Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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318283 Unique Reference Number 20 November 2007 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 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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and two adult children and a 12 year old child in the Sale area of Cheshire. The minded children have access to the lounge/dining room. The small box room upstairs is used for minded children to sleep and toilet facilities are upstairs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is an enclosed back garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. 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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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children learn about personal hygiene routines and benefit from regular hand washing, before and after meals and when necessary. This ensures that children are protected from infection. However, the childminder does not reinforce the reason why they maintain good hygiene practices and this limits the children's understanding.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children benefit from clean toys and equipment, as the childminder 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 satisfactorily maintained. 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

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 sit together at meal times and learn to socialise and use their manners. The children are given drinks and this helps them to remain adequately hydrated. The childminder discusses dietary needs with parents and records the information, ensuring that children’s needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s safety around toys and equipment is maintained as the childminder checks these daily and through the provision of sound quality toys and equipment. Children are stimulated through a 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

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 appropriate safety equipment that is used throughout the home. The smoke alarms are on all levels of the house and socket covers are in place. This ensures the children are safe.

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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 are safe both inside and outside of the setting as the childminder has a satisfactory 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 not, however, obtained permission to provide emergency medical treatment for children and this does not ensure that the children receive appropriate treatment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children's personal needs are met in a supportive and homely environment. They choose what activities they play with and this enables the children to make choices.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are supported by the childminder as she supports them in trying new activities and developing their skills. The childminder gives clear explanations to the children and helps them place the pieces in the jigsaw. The children identify colours, matching the pieces of puzzle, she

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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 is aware of the children’s level of development and how to develop their learning. This reassures the children and helps them to feel confident in the setting. The children receive praise and encouragement which helps the children’s confidence as they acquire new skills. The children’s welfare is promoted and their individual needs are met as they are comfortable and happy in the setting. The childminder is aware of the children’s routine from home and these are continued, making the children feel safe and secure in the environment. The provision for children is further extended through visits to places of interest, such as the local park and groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children self select their toys and play with the childminder, she 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 sound 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 satisfactory. The children have access to a satisfactory range of books and dolls which reflect the diverse society, however, there is little else in the way of equipment which promotes this. They do not discuss different festivals and the wider world, which does not foster the children's understanding of the wider world. Children with a disability are planned for and are satisfactorily supported during routines.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure that their children’s specific health needs are met. For example, the childminder records information and follows the parent’s instructions. The children all benefit from continuity of care, which supports their emotional well-being. However, the parents are not informed of the complaints procedure and a complaints record is not in place. The childminder exchanges information regularly about the children and a good system of communication ensures an effective passage of information.

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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. The children are praised for cooperating and taking turns with the equipment, they are redirected into other areas when there is a disagreement over the toys and equipment. The children are provided with clear explanations about behaviour, this enables the children to be clear about the ground rules and keeps them safe in the setting. They often receive praise from the childminder, which helps build their self confidence. She 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. This enables the children to feel part of the group and learn about boundaries. However, there were some gaps in her

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Helping children make a positive contribution

understanding of behaviour management, for example, using a naughty chair.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Most of the required documentation is in place and maintained in a satisfactory order. However, there is no complaints record or procedure in place and permission from parents to administer first aid treatment has not been obtained. Children are cared for appropriately, for example, the required ratios are always maintained and the day is organised around the children's needs. All members of the household and any frequent visitors are subjected to clearance checks and

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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 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 conduct a risk assessment of the premises to ensure the environment is safe and free from hazards; and organise resources to ensure that they are inviting to children and are easily accessible. Toys and equipment are stored at child height and accessible and a risk assessment is now carried out each day.

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Improvements since the last inspection

In addition to this the childminder was also asked to ensure a smoke alarm was fitted on the first floor; to ensure gas appliances are safe; and that the bedrooms not used for childminding were made inaccessible to children. Doors are now kept closed, smoke alarms are fitted on each floor and the gas fire in the dining area has been removed and the other fire has a fire guard.

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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 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 written permission from parents before administering first aid treatment • provide parents with information about a complaints procedure and provide a record of complaints • develop knowledge and understanding of the wider world issues.

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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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