Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319108 Inspection date 11 July 2006 Inspector Frances Shaw

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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 in the West Timperley district of Trafford with her husband and one child age 17 months. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two children, both of whom attend on a part-time basis. She attends the local parent/toddler groups and walks children to the local parks. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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. The childminder pays attention to household hygiene routines so that children can play without the risk of cross infection. Effective systems are in place for the care of the family pet dog so that it does not have access to the children or their play areas. The childminder encourages children to learn about their personal care skills with hand washing at appropriate times. This prevents the spread of germs. A written policy statement informs parents of children's childhood illnesses. This ensures their knowledge so they are able to exclude sick children from the setting. Accident and medication forms are available, although, there is no system in place to obtain prior parental consent for the administration of medication or emergency medical treatment. Children are well nourished as a result of the childminder's awareness of their dietary needs. They are provided with healthy, balanced meals and snacks

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Helping children to be healthy

according to their preferences and parent's wishes. Children sit together during meals whilst they are encouraged to feed themselves and learn good table manners. Regular walks, outdoor play and visits to the park ensure children receive exercise and fresh air. They are able to develop their physical skills whilst playing on a range of outdoor equipment, such as a selection of bikes, climbing frame and rockers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. A warm, welcoming, child-orientated environment is provided for children to feel secure in the childminder's home. The whole of the ground floor is available for them to play with easy access to a fully enclosed garden for outdoor activities. Suitable arrangements are made for children to have regular rest times either in or out of doors. Children are interested in age appropriate toys and play equipment, although, methods of storage makes some of them inaccessible to young children limiting the development of independence and minimising choices. The childminder has an awareness of potential hazards. She provides various items to reduce the risk of accidents so that children can play in safety. Children are learning about fire safety and practice a fire drill once a month to ensure they know the evacuation procedure. They are becoming aware of road safety whilst they enjoy regular walking trips.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective systems are in place for the safe collection of children to ensure they leave the childminder's care with appropriate people. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and is confident in implementing the procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a settling in procedure that enables parents to bring their children for visits before they start so that their care begins with a gradual process. The childminder provides a flexible weekly planning sheet which gives details of

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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 basic routines and outings for parent's information. Activities are organised around events, such as visiting the farm. The childminder talks to the children about the animals they saw and they use stencils to make animal pictures and colour them in. Children are able to take their pictures home to share with their parents. This helps to build their self-esteem in their achievements. Other organised activities support children's learning with creative sessions, imaginary play using dressing up clothes, construction play using a variety of building blocks and manipulative play using colourful shape sorters. Babies take pleasure in sensory experiences provided through a variety of objects made from different materials and textures in the treasure basket. They are developing language skills when the childminder sings, chats and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

reads stories to them. Babies play confidently with floor toys that enable them to push buttons and make musical notes and tunes. The childminder spends time with them encouraging them to crawl, pull themselves up, balance and take their first steps.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder makes herself aware of children's individual needs by having good communications with parents. Resources are available that reflect diversity ensuring children are made aware of the world around them. Some toys identify with adults who are capable of doing different roles to encourage children in their activities and enable them to achieve their potential. They know they are wanted and given lots of love and reassurance to make them feel comfortable in their surroundings. Children behave well in a happy well managed environment. The childminder has set age appropriate limits in which children know their boundaries and learn right from wrong. She rewards good behaviour and encourages further effort by giving children positive feedback. Children benefit from the good relationship the childminder maintains with parents. Contractual agreements are completed to make sure parents know their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

responsibilities and understand the childminder's terms and conditions. This ensures continuity of care and home links are sustained. The childminder keeps parents well informed of their child's progress and activities by talking to them on a daily basis. A brochure containing written policies, procedures and daily routines is given to parents at commencement of care. A notice board displays further information for parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are able to play and feel secure in the childminder's home where they have plenty of room to move around during play activities. Effective systems are in place to keep them safe with constant supervision at all times. Flexible routines offer children a balance of rest and play so they benefit from a variety of activities, although, not all resources are easily accessible to them. Children enjoy going for walks, visiting the park and attending the local parent/toddler groups. Here they are able to interact and form relationships with children of their own age. The childminder shows a commitment to increasing her knowledge of child care matters by attending relevant courses as her minding progresses. All appropriate records and documentation is in

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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 place. Detailed records are individual to each child with meticulous storage respecting confidentiality. The childminder has devised her own set of policies that are presented in a comprehensive brochure for parents. This ensures parents fully understand her terms and conditions. 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 since the last inspection. 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): • obtain parents consent for emergency medical treatment and prior consent for administration of medication • ensure toys are stored in a way that makes them easily accessible to young children to allow choices and promote independence.

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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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