good manners, washing hands or completing a puzzle.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. Clear systems are in place to ensure parents are very well informed about the childminder's practices and how their child spends their day. The childminder values what parents say. She encourages them to share information about their own practices and their children's experiences, so she can provide individual support and promote consistency. For example, ensuring children are settled for sleeps in the same way or are following the same practice when toilet training.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a professional approach to her work. She is an experienced childminder who has continued to develop her childminding practice through training and self evaluation. Good organisation of time and resources ensures all children participate in a varied range of interesting experiences regardless of their patterns of attendance. Available space within the premises is well organised and many resources are easily accessible. The garden is well presented and effectively used to provide additional play opportunities outdoors. As a result, children are able to make meaningful choices about how and where they spend their time.

p.5

Organisation

Attention to written documentation is good. All required documentation, such as children's individuals details and records of children's attendance are satisfactorily maintained. In addition, the childminder has devised a range of written policies and procedures which are routinely shared with parents.

p.5

Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to maintain a record of existing injuries and record the children's times of arrival and departure. Both records are now satisfactorily maintained to promote the welfare of the children.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • continue to develop planned learning for children, for example, by using Birth to three matters • provide greater opportunities for children to learn about the lifestyles and cultures of others.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.6

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

p.6