Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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318173 Unique Reference Number 21 August 2006 Inspection date Janice Shaw 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 good. 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 1987. The childminder lives with her husband and two children aged 16 and 19 in a semi detached property in Timperley.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of six children may be cared for at any one time. There are currently eight children on roll of whom all attend on a part-time basis. Minded children have access to the playroom, lounge and the conservatory on the ground floor and bathroom and large rear bedroom on the first floor. There is a rear garden available for outdoor play. The family have a cat and three guinea pigs as pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is NNEB qualified and receives support from the local authority.

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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 good. Children's health is well promoted as the childminder effectively implements a range of positive practices to ensure the nutritional, health and physical needs of the children are met. Children are cared for in a warm, clean well-maintained home. Good standards of cleanliness, positive hygiene practices and clear procedures if children are unwell minimise the risk of infection and promote children's good health. The childminder uses her knowledge of first aid and ensures a well stocked first aid kit is easily accessible at all times. This ensures that she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. The childminder holds written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice if needed and therefore children's welfare in these circumstances is assured.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children refresh themselves from an easily accessible water dispenser in the fridge door which fosters their independence and keeps them suitably hydrated. Children are developing an understanding about good foods for the body as they regularly enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. The childminder gathers all the relevant information regarding eating requirements from parents, which ensures children's individual dietary needs can be met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing a very positive attitude to healthy living and exercise. They enjoy regular physical activities that keep them in good health. They run freely in the inviting garden, walk to and from school in term time. During holiday periods they enjoy regular outings to parks, nature trails, adventure and assault courses where children climb, swing and develop their large muscle tone. A particular favourite was a visit to a local farm maze where children walked for long periods along the trails and successfully found their way to the finishing post. Children are able to rest when needed to support their sense of well-being. Older children take opportunities to sit quietly with more restful activities to recuperate and younger children have suitable facilities to sleep in comfort.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised by the childminder who gives positive consideration to safety issues within her home. Relevant insurance is in place, fire precautions are well organised and an accurate register of attendance is held at all times. The childminder monitors the areas inside and outside where children play daily to identify and reduce potential hazards. Children enjoy outings and the vehicle used is well-maintained. Parents give written permission for their children to be transported and are fully informed about the arrangements for their children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's understanding about safety matters is beginning to be developed as they are able to discuss how to fasten their seat belts safely and why they need to wear suntan cream in hot weather. In this way, children are being helped to take some responsibility for themselves and their own safety. Children are able to take safe risks and flex their muscles. Children climb

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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 higher on challenging climbing equipment at the park with the childminder close at hand to support if needed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have easy and safe access to toys and play resources that are stimulating and presented attractively encouraging them to settle quickly. Children are interested in the toys and the childminder carefully monitors the children's choice to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are secure and show a strong sense of belonging as they know where to hang their coats and are well received into the warm, safe and welcoming home by the childminder. Children's protection is well promoted. Members of the household are vetted and the childminder has a good understanding of what she needs to do should she have concerns about a child in her care. Information and records held about protection matters are up to date and children's welfare is fully assured in an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in a supportive setting where they are developing a good relationship with the childminder. She is kind and warm in her approach towards them and listens attentively as the children talk readily about recent events in their lives. Children are happy and settled in a supportive setting where they are developing a good relationship with the childminder. Children join in with a broad range of pleasing indoor and outdoor activities to foster their interest and development. They play imaginatively with small world people, enjoy books and demonstrate their drawing skills with competence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Weekly activities, such as visits to toddler groups, ensure children mix with others and develop their social skills. On other occasions children enjoy outings with trips to a nature reserve to look at red squirrels which helps to develop their knowledge of the environment. The childminder interacts well with the children and gently encourages their thinking through good use of questioning. She asks the children to think about, 'What did we see at the farm?' and ‘What did we travel on to the park?' The children think and respond appropriately. Younger children have use of an interesting treasure basket to stimulate their sensory skills and all round development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed and take part in the full range of activities, being well supported by the childminder who is keen for all children to feel included and develop their self-esteem. Children display their enthusiasm and confidence as they make many of their own choices when selecting their activities. Children have an increasing awareness of their own needs and that of the wider world. This is strengthened as they play with a positive range of equipment which enhances children’s awareness of diversity in the community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and the childminder is a good role model. She is attentive and positive in her approach towards them and the children are polite and considerate towards each other. Parents' wishes about their children's needs are respected, ensuring the children experience a

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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 familiar approach, which fosters their security. Parents are kept well informed about the children's care as the childminder and parents exchange information on arrival and departure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare is well supported. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children who are relaxed and comfortable in the childminder’s home. They benefit from the effective organisation of space and the stimulating environment, which they confidently explore making choices about their play. Children are provided with a familiar routine where they have time to play with friends, refresh themselves and share meals together in a relaxing setting, which promotes children's sense of security and enjoyment.

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Organisation

The childminder is appropriately organised and has a range of easily accessible documentation in place. Records and information held are up to date and most comply with current National Standards. As a result parents are assured about their children's well-being. However, a system to record complaints made by parents is not in place. The childminder updates her knowledge of childcare from various sources and undertakes training to ensure she is able to provide appropriate care. 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

Following the last inspection there were two recommendations to address. Written parental consent for the assistant to be left in sole charge of children on occasions, consent for emergency medical attention and developing a system for recording incidents was required. Also to extend resources that promote positive images of disability. The childminder now works on her own. Written consent for emergency medical treatment and an appropriate system for recording accidents are in place. Additional resources have been purchased to support images of disability.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made to parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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

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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 good. 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 that a complaints record is in place and can be shared with parents on request.

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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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