Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

318334 Unique Reference Number 18 December 2007 Inspection date Julie Firth Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1994. She lives with her partner and adult child in Flixton, an area of Trafford.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor including the lounge, kitchen dining area and the rear playroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under eight years and there is currently five children on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects children from the local primary schools. She attends the local childminding group and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are consistently learning of the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after messy play and using the toilet reduces the risk of cross-contamination. The childminder speaks to the children about how germs spread and regularly washes her toys and equipment. There is an effective sick child policy which excludes children who are ill from the setting, preventing infections being spread. Their allergies and dietary requirements are obtained and parents sign for emergency medical consent. Furthermore, she has undertaken a recent allergy awareness course which enables her to recognise individual children's needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They have the opportunity to develop control of their bodies, for example, as they peddle small bicycles. A good selection of indoor and outdoor play equipment in the childminder's home and garden fosters under threes and older children's physical development. Children also benefit from regular visits to the park in the fresh air, and when out on trips they access large climbing equipment. They are becoming aware of their own needs, such as time for a rest or drink.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's growth and development is promoted by the provision of healthy home made meals and snacks. There are written menus in place that indicate a balance of hot and cold foods and children are introduced to a variety of fruits and vegetables at an early age. The childminder works with parents and respects their wishes when planning children's meals. She has attended a recent food tolerance course which enhances her knowledge of children's dietary requirements. Children sit together at mealtimes and enjoy each other's company and they have access to drinking water or juice which is accessible at all times.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, bright, stimulating indoor and outdoor environment. Rooms are appropriately organised ensuring a balanced range of activities for children. They play in a secure environment and she has given thought to making areas used by children safe with effective written risk assessments and detailed procedures in place. A health and safety policy ensures that children's safety is promoted and this reflects in her practice. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussions with the childminder about road safety on the way home from school and out on trips.

p.3

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 any harm and older children learn to keep small items out of reach. Children's independence is enhanced by the organisation of a wide range of toys and resources which enables them to freely choose what to play with and where. Toys that are not out are alternated throughout the week and the childminder hires out equipment from the toy library to further their choice and fun.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place. She has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures that are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy the company of the childminder who has developed warm caring relationships with them. She offers appropriate physical contact by means of cuddles and hugs, maintains eye contact and smiles. As a result, the children are happy, secure, content and relaxed in her home and care.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at the local group. Children are engaged in a range of appropriate activities which they clearly enjoy, such as art and crafts, threading beads and bobbins, books and board games. Sensory and sound action toys are readily available for exploratory play. They are involved in making Christmas cards and crafts to take home and trips are planned to places of interest, such as to a local farm and the supermarket enabling children to have experience of their environment. The childminder collects shells during her summer holiday to enable the children to speak about the beach and use in a collage. Their imaginative skills are enhanced as they dress up, sit with small world and play house. They have the opportunity to play with soft dough to enhance their manipulative skills. They are developing good language and communication skills through

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

a variety of informal and planned activities, such as when the childminder reads to the children and during mealtimes.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A structured day is planned and the childminder thrives to get to know the child's individual personalities, likes and dislikes. She is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework. However, planning of the children's next steps of learning and assessment is not fully developed

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder sets herself as a positive role model and treats all children with individual care and respect. A good settling in policy enables children to become familiar with their surroundings and she works closely with the parents to meet their individual needs. A wide range of experiences, such as celebrating religious festivals, tasting food from other cultures and accessing resources which reflect equality of opportunity, allow children to appreciate the diverse society in which they live. This is further enhanced as she visits the local diversity resource centre to promote positive images as children play. The childminder shows due regard towards the care of children with a disability and learning difficulties and works in close liaison with parents to ensure their individual needs are met.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to play well together and to share and take turns. There are consistent procedures in place to manage their behaviour. Their self-esteem and confidence is fostered, as the childminder praises children's efforts and achievements and makes space around her room to display their work. She has attended recent training of how to manage children's behaviour and recognising bullying.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive, close relationship that has developed between the childminder and their parents. The childminder seeks a wealth of information from parents to ensure that she is in a position to offer the best possible care. Effective systems and detailed policies are in place to keep parents informed about the provision and their children's care and development .They receive verbal feedback on a daily basis about their child's activities and she has attended a parents in partnership workshop to enhance her effective communication. The complaints procedure is in place in line with the new legislation. Positive remarks from letters off parents

p.4

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 indicate a very good service is provided for all children. This helps to promote children's welfare, safety and developmental progress and provides consistency and care for all children.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is committed to improving the quality of care she provides to children and to support her professional development. She is keen to attend regular training and keep up to date with recent legislation. She has a wealth of experience and meets other local childminders in the area. She has worked with Trafford Sure Start to gain a very good knowledge of the National Standards and self-assessment of how to meet children's individual needs.

p.5

Organisation

Children are encouraged to explore opportunities available in clearly defined and well-organised areas in the childminder's home. She spends time with all the children to help them feel safe and secure and supports them in their play. There is a clear timetable in place to facilitate taking and collecting children from a local school. She works closely with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met.

p.5

Organisation

A comprehensive range of written policies and procedures are in place which contributes to the safety and well-being of children cared for. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

On the last inspection the childminder was asked to continue to develop existing skills and knowledge in caring for children.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder keeps up to date with training to develop her skills. She has worked hard to enhance her knowledge and environment to enable children to play safely, learn and have fun.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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):

p.5

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 • further develop planning of activities for children's next steps of learning.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6