Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 501789 Inspection date 07 September 2005 Inspector Deborah Unsworth

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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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband, nine year old son and three adult children in Trafford. The house is within walking distance of local shops, schools, parks and a library. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes and a bathroom and toilet are accessed on the first floor. A fully enclosed back garden is available for outdoor play. There are four children on roll, who attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. With parental permission she takes children to the local park, library and other places of interest. The family have a

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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 cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive as they learn about personal hygiene and staying healthy as part of the highly effective daily routines. The childminder is very proactive in helping children gain an excellent understanding of hygiene and a real desire to become independent in their personal care. For example, children brush their teeth after meals and show an understanding of why they need to wash their hands after using the toilet. Older children are encouraged to take themselves to the toilet and a small toilet seat and step are available in the bathroom. The children benefit immensely from the childminder implementing excellent hygiene practices and procedures in order to prevent the spread of infection. They stay healthy as they are cared for in a very clean and well maintained home. Records of accidents, incidents and medication are consistently completed to safeguard children's well-being. Effective

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Helping children to be healthy

procedures are followed by the childminder to protect children from illness. Children are very well nourished and their health is promoted as they are provided with a very good choice of healthy snacks, meals and drinks. The childminder uses organic produce wherever possible and makes most meals herself using fresh ingredients. Children are beginning to understand the importance of a healthy diet as they discuss what foods are good for them. For example, the 3 year old says 'if I eat my meat and vegetables I will grow strong muscles.' Children discover what is good for them as they eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and on occasions the children help to make their own meals, such as scrambled eggs, with the childminder. Children are offered juice, milk or fresh drinking water on a regular basis. They confidently communicate their need for a drink when they are thirsty. Children have regular access to fresh air and enjoy a superb range of physical

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Helping children to be healthy

activities that contribute to their good health. They develop large motor skills and co-ordination when they use the very good range of outdoor equipment in the garden, visit the park, walk to the library every week and go to 'baby gym.' The childminder is proactive in helping children to have a positive attitude towards exercise and keeping healthy. Consequently children enthuse about the outdoors. They are confident and have good balance and co-ordination when using the outdoor play equipment such as the swing and slide.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. The premises are very welcoming and friendly to children and parents. The playroom is bright and colourful with children's pictures and attractive educational posters displayed. Children have a very good sense of belonging as they

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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 move around the setting confidently and express their needs and thoughts freely. They make confident choices as they access a very good range of resources. These are mostly stored in low level draws, tubs and on shelves for easy access. The wide selection of good quality resources helps children make progress in all areas of their learning. They are clean, well-maintained and comply with safety regulations, minimising risks to children. Children find the resources fun, interesting and challenging. Regular risk assessments of the premises and vigilant supervision ensures that children are kept safe and secure both inside and outside the home. The childminder has considered the risks and mostly taken all necessary precautions to minimise those identified. However the grid in the back garden is accessible to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have excellent opportunities to learn the importance of keeping safe and are taking responsibility for keeping themselves safe. The childminder skilfully explains to children safety procedures and children practice fire evacuation. Children refer to the poster about fire safety when discussing the danger of fire and are clear about procedures to take. They learn about road safety, the dangers of strangers and know what to do if they got lost whilst on an outing. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and safety sensitively. She holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee guidelines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely happy and settled in their environment. They are eager to participate in activities and show delight in doing so. For example, they enthusiastically help the childminder set the glue and collage materials out for their sticking activity. Children access their own resources easily which enables them to make choices and pursue their interests. The 3 year old decides to play on the v-tech computer and the younger child decides to read a book with the childminder. The childminder has very good knowledge of the children's different stages of development and knows how to take their learning forward. She plans activities and outings carefully, meeting children's individual needs successfully. The children engage in a broad range of interesting activities inside and actively explore the world around them as they collect leaves in the park and travel on public transport. Visits to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

local amenities such as the library and to places of interest are used purposefully and are educational. For example, following the visit to the dinosaur museum the children discussed what they had seen and made their own dinosaur pictures. They are learning through skilful questioning by the childminder about colour, shape, number and letters. She takes advantage of spontaneous learning opportunities such as naming the colours of the collage bits when sticking them onto paper and comparing the different sizes. Consequently children are very well stimulated and make good progress. The children share very good relationships with each other and the childminder as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 they play sociably together and relish in the regular physical contact and support the childminder provides. She knows individual children very well, recognising their individual actions or cries such as when they are tired, hungry or feeling poorly. Children develop good self-esteem and confidence as the childminder listens and values what they say and do. She is on hand to prompt and answer questions and gives appropriate praise and encouragement. Discussion is actively promoted as an integral part of the day. Consequently, children are confident communicators. Children's imagination is well fostered as they have good access to stimulating role-play equipment such as a kitchen, work bench and dressing-up clothes. They are provided with good sensory experiences as they bake, access natural materials,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

make hand prints using paint and play with musical toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued and respected as individuals. They are made to feel welcome in the setting and their needs are effectively met. Children have high self-esteem and their confidence is enhanced as the childminder gives equal value to their work and rewards their efforts with lots of praise and encouragement. Children learn about their local community as they visit places such as the park, library, shops, museum and cinema. Their understanding of the wider world and diversity is being enhanced through ongoing discussions and good quality resources that reflect positive images of culture, disabilities and religion. The childminder takes every opportunity to talk to children about differences and similarities and addresses issues that arise. As a result, children are developing positive attitudes to others. Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder acts as a positive role model for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children who are kind and sensitive towards each other. They enjoy each others company and play happily together. The childminder manages children's behaviour skilfully. Clear boundaries and simple rules are consistently applied. Consequently children are confident, feel safe to try new skills and understand what is expected of them. They share, help to tidy up and take turns. Good behaviour is further promoted as the children are rewarded with a star on the behaviour chart when they have been good. Strong and purposeful working relationships with parents contribute significantly to children's well-being, ensuring that their individual needs are met successfully. Parent's are made to feel very welcome in the setting. They have made some extremely positive written comments about the quality of care their children receive. The childminder ensures that parents know how their child is progressing through

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Helping children make a positive contribution

daily discussion and the sharing of children's work. Sufficient information about the childminders policies and procedures is shared verbally with parents. However, this information is not documented.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children feel at home and relaxed as they play purposefully in a well organised, child orientated environment. They are motivated and well stimulated as the childminder manages her time well providing a good balance and range of activities indoors and outdoors. Daily routines, activities and the organisation of resources support the children to progress in all areas of their development and foster their independence. They are independent learners as they select their own resources, initiate and extend their play. Children profit from the effective adult support which successfully enhances their confidence and learning. The childminder's good knowledge and understanding of child development and very good practical skills in caring for children ensures the quality of care for children is of

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Organisation

a high standard. All required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is well organised, accessible and shared with parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection recommended that the childminder provided more resources that reflect equality of opportunity. She has obtained additional equipment. This includes books and toys that are representative of the society we live in, including race, culture and disability. The children now have good access to a range of resources that enhance their understanding of diversity and the wider world.

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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 grid in back garden is made inaccessible to children • further develop communication about childminding policies and procedures and share these with parents.

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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 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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