Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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318391 Unique Reference Number 28 November 2007 Inspection date Julie Firth 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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband, a son aged nine years, two adult sons and an adult daughter in the Old Trafford area. The whole of the ground floor, including the conservatory, kitchen and the front and rear lounge is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and there are currently six children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She takes and collects children from the local nurseries and schools. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. She receives support from Trafford Sure Start.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their

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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 hands after playing outside and using the toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination. There is an effective sick child's policy in place to prevent the spread of infections and protect children's health. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities that enable them to develop control of their bodies. Babies are encouraged to reach out for toys developing coordination. The physical development of older children and children under three years is fostered by the use of a good selection of outdoor play equipment in the childminder's rear garden and regular visits to the park and local groups. They learn the importance of regular exercise through daily routines. Children are becoming aware of their own needs, such as time for a rest or drink.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's growth and development is promoted by the provision of healthy meals and snacks and menus are displayed. They have access to fresh fruit and vegetables at all times. Children sit together for meals and snacks and enjoy a relaxed social occasion. The childminder respects parents' wishes and children's needs when providing meals. Their dietary requirements are met well as she works with parents in finding out their child's requirements and respectfully follows these.

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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 welcoming, bright indoor environment with an adequate temperature. Rooms are appropriately organised ensuring children can move freely around to access their equipment safely. Children play in a safe and secure environment where thought is given to making areas used by them safe, with effective risk assessments in place. However, a safety issue has been raised regarding access to the cellar. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussions with the childminder when walking to school and on trips. The childminder regularly speaks to the children about the importance of emergency evacuation in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is enhanced by the careful monitoring of toys and activities to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Care is taken to ensure that younger children do not have access to toys and activities which may cause them harm and older children learn to keep small items out of reach. Children's independence is enhanced by the organisation of resources, toys are stored in low-level crates which enables them to freely choose what to play with and where.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has a suitable knowledge of safeguarding children which is in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She has attended recent training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy the company of the childminder who has developed warm, caring relationships with them, and as a result, the children are happy, content and relaxed in her home. They benefit from familiar routines which help them feel secure. The childminder fosters early communication skills by responding to young children's facial expressions, giving cuddles and attending to their individual needs. They are engaged in a sufficient range of activities which they enjoy, such as arts and crafts and collage. Their imaginative skills are enhanced as they play with the car track, small world, musical instruments and during role play. Sensory and sound action toys are readily available for exploratory play. Young children develop their

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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 manipulative skills as they roll out play dough and during a baking activity. The childminder is in the process of developing a treasure basket to enable children to experience different textures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a variety of opportunities to go out exploring their local environment. For example, they visit the park and socialise at the local groups with other adults and children. The childminder reads to the children and asks them questions about the book to develop their language and communication skills. Older children who attend after school can relax and take turns playing board games. She has an awareness of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and is beginning to plan short term. Assessments and observations are in the early stages. However, the lack of stimulating and challenging activities results in children having limited opportunities to develop independence and stretch the more able children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have sufficient resources and toys that reflect equality of opportunity. They are beginning to celebrate festivals with the childminder, which enables them to gain knowledge of diversity and the world around them. Their self-esteem and confidence are fostered as the childminder praises their efforts and achievements and makes space around her playroom to display children's work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals, they behave well and are encouraged to take turns and share. Minor disputes are dealt with appropriately and the childminder speaks calmly to the children and sits with them throughout the day. They are clear about their boundaries and expectations which are explained to them and applied consistently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the warm and friendly relationships the childminder develops with parents. She has built up sound relationships with parents, creating a welcoming atmosphere. She communicates with them daily, regarding their children's routines and activities. A daily record of the children's day is available for parents and the complaints procedure is displayed. This helps to promote children's welfare and provides consistency and care for all children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is committed to improving the quality of care she provides to children and she is keen to attend regular training to support her professional development. There is a clear timetable in place to collect children from nursery and school and children attend for a variety of short sessions. However, long and short term planning is still in the early stages for children attending. Children are encouraged to explore opportunities available in clearly defined and organised areas in the childminder's home. She spends time with the children to help them feel safe and secure and support them in their play.

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Organisation

Parents have access to written policies and children's records are in place. However, there are some omissions; incoming accidents and injuries are not recorded and not all parents are signing when an accident takes place. Obtaining these records will contribute to the safety and well-being of children being cared for. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

On the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure smoke alarms are installed in all levels of the house; ensure that all persons living in the household over 16 years of age have submitted to a vetting process. She was asked to extend resources that reflect positive images of gender and disability; update documentation to include times of arrival and departure of the children; record medication given to children and seek permission to obtain emergency medical treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All smoke alarms are in place and all members of the family who are over 16 years are vetted. This ensures a safe environment for children. The childminder has a sufficient amount of toys that promote equality and is still adding to her resources. Children's arrivals and departures, medical records and consent for emergency medical treatment are accurately recorded. This contributes to the continuity of care and safety of the children attending.

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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 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): • develop a suitable range of stimulating and challenging activities for children of all ages and plan for their next stage of learning • ensure the cellar is inaccessible to children • ensure all parents sign when accidents occur and record any incoming injuries and events to safe guard children.

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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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