Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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318557 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2008 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 12 years. They live in a house in Timperley close to schools, pre-schools, parks and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, this includes the playroom, lounge and kitchen. The children have use of the bathroom on the first floor. 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 six children on roll aged from 10 months to eight years, of these two children attend on a full time basis and four on a part time basis. The childminder attends local toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a qualified nursery nurse and 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. Effective procedures are followed by the childminder to protect children from illness and infection. The house is very clean. Good nappy changing routines that include the childminder using a waterproof mat, wearing plastic gloves and washing her hands afterwards help to protect the children from infection. The high chair is wiped down after it is used. Children are encouraged to follow simple good health and hygiene practices. They wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day. The children dry their hands on their own individual towels to avoid cross contamination of germs. Babies’ hands and faces are wiped regularly. Children are treated appropriately for minor injuries, as the childminder is qualified in first aid and there is a fully stocked first aid box. Documentation relating to accidents and medication are correctly maintained helping to underpin sensible procedures There is written permission from parents

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Helping children to be healthy

for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment.

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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. They play in the garden whenever possible with a range of equipment to develop their physical skills. The childminder does not use a car and children walk every where benefiting from fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

They often stop at the park for children to run vigorously in open spaces and develop physical skills on large equipment. Pre-school children have opportunities to develop physical skills at toddler gym session where there is space and equipment. This enables them to develop their physical skills and take risks within a safe environment. Children go on many outings in the school holidays that encourage them to enjoy the outdoor life. These have included trips to the seaside, forests and the zoo. Children enjoy a warm, highly supportive relationship with their childminder helping to promote their emotional well-being. They can sleep according to their needs and often benefit from sleeping in the fresh air.

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Helping children to be healthy

Nutritious food and discussion promotes the children's good health. The menus demonstrate that the children benefit from a healthy range of snacks and meals and the food is fresh and homemade. On the day of inspection the children enjoy crumpets for breakfast, banana for snack, sandwiches, yoghurt, crisps and fruit for lunch and spaghetti bolognaise for tea. Food is provided in agreement with parents. The childminder records the children’s dietary needs, likes and dislikes on their forms 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 toddlers happily drink water from their beakers. The childminder has gathered together a box of books that promote healthy eating and drinking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel welcome in a clean, organised, child friendly house where there is sufficient room. Space is well designed to meet the children’s needs and they are cared for mainly in a dedicated playroom that is bright and stimulating. Attractive coat pegs are at children's level which encourages their independence. Resources are plentiful and wide ranging and meet the needs of the children attending. Toys and resources are very accessible to the children as they are stored at their height in see through boxes. This helps them to make decisions and manage resources for themselves. The toys and resources are safe, well maintained and regularly cleaned.

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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 The very young children benefit from good quality baby and toddler equipment. Children wear high visibility vests to help protect them on an outing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are very good processes in place to keep the children safe. No safety issues have been identified. The premises both inside and outside are secure. The play room is very safe for children. The childminder has implemented preventative measures to help protect the children. This includes plug sockets being covered, all hazardous materials in locked cupboards, sharp knives and the kettle out of reach. The childminder has taken sensible fire preventative precautions that include a written emergency evacuation plan, regular fire drills, numerous smoke alarms throughout the house and a carbon monoxide detector. Children are encouraged to tidy up to prevent others from tripping over toys.

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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. Childminder provides the children with a stimulating range and balance of activities to promote their learning. She is enthusiastic, capable and confident. The childminder has a good understanding of how to meet children's individual needs and how they learn helping them to acquire new knowledge and skills. Pre-school children were present during the inspection and they are secure and happy in her care. She knows the children well and understands that they are wary of visitors. In response she provides them with good support, plenty of reassurance and cuddles to make them feel at ease. The children are provided with appropriate activities to promote their acquisition of skills and development. Babies play on the floor with an activity centre and a box of toys around them to encourage them to move towards and explore materials. Toddlers independently move around the room choosing activities for themselves. As the babies

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

sleep the childminder uses the time well to work with the toddlers encouraging them to match the correct halves of the farm animals and shapes on the activity centre. Children’s knowledge and understanding of the world is successfully promoted through practical activities, for example, the children observe eggs developing into butterflies. The childminder has a good knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters’ framework and uses it as a guide when planning activities. She doesn’t have any written plans but is able to recognise learning outcomes associated with different activities.

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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. Children are developing positive attitudes to the diversity in our society by using resources that reflect the wider world and learning about the festivals and traditions of different cultures. For example, during Chinese New Year the children visit China Town in Manchester and explore the shops and restaurants.

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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 The children are well behaved. The childminder provides the children with a clear framework and as a result they are learning about her expectations for behaviour. Her handling of behaviour is developmentally appropriate respecting individual levels of understanding and maturity. The children respond positively to the childminders expectations.

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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. Parents have completed questionnaires and they write very positively about the provision. The childminder is professional and provides a welcoming atmosphere. The parents are provided with a comprehensive file to ensure they are kept up to date with the provision and events. They are aware of the procedure for making complaints, however the procedure for recording complaints does not contain all the appropriate information.

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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.

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Organisation

Generally documentation is maintained to a good standard with extra policies and procedures in place. 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 ensure that entries in the accident book are always signed by parents. On examination of the accident book it was found that all entries have been signed by parents contributing to the safe care of the 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. 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):

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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 • ensure the record of complaints contains all the appropriate information.

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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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