Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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318458 Unique Reference Number 24 July 2006 Inspection date Anne Drinkwater Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 1998. She lives with her husband, who is her assistant with parent's permission, and two adult children in the Sale Moor area of Manchester. The whole of the ground floor which includes a playroom and toilet facilities are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden to the rear of the house which is available for outside play. There are currently four children on roll

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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 learn about appropriate hygiene practices through daily routines. Risk of cross contamination is minimised as the childminder implements hygienic nappy changing procedures. There are suitable arrangements in place with parents if children become ill. This enables the childminder to act in children's best interests and prevent the spread of infection. However, omissions in medication record keeping pose a potential risk to children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

At present, parents provide the child's meals but a variety of foods are on offer if required. Fresh fruit is available daily. Children's thirst is quenched as the childminder regularly refills the feeder cup with water or juice. However, older children cannot always access drinks independently.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children engage in activities to contribute towards a healthy lifestyle and keep them fit. Daily trips to school, playing in the garden, visits to the aerodrome and Fairy Lane to feed the horses, provides children with the experience and freedom of running around. Comfortable furnishings within the childminder's home provide for children's relaxation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are always within the childminder's sight or hearing to help them feel reassured and keep them safe. They play in comfort in a dedicated playroom and the furniture is effectively organised so they have space to move around without the worry of injuring themselves. Toys and equipment are well maintained and conform to safety standards. All resources are stored at child height on low-level shelving or in suitable plastic boxes. Children enjoy choosing their favourite items and freely select resources which stimulate their curiosity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate preventative measures around the childminder's home prevent accidental injury. For example, there are gates on the access to the stairway, low-level glass has been fitted with safety film, entry doors are locked or have alarms fitted and low-level sockets in the playroom have been altered to make them inaccessible to the children. However, children have not practised the fire evacuation procedure and painting materials are accessible which poses an element of risk to children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young children wear reins so they remain close to the childminder at all times to avoid dangers, appropriate car seats are available when being transported in the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare and protection is assured as the childminder has updated her knowledge of child protection procedures since her last inspection, by attending training and reading relevant materials.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy playing with the childminder. She sits on the floor at their level and follows their interests. Children are contented and relaxed; they laugh and giggle out loud as the singing dog gives chase. They listen intently to the singing dog song and particularly enjoy the childminder repeating the familiar rhyme and play chase. As they engage in play, the childminder consistently talks to them to promote their language and communication skills. Children develop their imagination through a variety of play resources and dressing up clothes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children enjoy making their own decisions about what they want to play with on their return from school. Craft activities are a particular favourite with their work being displayed in the childminder's home. The childminder restricts the amount of time children watch television by making it available only for a short period before their parents arrive to collect them. This encourages children to play and chat with one another so they learn to become friendly and sociable.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel at ease in their surroundings and freely express themselves as they play. They are treated with respect which helps them to feel valued. The childminder discusses similarities and differences with children so they learn to develop a positive attitude towards others. Awareness of the local environment is developed through trips within the community to places of interest, such as aerodrome, Fairy Lane fields and parks. The childminder demonstrates a commitment towards providing an inclusive service and recognises the importance of working with parents to meet children's specific requirements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn right from wrong. The childminder discusses with them what is expected of their behaviour and the reasons why. The use of verbal praise supports children's efforts. They smile with delight as the childminder tells them how clever they are.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs are met as the childminder informs parents daily of their progress, she has effective working relationships which result in a good understanding of children's needs. Most documentation is up to date and accurate; however a revised complaints and recording procedure and in line with recent changes is legislation is not available to parents. Parents have given positive written feedback on the childminder's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a good amount of individual attention and a relaxed atmosphere. This helps them to build positive relationships with the childminder and settle in quickly. The childminder keeps her first aid training up-to-date so she is in a position to administer treatment to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded.

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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 Documentation is well-organised and stored safely to ensure confidentiality. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to remove dangerous plants from the garden and provide parents with Ofsted's contact details and maintain accurate daily registers.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A daily register is kept which includes the arrival and departure times of children and the planting has been removed. These improvements keep children safe.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The childminder is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • ensure children are able to access drinks independently at all times • ensure parents are informed of new complaints procedure • ensure parental permission is sought to administer medication • ensure decorating materials are inaccessible to children • ensure a fire evacuation plan is in place and practised.

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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

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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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