Childminder, Out-of school day care in TraffordOfsted inspection, 5 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY245643 Inspection date 05 September 2005 Inspector Judith Anne Kerr

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2002. She lives with her husband and three daughters aged 5 months, 2 and 4 years old in the Fallowfield area of Manchester. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time when working on her own and is currently minding three children under 5 years all day. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. She takes the children to the local library and parks. The family has a dog and some goldfish.

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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 The childminder works with her husband who is also a registered childminder. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They develop an understanding of how their bodies work and know to wash their hands throughout the day at appropriate times. The childminder ensures that most aspects of good hygiene procedures are followed in order to minimise risks of cross infection to children. However, the potty is not always emptied after being used when children are being toilet trained. Children benefit from the childminder's comprehensive understanding of a healthy diet. They are encouraged to eat healthy options as they talk about runner beans being like green worms which help the body to work well. They are becoming aware of how physical activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink as they help themselves through out the day. The childminder works in partnership with

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Helping children to be healthy

parents to ensure children's individual dietary needs are met and provides a range of healthy, well balanced meals and snacks. This contributes to their physical development. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their overall physical development and good health. Each day they have access to a range of indoor or outdoor activities which are enjoyable, meet their developmental needs and help them develop control of their bodies. For example, swinging and sliding in the park, or riding bikes at toddler group.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an adequately maintained home where most risks are identified and minimised. This means the children are for the most part able to move around freely and independently. The childminder gives regard to children's safety outdoors but inside the home children are exposed to risks from an uncovered socket and the fire in the lounge, sharp knives and scissors. Children learn about keeping safe and the consequences of their actions. For example, the childminder gives explanations as to why children should tidy away toys so they do not trip up on them. The children know they need to be strapped in the car and hold hands when crossing the road on their way to and from the park. Toys and resources are varied, safe and age appropriate for the children. The children independently select their own activities such as reading and painting. The childminder has measures in place to ensure children play with age appropriate

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

equipment thus preventing younger children having access to small items such as Lego which may pose a hazard.

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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 childminder's secure understanding of child protection procedures helps keep children safe. The procedures ensure that children are protected from non-accidental injuries. The childminder recognises and responds to signs and symptoms of possible non-accidental injury to children with accuracy and confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children progress in their development and enjoy the varied opportunities provided through planned activities such as painting, singing, reading and dancing. Children know the childminder well and she devotes her time to playing with and talking to them. The children are happy and content. Children benefit from spending individual time with the childminder, this helps them develop their conversation skills and meets their individual needs. Children access toys and equipment freely and confidently. The childminder offers them choices and considers their likes and interests. Information provided by parents helps the childminder understand what the children can do. The play activities and outings to the park are organised to take into consideration the children's individual needs for food and rest. Children's curiosity and communication skills are developed by discussing things they see such as how the plants grow and the different

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

vegetable in the allotment. Young children's writing and reading skills are encouraged through writing names and letter recognition such as 'R' for your name. Children enjoy playing with the wooden trains and track. This encourages their mathematical development as they identify the quantity and colour of the engines. The childminder extends children's vocabulary by introducing new words such as pea pod when they go to the allotment and pick their own vegetables for dinner. The children benefit from and enjoy story time with the childminder at home. They choose their own books and snuggle in to enjoy the story. This encourages their communication, language and reading skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain an understanding of diversity and knowledge of the wider world by seeing positive images in books, posters, toys and activities such as making cards for Eid. Children are valued and respected as individuals as the childminder uses key words in children's home language to make them feel comfortable. The children's achievements are celebrated by displaying their work on the wall. This gives them confidence and a sense of where they fit into the wider society. Children are supported and encouraged to do well and to try every area of the play provided. Children are developing their independence, for example as they put their own shoes on and off. They access toys and equipment confidently.

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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. They understand responsible behaviour as they follow the example set by the childminder and tidy their toys away. Children are familiar with boundaries and expectations through discussion with the childminder. Older children enjoy caring for younger ones and have concern for their needs. They play well together, share and take turns. The childminder exchanges information with parents daily and tries to include them in the routine as much as possible by giving effective feedback on all aspects of the care provided. This helps the children settle well into the childminder's home. Regular discussion with parents and a gradual settling in process ensures that all individual needs are met. Children benefit from the friendly relationships that have built up

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Helping children make a positive contribution

between parents and the childminder. Babies individual patterns for rest, sleep and feeding are respected, they are settled and stimulated. A good understanding and replication of their home routines gives them a sense of belonging and being acknowledged.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are confident and settled in the appropriately organised home environment. They are provided with a variety of activities to promote their development and enjoyment. They play happily in surroundings which are adequately maintained. Space is organised inside to encourage children to move round freely and develop independence skills. All persons with access to the children are suitable. The childminder ensures ratios are met at all times to keep children safe. Children have individual time with the childminder at appropriate times of the day to ensure their individual needs are met. Children's care is supported by reasonable organisation. The childminder maintains the majority of records which are legally required to contribute to children's health and safety. However, consent for emergency medical treatment is not requested for any child, individual records are not maintained for all children and parents do not

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Organisation

always sign their acknowledgement in the medication record. Parents are not provided with the appropriate information should they wish to make a complaint to the regulator. The children make progress and have their needs met through a range of planned activities. The childminder develops her practice through attending relevant child care courses. This contributes to the quality of the service she offers. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved fire safety precautions by fitting a smoke alarm on the first floor of the house. Children's safety in the car is improved as all documents relating to the car are in order and available and parental permission to transport children in the car has been requested.

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Improvements 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): • ensure that good hygiene practices relating to potty training are implemented • ensure children are not exposed to hazards from low level sockets and the fire in the lounge, sharp knives and scissors • request written consent from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, ensure parents sign all entries in the medication record, maintain individual records for all children and provide parents with the address and telephone number of Ofsted.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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