Childminder in OldhamOfsted inspection, 7 Apr 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318279 Inspection date 07 April 2006 Inspector Barbara Law

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband, their children, a dog and two cats in the Clayton Bridge area of Manchester. The whole ground floor is used for child minding activities. There is a secure back yard and local parks available for outdoor play. The property is within walking distance of local schools and amenities. The child minder attends local toddler groups and she visits the park, library and other places of interest. The childminder is registered to care for five children under 8 years old at any one time and is currently minding two children. The registration does not include overnight care.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about taking care of themselves and staying healthy. Children benefit from healthy, nutritious snacks and meals. These take into account their individual dietary requirements to ensure that they stay healthy. They make choices about their snacks and meals and have access to fresh fruit and drinking water at all times promoting a healthy lifestyle. Children learn the importance of good hygiene through regularly reinforced daily routines. A sick child and exclusion policy is shared with parents and helps to protect children from cross infection. Children have regular opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities which contributes to their good health. Regular visits to the park enables them to 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised. Children learn about staying safe through regular routines and are developing a good sense of road safety when walking to and from the park, and car safety through the use of seat belts when travelling to and from school. They understand rules, such as holding onto the football when near roads and they are aware of fire evacuation procedures. Children have access to a range of good quality, age appropriate, safe resources. They are organised to allow children to make independent choices about their play. Children are well protected. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities under the Children Act and the children's welfare is paramount. She has a very good knowledge and understanding of procedures and holds a valid first aid certificate

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are given a sense of pride in their achievements. They are encouraged to keep a scrap book to record what they have enjoyed doing and to keep pictures and treasures safe. Their creative art work is displayed by the childminder. They are given good support with their reading, writing and mathematical skills through informal and planned activities, such as visits to the library, listening to them read,

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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 and games which require counting and sharing. Their physical development is encouraged through regular trips to the park to play ball games, play on the equipment or to enjoy a picnic. The children are able to independently plan their own play and activities. Children are able to select their toys and activities from a good range provided by the childminder to develop their play skills. Children settle confidently with the childminder. They are given lots of attention and are stimulated by eye contact, cuddles and questions which encourages their development and language skills. They interact happily with the childminder and each other. Children's development is fostered by the childminders good knowledge of children's individual needs and observations of their skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual and cultural needs are discussed with parents and are met by the childminder. Children share their culture and beliefs with each other which make them feel important and valued. They enjoy a range of experiences planned to develop their awareness of other cultures and traditions. There are a good range of resources, however, these are limited in supporting children understand about the wider world. Children benefit from a positive partnership the childminder has with parents. Children settle well because she is aware of their individual routines through pre-placement meetings and use of contracts. Information is shared with parents on a regular basis. This provides consistency for children and involves parents in their child's care. The childminder speaks positively to the children offering praise and encouragement. Children's social skills are encouraged through the use of good manners and clear

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Helping children make a positive contribution

boundaries for behaviour. Children are encouraged to share and to respect each other.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are well cared for. They benefit from good organisation and care from an enthusiastic childminder. Their development is enhanced by the individual support they receive and a suitable range of activities provided in a homely environment. Continuity of care is achieved by sharing of information between parents and the childminder. The childminder is committed to her own professional development through ongoing training. All required documentation and records are well maintained and kept up to date. These contribute to the safety and well-being of children in her care.

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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 Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • increase resources displaying positive images of race, culture, disability and gender.

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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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