Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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318276 Unique Reference Number 24 January 2008 Inspection date Krystina Chitryn 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 1987. She lives with her husband and two adult children. In the Flixton area of Greater Manchester. The lounge, playroom, a conservatory and bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed back and front garden available for outside play. There are five children on roll who attend on a full and part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is also a member of Trafford's Childminding Network and is a link coordinator.

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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. The childminder provides snacks for the children and the parents provide the children’s main meals. The children benefit from healthy snacks provided by the childminder and are encouraged to make healthy choices and try new foods to ensure their good health is maintained. The children and childminder sit at the table at snack time and learn to socialise and use their manners. The children are given drinks and this helps them to remain fully hydrated. She reminds them to drink at regular intervals. The childminder discusses dietary needs with parents and records the information, ensuring that children’s needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about personal hygiene routines and benefit from regular hand washing, before and after meals and when necessary. The older children are encouraged to wash their hands independently. This ensures that children are protected from infection. However, the childminder does not talk about the reasons why they wash their hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children benefit from clean toys and equipment as the childminder regularly cleans the children's toys and ensures that they are safe. Illnesses are minimised by the effective sick child policy, which ensures that the children's health is thoroughly maintained. They have individual cups and changing mats that further protects them from cross infection. The childminder is aware of children’s individual health needs as these are recorded in the children’s file. The children are supervised at all times ensuring they are safe and protected from harm.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from daily fresh air and outdoor play. They have regular walks, visit the local parks, school and play groups. This ensures that all the children are able to benefit from regular exercise and remain fit and healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder checks the premises and undertakes a daily risk assessment to ensure the children do not come to any harm. The children benefit from full safety equipment that is used throughout the home. For example, smoke alarms are on all levels of the house and socket covers are in place. This contributes to the children’s safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a well organised environment, for example, the furniture is arranged so that the children have sufficient space to play on the floor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety around toys and equipment is maintained as the childminder provides good quality toys and equipment and checks these daily and cleaned regularly. Children are stimulated through a wide selection of toys that are stored at child height and are accessible, so that the children are able to make informed choices. The children learn to tidy up after playing to ensure that they do not trip up over the toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe both inside and outside of the setting as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues, enabling her to protect the children from harm. She uses incident and accident recordings to identify potential risks and keeps parents generally informed. Parents are made aware of the safeguarding procedure on admission. The childminder has obtained permission to provide emergency medical treatment ensuring the children receive appropriate treatment.

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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 good. The children's personal needs are met in a supportive and homely environment. The children are developing their self-esteem and acquiring new skills, as the childminder is aware of the children’s levels of achievement and provides games and activities which further develop the children’s ability. They play together and dance and sing which provides them with a sense of achievement and fun which allows them to develop their skills. The children receive the help and support they need from the childminder and are learning to cooperate. For example, the children are reminded that they need to be aware of the baby’s presence and give her enough space, to use their manners and say please and thank you. This teaches the children to be respectful to one another and enjoy their time in the setting. They receive praise and encouragement which helps the children’s confidence as they acquire new skills as they read

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

together and identify letters and sounds. The children’s welfare is promoted and their individual needs are met as they are comfortable and happy in the setting. The provision for children is further extended through visits to places of interest, such as the local parks, library and play groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children self-select their toys and play with the childminder, which encourages them to participate in activities. As a result, the children are interested in what they are doing and enjoy their time in the setting. They have access to a good range of activities and a variety of materials that helps to develop their skills and awareness.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have access to a broad range of books, dolls and jigsaw puzzles which reflect the diverse society. The children are encouraged to participate in all areas of play. They discuss different festivals and other cultures, which foster the children's understanding of the wider world. These are developed by positive images in books and posters and talking which helps the children further develop their understanding. Children with a disability are planned for.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s self-esteem is promoted and as a result, the children are happy and confident. They often receive praise from the childminder, which helps build their self-confidence. Clear ground rules are in place and this enables the children to feel secure in the environment and be aware of the boundaries. As a result the children are well behaved. The childminder talks to the children about being kind to one another and sharing. This is actively encouraged by the childminder, who is supportive of the children and is respectful to them. Their behaviour is managed in a positive manner, through the use of distraction, explanation and encouragement. She provides the children with stickers for their good behaviour and they proudly show these to the visitor. This enables the children to feel part of the group and learn about boundaries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure that their children’s specific needs are met. For example, the childminder records information and follows the parent’s instructions. She checks with parents about a new story book to ensure that they are working together for the good of the children. The children all benefit from continuity of care, which supports their emotional well-being. The parents are informed of the complaints procedure. The childminder exchanges information regularly about the children and a clear system of communication ensures an effective passage of information.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The required documentation is in place and is in good order. She has regularly up dated her training and has an up to date first aid certificate.

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Organisation

Children are cared for appropriately, for example, the required ratios are always maintained and the day is organised around the children's needs. The childminder has attended basic training on the 'Birth to three matters' framework and will develop her understanding of this area. All members of the household and any frequent visitors are subjected to clearance checks and visitors are not left unsupervised at any time. This helps to ensure that children are safe from harm. 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 was asked to ensure fresh drinking water is available to children at all times, improve procedures for recording the administration of medication and discuss the reasons why children wash their hands.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Fresh drinking water is now available to children at all times and medication is now recorded. However, a further recommendation was made in relation to children discussing and being aware of the reasons why hand washing is important.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. The provider 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 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): • discuss the reasons for good hygiene practices.

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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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