Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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318513 Unique Reference Number 12 November 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 October 1999. She lives with her daughter aged 10 years in the Stretford area of Manchester close to motorway networks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, including a lounge and dining/kitchen with bathroom facilities situated on the first floor. There is a secure rear garden for children to play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has a cat. With parental consent children are taken to local amenities, such as community groups, shops and other places of interest.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently seven children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 learn about health and hygiene practices as part of the day's routine. For example, children have their own individual flannels in the bathroom. They all know which one belongs to them as they are all different colours. Children play in a clean environment in which their toys and equipment are maintained to a good standard of cleanliness. Hygiene is actively maintained regarding the family cat, which stays mostly out of doors or in a separate area from the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Documents relating to the administration of medication and the recording of accidents fully support children's health and safety and ensure children are kept well and healthy. There is a clear policy regarding the care of sick children, this ensures that children are protected from the spread of infection. Children enjoy physical activity in the garden using equipment for climbing and sliding, visiting the local park for larger open spaces and walking to and from school. They benefit from visits to community groups where they use a varied range of equipment, which provides opportunities to develop their climbing and jumping skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of healthy eating because the childminder provides them with a range of nutritious foods, for example, fresh fruit and vegetables are included each day. Children enjoy sitting together at the table, eating in a relaxed and unhurried manner, where they develop their social skills and good manners. Children have their appetites satisfied as the childminder responds to their requests when they ask for more. The childminder is fully aware of meeting any dietary needs and plans a menu to share with parents so that they are made aware of the foods their children have. Children are offered regular drinks throughout the day including fresh drinking water so children are never thirsty.

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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 environment which is well maintained and decorated. There is plenty of room for children to move freely and to spread out on the floor during their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures the temperature of the playroom is maintained at a comfortable level so that children are neither too hot nor too cool.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a good range of safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate resources. There are plenty of fun activities including toys to develop children's imagination and creative activities. Themed boxes of activities for different age ranges, ensure children access toys that are suitable and safe. Resources are well organised in see through containers which are labelled and stored safely. Other equipment, such as the kitchen, dolls and buggies are accessible to children, which enables them to make choices about their play and develop their own play ideas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

In the main, children are protected from the risk of accidental injury because the childminder takes the necessary steps to keep children safe and secure on and off the premises. Regular checks are carried out on the premises and children are well supervised. The use of a safety gate prevents children gaining access to the stairs. The premises are kept secure and children

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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 do not open the front door. However, the cords of the bathroom blinds and a trailing wire on the stairs pose a risk to children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected because the childminder has a sound understanding about child protection. She is clear about her role and responsibilities and has secure knowledge and understanding of procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. She has all the required documentation in place to ensure children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted, such as the guidance 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused - Summary' as well as telephone numbers for reference.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure and settled because they receive high levels of care and attention to ensure their needs are effectively met. They thoroughly enjoy their play and independently choose from a wide range of toys and activities, providing a suitable level of challenge and learning opportunities. Children experience a variety of thoughtful activities which enables them to make good progress in all areas of their development. For example, they play games with the childminder, such as the picture matching game. They engage in both self-chosen and planned activities, so they have a balance of independent and focused activities. Planned activities include trips out, such as visiting the airport, farms and other places of interest. This means that they have variety to their days.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to express themselves through a variety of media, hence they develop their creative skills, such as making cards for their parents. Children have well developed imaginative skills, for example, using different voices as they play with the Noah's Ark and the animals. The childminder is skilled in developing children's language and extending their play ideas. She knows the children well and is involved in their play asking questions and challenging their thinking. Children are learning to play fairly and take turns. Older children show care and concern for younger children asking them if they are alright and helping them with activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s awareness and understanding of diversity is promoted well. For example, resources, activities and discussions show care and consideration to help children learn about others. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs met well because the childminder obtains all relevant information and understands the importance of working closely with parents. She has a good understanding of equal opportunities issues and how this affects practice, for example her written policy states all children are welcome and ensures equal attention and concern is given.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. Children learn to distinguish between right from wrong as they are encouraged to be kind, friendly and share during their play. They use good manners and the childminder acts as a positive role model for this. Minor altercations are dealt with effective strategies, such as explanation about feelings of others and the consequences of their behaviour. As a result, children play harmoniously and considerately with each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s continuity of care is significantly promoted through the childminder’s valued relationship with the parents. They are offered initial information about the childminder and her home as well as her policies and procedures which include complaints and behaviour

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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 management. Therefore, communication and rapport is strong. The childminder works closely with parents, sharing information through daily conversations. This means that children benefit from a home-from-home environment. The childminder has glowing reports from parents and comments include 'I know my child is safe and happy when I go to work and involved in lots of activities and visits.'

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure and settled within this well organised environment. There are effective and clear procedures in place to promote children's learning and development, as well as their welfare. The childminder ensures children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort and organises her environment to promote children’s independence and well-being. Children’s space is organised in a highly effective manner and all resources meet the children’s requirements. Different areas of the house offer opportunities for various play so children can be quiet or more active. There is a clear understanding of meeting the conditions of registration at all times.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to improving her service and developing her knowledge and skills by attending additional training, She has a current first aid certificate which meets regulatory requirements. Very well organised documents contribute to the safe and efficient management of the provision. For example, consents for outings and photographs are gained and full details are held on children. Therefore, the needs of children are fully met. All records are easily available and stored in a manner to ensure confidentiality. There is also a clear awareness of informing Ofsted of any significant events.

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Organisation

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 complete an appropriate first aid course, to ensure vetting procedures were carried out on adults who have regular access to the minded children and to increase the range of resources to meet the developmental needs of minded children. The childminder has made very good progress. She has a valid first aid certificate and checks have been carried out on other adults who visit the home regularly. The childminder now has a very good range of resources and equipment to meet the needs of children under eight years. These improvements contribute to improved outcomes for children.

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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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Complaints 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

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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): • assess the risks in relation to the trailing wires and cords of the bathroom blinds and take action to minimise these.

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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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