Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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318158 Unique Reference Number 20 November 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 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 has been registered since 1988; she lives with her husband and two adult children in the Timperley area of Cheshire. The ground floor of the home which includes a play room and toilet facilities is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently has seven children on role.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 good. With good guidance from the childminder and daily practices children gain a good understanding about how to keep themselves healthy. They show a desire to become independent in their personal care and learn to wash their hands from an early age.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is an excellent role model to children on hygiene practices. For example, wiping the table immediately after use and washing her hands thoroughly at regular intervals. She implements good nappy changing procedures, wearing protective gloves to ensure there is no risk of cross infection to children. High standards of cleanliness are maintained across the home and toys are kept clean. The childminder ensures that surfaces, appliances and kitchen tools are clean and used appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is protected, because consents are in place for emergency medical treatment and parents are verbally informed of the childminder's policies and procedures regarding medication and sick children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a range of activities which promote their physical development and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy plenty of fresh air and experience the elements as they play outdoors in the garden or walk by the canal watching and discussing the barges as they pass.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of the many learning opportunities to promote children's understanding about healthy eating. The childminder prepares nutritious homemade meals in line with her healthy food and drink policy. Children have opportunities to eat fruit and vegetables daily. Children are given plenty of time to savour and enjoy their food as mealtimes are a relaxed and social occasion. A menu is available so parents are fully informed about meal choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well-maintained home. They have a very safe environment in which to play as risks are substantially minimised. All potential hazards are risk assessed and safety measures are in place. For example, gas appliances are checked annually and as an extra precaution a carbon monoxide sticker is used. Children are aware of the childminder's fire evacuation plan and drills are practised on regular occasions. High regard is given to children's safety when out walking; they are taught the importance of the Green Cross Code. Children are well supervised and feel totally secure and move around with great confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use an extensive amount of high quality toys and equipment which meet their needs well. Additional resources are rotated regularly to provide children with a broader range of experiences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted; parents are informed of the action that would be taken in the event of a concern regarding child protection. By attending training courses, the childminder

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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 has ensured that her practice is underpinned by up-to-date knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and also the correct procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children achieve extremely well because the childminder is highly skilled and uses her experience and understanding of the children's individualities to provide high quality care. Her structured day enhances their desire to take part in activities. The childminder makes excellent use of her well stocked good quality play resources. Children are well cared for and thoroughly enjoy their time in the childminder’s home. The environment and the childminder's constant praise and caring nature increase children's sense of trust. As a consequence, they feel totally secure and build a strong sense of self.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show great enthusiasm in play and develop an excellent attitude to learning. They are purposefully engaged in a wealth of activities throughout the day which are well matched to their needs and interests. Children gain in confidence and knowledge as spontaneous opportunities are seized to extend their learning. For example, children take delight in going outside to photograph the snowdrops and then make these as a creative activity. Children freely select and become absorbed in books. Children have good opportunities to go out on outings which are physical, inspiring and educational. For example, they have walks along the canal to watch the barges or have rides on the trams.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show a strong sense of belonging, being familiar with routine and knowing what is expected of them. Their individual needs and characters are clearly understood and respected by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a healthy respect for others as they have numerous opportunities and activities to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world. For example, children play with resources that promote all aspects of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is proactive in ensuring she is in a position to care for children with a range of needs. She uses her knowledge and training to ensure she can offer children with specific requirements an inclusive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. The childminder uses constant praise to encourage good behaviour and manners, she is quick to recognise children's achievements. This helps them to develop a strong sense of self-esteem and feel proud of their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good partnerships with parents contribute significantly to children’s well-being. The childminder actively informs parents of their children's day through daily discussion. Parents are fully informed about the service and policies and procedures are available upon request and verbally discussed in detail. However the complaints procedure requires updating. An open door policy

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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 and a flexible approach reassure parents and they develop a strong sense of trust with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by good planning and organisation. The childminder spends considerable time and effort planning experiences to ensure children have plenty of fun and develop to their full potential. The childminder organises her home well to accommodate different activities and the children's individual needs. Strong emphasis is placed on ensuring it is a welcoming environment to children and their families.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a very experienced childminder who gives high regard to their welfare. She has a strong commitment towards her ongoing professional development and the continuous improvement of her childminding practice. For example, she frequently attends training courses on a wide range of subjects to keep fully abreast of current issues in childcare. All legally required records and documentation are in place to ensure the smooth running of her business. A range of policies and procedures support and enhance all aspects of her work successfully. However, actual attendance hours are not recorded in the register.

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Organisation

The childminder works well and in close partnership with parents. A collaborative approach ensures the care given to children is consistent. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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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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 the complaints procedure is in line with recent changes and make available to parents • ensure attendance hours are recorded in registers.

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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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