Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 318331 Inspection date 18 October 2005 Inspector Teresa Ann Clark

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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 has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband and two daughters, aged 11 and 14 years. The family live in the Trafford area of Greater Manchester. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Bathroom facilities are situated on the first floor and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder may care for 6 children at any one time. There are currently 5 children on roll. With parental permission the childminder takes children to local

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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 amenities such as the park and adult and toddler groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning to keep themselves healthy. They develop good hygiene practices as part of the daily routine. They wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children are protected from cross infection because the childminder follows safe and hygienic practices and an effective sick child policy excludes children if they are infectious. Children develop a positive attitude to exercise. They play in the childminder's garden and visit the local park. This provides them with opportunities to use large equipment and run freely which helps develop their strength and co-ordination. Children are able to sleep and rest in accordance with their individual requirements and are given their comforters when they are tired or unsettled. This helps them feel secure and safe. Young children make their needs known when they require a nappy change as they fetch the changing mat and wipes to the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's ability to maintain clear documentation relating to the safe administration of medicines and recording of accidents. However, the childminder does not have written parental consent to seek medical advice or attention in the event of an emergency for all children. Children learn about healthy eating through the provision of healthy snacks and meals which promote their growth and development. They help themselves to drinks, including fresh drinking water, which keeps them hydrated and refreshed. Young children develop their independence skills as they are encouraged to feed themselves. Children's individual dietary needs are well met because the childminder consults with parents and considers children's likes and dislikes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home provides children with a homely environment where they are confident, happy and secure. They have sufficient space to move about and play safely. Children access good quality toys and equipment which are safe and organised to promote their independence skills and all round development. They enjoy some opportunities to explore their senses, such as using sand and water when visiting community groups. The childminder considers hazards inside and outside the house and has taken some measures to minimise the risk of accidental injury to children. There are safety gates in place, socket covers and safety guards on doors. However, children are not

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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 fully protected because the smoke alarm on the first floor is not in working order, the fire blanket is not easily accessible and there are no procedures in place to ensure gas appliances are safe. Although the childminder has a fire evacuation plan this has not been practiced with the children to ensure they know what to do in the event of an emergency. The childminder has safe procedures in place when on outings. She ensures children are safe when travelling in the car and they are learning how to keep themselves safe when walking to and from school. They know to stay in sight of the childminder and are learning to cross roads safely. The childminder's sound knowledge of the Area Child Protection Committee procedures promotes children's safety and welfare. She understands her role and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

responsibility with regard to keeping children safe from harm. She has all the relevant documentation and contact numbers if she had any concerns about the safety or welfare of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. Warm and loving relationships are formed. Children freely snuggle up to the childminder for a cuddle. The childminder and children clearly enjoy each others company as they play and laugh together. They particularly enjoy playing peek-a-boo and finger rhymes. Children have free choice of toys and can easily access a wide range of age appropriate play equipment. Children are learning about colour and shape as they play with shape sorters. The childminder constantly talks to children during their play to encourage their language development. She introduces new words and numbers which young children attempt to copy. Children's individual needs are successfully met because the childminder takes time to get to know the children in her care. She responds well to children when they show frustration and is sensitive to children's moods and interests when

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

planning activities. This contributes to children's sense of belonging and helps them feel secure. The childminder plans a suitable range of activities which keeps children occupied and interested. These include activities within the home and at local community groups. However, she is not currently using the Birth to three matters framework for planning activities for younger children. Older children enjoy creative activities and making up their own games outdoors, such as an assault course which provides them with physical challenges.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made to feel welcome as the childminder treats children with equal concern. The childminder works closely with parents which gives her a good

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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 knowledge of the children, enabling her to meet their individual needs and provide consistency of care. Parents are provided with written information about the service and kept informed about their children's progress and activities. These good relationships have a positive impact on children's care. The effective settling in policy enables children to settle at their own pace and become familiar with their new surroundings. The childminder supports children well in their play, giving them meaningful praise and encouragement. This results in children being happy, secure and comfortable in the setting. Young children show great excitement when they successfully fit shapes into the shape sorter, clapping and cheering themselves. The encouragement and involvement provided by the childminder enables them to stay focussed on activities

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and feel a sense of achievement. This promotes children's confidence and self-esteem. Children are well behaved. They are clear about the expectations and boundaries within the childminder's home. Sensitive intervention and gentle reminders help them to behave well. They are encouraged to treat each other and the environment with respect. They learn about the wider world through resources and books which reflect our diverse society. Children learn about different cultural festivals throughout the year which helps them to develop a positive attitude towards others.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at ease as they express their needs and play confidently in the childminder's home. There is sufficient space for children to move about and play safely. The childminder is currently extending her home to provide additional space for children to play. Children benefit from regular visits to local groups where they have different play experiences and socialise with other children. The childminder organises her time sufficiently to give individual support and attention to children. Overall the provision meets the needs of children who attend. The childminder has most documentation in place with some minor omissions. She has written policies which are shared with parents and contribute to children's safety and welfare. The childminder acknowledges there are areas for improvement within her provision. She attends regular training for her professional development which

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection recommended that the childminder made sure gas appliances were safe and to improve the organisation of space and resources to allow children easy access and to play comfortably.

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Improvements 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 Since the last inspection the childminder has moved house. The new premises provide more space for resources to be accessible and for children to play comfortably. The childminder is currently extending her home to provide a playroom. She has no procedures in place to ensure gas appliances are safe. This poses a risk to children's safety and has been made a recommendation at this inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 prior written consent from all parents to seek advice or treatment in the event of an emergency • make sure gas appliances are safe, both smoke alarms in working order and ensure the fire blanket is easily accessible in the event of a fire. Practice the fire evacuation procedure with the children. • improve the planning of activities for young children by using the Birth to three framework and develop opportunities for children to explore their senses using a range of natural materials.

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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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