Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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310327 Unique Reference Number 04 December 2007 Inspection date Teresa Ann Clark 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 1996. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, two adult children, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. The family live in the Stretford area of Manchester, within walking distance of schools, parks and shops. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, which includes toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently six children on roll. With parental consent children are taken to local community groups and the library. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Trafford Childminding Network. She has completed the Developing Childminding Practice and Extending Childminding Practice courses.

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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 protected. The childminder maintains good standards of cleanliness across her home. Established daily routines support healthy practices, for example, children know to remove their shoes on entering the childminder's home. Children have their own individual flannel and towel, which helps to minimise the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective procedures are in place if children become ill. A clear sick child policy ensures the best interests of all children are taken into account. Records relating to health care matters are maintained in good order. Good recognition of how children's behaviour changes when they are feeling tired helps to ensure they sleep according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide children's meals, which ensure children remain healthy. The childminder provides healthy snacks and regular drinks throughout the day. Children are learning about healthy eating and foods which are good for them through activities, such as food tasting. The childminder has good information about food safety and has attended training. As a consequence, food is stored and prepared safely.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children actively participate in a good range of activities to keep them fit and healthy. They experience the elements as they go out on walks in all weathers. Playing in the childminder's garden and visits to the local parks provides good opportunities for children to develop their physical skills and exercise their bodies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. The childminder maintains her home in a generally good state of repair and decoration to make inviting surroundings for children. This enables them to feel secure. Children have sufficient space to play in safety and comfort. A good range of toys and equipment is available to stimulate children's interests. They gain pleasure from playing with their favourite things. Resources are set out for children and are rotated to provide a range of experiences to promote their all round development. The childminder plans to use the downstairs extension as a playroom, but it is not suitable for children, due to a small area of damp.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risk of accidental injury to children is minimised as the childminder takes reasonable steps to prevent hazards. For example, there are smoke alarms on all levels and the premises are kept secure. The childminder is vigilant as regular health and safety checks are carried out on the home and equipment. Emergency evacuation procedures are practised with the children and recorded. As a result, children know what to do in the event of a fire. Although the childminder has a fire blanket, it is not fully accessible in the kitchen. The childminder has attended health and safety training so is aware of safety issues surrounding young children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder has attended training and is aware of her responsibilities with regard to child protection. The necessary documentation and contact details are readily accessible to enable her to respond quickly in the event of identifying a concern. Child protection procedures are shared with parents so they have a clear understanding of her role.

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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. Children are well cared for in a caring and nurturing environment. The childminder's warm, gentle and patient approach reassures children. As a result, children are developing trusting relationships. Children who are unsettled are given lots of reassurance and gentle encouragement to become involved in activities. They have their own individual routines followed to help them feel secure. For example, they enjoy snuggling in to the childminder as they have their bottle. They constantly check to make sure the childminder is close by when they are playing. When children are tired they are given their comforters and the childminder sings gently to them. As a result, children become calm and soon fall asleep.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a broad range of activities, which promotes their overall development and fosters their learning well. They develop their imagination as they pretend to make dinner and cups of tea. Playing with sand and paint encourages children to explore using their senses. Regular visits to the library and other places of interest extend their learning and help them to become sociable. The use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and regular observations of children are used to plan activities to meet the individual needs of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a sense of pride and belonging. The childminder creates an environment so everyone feels important. As a result, children are totally at ease in their surroundings and freely express themselves. Children learn about the wider world as they take part in activities linked to various festivals, for example, Eid and Christmas. Children attending are from a range of cultural backgrounds, which helps them to understand and value each other's similarities and differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are made aware of the management of children's behaviour through discussion and the childminder's policy document. The childminder sets a good example and offers gentle encouragement so children gain an awareness of right and wrong. Children are learning to share resources and take turns during their play. They are learning to act responsibly as they help tidy away toys after use. Children are encouraged to celebrate their own and others achievements by clapping their hands. As a result, children begin to feel good about themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An open and friendly approach with parents contributes to establishing good relationships. Parents are very happy with the care on offer to their children. A useful folder of information which outlines the childminder's services is available for parents so they are fully aware of the care practices. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's needs are met. Parents are welcome to stay as long as they wish when settling in their child and regular telephone calls help to reassure them that their child is settled and content. The childminder has many glowing references from parents. Their comments about the childminder include; 'Loving and gentle nature' and 'Friendly, reliable and caring'.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder gives good regard to the National Standards to ensure outcomes for children are positive. She has attended several training sessions since the last inspection and holds a

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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 first aid certificate and therefore, is in a position to administer treatment to protect children's health. This supports the ongoing development of her childminding practice.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's effective organisation. The well planned day allows no time for children to become bored or restless. There is a good balance of activities, both in the childminder's home and the local community, to provide for children's enjoyment. The sharing of experiences enables children to enjoy a fun time.

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Organisation

Documentation is in good order and very well organised to promote a safe and efficient service. Records are stored securely to maintain confidentiality. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures support the childminder successfully in her work and ensure her business runs smoothly. 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 agreed to ensure resources reflect diversity and include positive images of disability. The childminder has made good progress in addressing the recommendation. There is a good range of equipment and books which promote equal opportunities, including disability. The childminder also uses the toy library to provide additional resources which help children to gain an understanding of the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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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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 ground floor extension is in a suitable condition for children • improve the accessibility of the fire blanket.

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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 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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