Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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318552 Unique Reference Number 05 December 2007 Inspection date Joan Isabel Madden 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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 years and nine years. They live in a house in Timperley within walking distance of shops, parks, schools and pre-schools. The whole of the ground floor, which includes the lounge, dining room, kitchen and toilet are used for childminding. Children also use the first floor bathroom, toilet and small rear bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and there are currently five children on roll aged from one year to seven years. They attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends toddler groups on a regular basis. She has achieved the Cache level 3 certificate in childminding and 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 are cared for in a very clean and organised house where there are generally effective procedures to help the children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. There is an effective nappy changing routine in place that includes the childminder wearing gloves and wiping down the changing mat each time it is used. Toys are cleaned regularly and wiped in between. Children are learning sensible hygiene routines, they wash their hands when they return from playgroup, before eating and as part of the toileting routine. They have their own individually coloured towels to avoid cross contamination of germs. However, the very young occasionally eat their snack as they play on the floor, thereby risking infection. The children sleep according to their needs. The childminder is suitably qualified in first aid to enable her to appropriately treat children with minor injuries. All documentation relating to medical

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Helping children to be healthy

emergencies, administration of medication and accidents is correctly maintained underpinning sensible procedures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Nutritious food and discussion promotes the children's good health. Children benefit from a healthy range of snacks and meals. Parents provide food for the very young. On inspection day the children enjoy porridge and banana for breakfast. The food the childminder provides is in agreement with parents. She records the children’s dietary needs, likes and dislikes to ensure their requirements are met. All the children are provided with fresh drinking water helping them to appreciate it as a healthy way of remaining hydrated. The young children happily drink water from their beakers.

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Helping children to be healthy

Daily routines include activities to help children develop physical skills, widen their boundaries, and develop a healthy lifestyle. Children play out all year round in the garden where there is equipment, such as tricycles to help them develop their physical skills. They visit the park to enable them to run vigorously in open spaces and develop physical skills on large equipment. Additionally, pre-school children have opportunities to develop physical skills at toddler group where there is plenty of space and equipment, such as slides and trampolines for them. Children enjoy a supportive relationship with their childminder helping to promote their emotional well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel welcome in a nicely decorated and well kept house that is maintained at a comfortable temperature. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding. Activities for the young children take place mainly in the large kitchen and dining area, where there is plenty of space for floor activities. However there is limited furniture for the children to use for table top activities or a relaxing area to look at books. The remaining rooms are used for the young children to sleep in or for the older school children. The childminder is well equipped with toys and resources to cater for the wide range of children who attend to promote all areas of learning. The toys and resources are safe, well maintained and regularly cleaned. They are made accessible to the children helping them to make decisions and manage resources for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound awareness of how to keep children safe and generally there are good processes in place to do so. They include a safety gate on the stairs, covered electrical sockets, the kettle and sharp knives out of reach and young children being strapped into booster

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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 seats at the table. The childminder carries out ongoing risk assessments and is conscientious about ensuring the older children keep small pieces out of reach of the younger children. However, two safety issues have been identified in the garden relating to security and a water feature. There are sensible preventative fire measures in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder understands her role in safeguarding children and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. The procedures for reporting concerns about children’s welfare, are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures that are based on government guidance. Any incidents would be recorded in writing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder provides the children with a good range and balance of activities to promote their learning. She is capable and confident and has a good understanding of how to meet children's individual needs. She knows how they learn and is able to challenge children to help them acquire new knowledge and skills. Children are secure, happy and well supported in her care. The childminder has a reasonable knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children well and has identified their strengths, as a result she provides them with activities to suit their interests. The toddlers who are very physical and inquisitive are provided with opportunities to move around and explore. They enjoy ‘driving the cars around the garage and roads’, playing with train tracks, fitting shapes into the shape sorter and exploring the treasure baskets with natural resources. Those who are timid and unsure with visitors stay close to the childminder and are given lots of reassurance. The childminder appropriately caters for the children’s physical needs and ensures they eat and rest at appropriate times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well cared for by the childminder who works well with parents to ensure they are included fully in the life of the setting. They have good relationships with the childminder, helping to promote their confidence. The childminder ensures she is aware of children's individual needs by liaising with parents and recording any relevant information. She spends time playing with them helping them to learn and benefit from the activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are very well behaved. The childminder provides the children with a comprehensive framework, and as a result they are clear about her expectations for behaviour. They are reminded of the rules and have the reasons for them explained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has built up good relationships with parents, helping to provide continuity of care for the children. She has formed a friendly but business like relationship with them and provides a welcoming atmosphere. The parents write highly of the setting. They are provided with a comprehensive information pack to ensure they are kept up to date with the provision and events.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Vetting procedures ensure children are well protected and cared for by the childminder who has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development. She is conscientious, organised and has a high regard for the well-being of all children. The children feel at ease within the well organised environment. The children benefit from a well planned and structured week that includes attending pre-school groups and recreational facilities. They take part in adult-led and child-initiated activities. Documentation is maintained to a good standard. 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 required to improve children opportunities in equal opportunities. The childminder has built up resources that reflect the wider world, these include books, creative materials and puzzles. This helps the children to have an awareness of different needs and show an interest in cultural and religious differences.

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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. 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): • make the water feature safe or inaccessible to children and ensure the garden is totally secure • provide the children with furniture for table top activities and a cosy area where they are comfortably able to look at books • improve children's health and hygiene routines at snack time.

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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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