Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 318256 Inspection date 11 July 2005 Inspector Glynis Margaret Kite

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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 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 1991. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and 13 years. They live in the Sale area of Cheshire. All of the ground floor is included for childminding purposes and comprises of a lounge, kitchen, back room, conservatory and toilet/wash room. The main back bedroom on the first floor is included for children sleeping. There is a fully enclosed back garden. There is a park, open playing field and shops within walking distance of the premises. There are 9 children on the register. Children attend a variety of full and part time sessions, including before and after school and school holidays. There may be a

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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 maximum of 6 children on the premises at any one time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy environment, which contributes to their overall health and well being. They learn about good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly, as part of their daily routines. Children are further protected from the spread of infection through the effective use of the exclusion policy for sick children. Children's physical health and well being is further enhanced through the childminder's commitment to provide healthy, balanced meals and snacks. She takes account of parents' wishes and the individual dietary needs of children. The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of providing children with regular drinks, especially during extreme weather conditions. The childminder provides purposeful outdoor play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities, on a daily basis. This promotes good physical development and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from the warm, welcoming environment, which they have to play and explore. Risk of accidental injury to children is minimised by the thorough daily checks carried out by the childminder. The effective use of additional safety equipment contributes to the overall safety and care of children. Children have access to a wide range of toys and play materials, which are stimulating, offer appropriate levels of challenge and provide lots of fun. Toys and equipment are stored in containers that give easy access to the children, encouraging them to make choices and develop independence. An extensive range of furniture and equipment supports the development of babies and children of all ages. The childminder is committed to safeguarding the children in her care. For example, she has a clear understanding of child protection issues and procedures and has regard to the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children benefit from the support given by the childminder. She motivates them through the provision of good quality toys and play materials. Children are interested

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 eager to explore the varying toys and garden. The childminder actively engages children in various games, stories and imaginative play. She listens and talks to them while they are participating in the games and activities. Children enjoy freedom to make choices which helps to boost confidence while they are having fun and encourages independence. Daily access to books and other pre-reading activities enables children to freely explore the use of language and mathematical concepts. Children are settled and confident and play happily alongside each other, they are beginning to recognise the value of sharing and taking turns. Through the skilful guidance of the childminder, children are also learning that we all make mistakes sometimes and it is part of learning and achieving.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to play both indoors and outdoors, providing daily opportunities for physical development. They benefit from the fresh air and are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe, for example by wearing appropriate clothes in the varying weather conditions. The individual needs of children are met well by the use of toys, equipment and the exchange of information with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has established a good settling in procedure, which helps children to get to know each other and the childminder over an agreed period of time. Children are treated with respect and equal concern, as the childminder regularly updates information with parents. A wide range of resources are available which promote positive images of our diverse communities. Children benefit from the clear boundaries and strategies that the childminder implements to manage their behaviour. She is consistent in her approach, which helps children to learn right from wrong. Children are encouraged to be kind and caring to one another. The positive relationship between parents and the childminder helps children to feel secure. Children are cared for in accordance with the wishes of their parents and based on the individual needs of the children. Younger children benefit from the close

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Helping children make a positive contribution

relationship they share with the childminder as she maintains their individual sleeping and meal time routines. The implementation of written policies and procedures further enhance the relationship between the childminder, parents and children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home in the comfortable surroundings and settle in well to the routine of the day. They have sufficient space to play both indoors and outdoors. Children move around the childminder's home in a confident manner. However, the

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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 childminder failed to notify Ofsted of changes involving the play areas used by children. This could compromise the safety of children. The effective use of records and documentation ensures the individual needs of children are met well. The records are organised for ease of access and are kept up to date. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has implemented a fire drill procedure, which includes the children. This improves the overall safety of children.

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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 Ofsted are notified of significant changes to circumstances, as set out in the National Standards for childminder's.

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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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