Childminder in TraffordOfsted inspection, 22 Nov 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 318271 Inspection date 22 November 2005 Inspector Sheila Iwaskow

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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 1983. She lives with her husband, adult son and daughter in Sale, an area of South Manchester. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes; this comprises of the lounge, dining room and kitchen. Children also have access to a bedroom and toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a dog. There are currently four children on roll who attend on a variety of placements. The

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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 childminder offers care to older children before and after school. She supports children with special educational needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and welcoming home, where effective procedures are in place to help children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. As part of the daily routine, children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating, after toileting and messy play. An effective sick child policy is in place which excludes children who are ill from the setting, preventing the risk of cross infection. Children enjoy a good range of activities which fosters their physical development and promotes their understanding of a healthy life style. Whilst playing outdoors children can run around, play football and access a range of outdoor play equipment which helps them gain control of their bodies and develop their gross motor skills. The childminder respects babies' routines with regard to meal and sleep times, which provides an environment which is secure and consistent with home.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's growth and development is encouraged by the provision of healthy meals and snacks. Food provided by the childminder is well balanced, healthy and nutritious. Sample menus are displayed. Parents' wishes and children's needs are respected by the childminder when providing food. Children have regular access to drinks to quench their thirst.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children experience a warm and welcoming environment where they have a large amount of space to move around freely and play in comfort. Examples of children's art work are displayed in the kitchen which allows children to have a sense of belonging within the setting. A quiet area is available for older children who want to do their homework or simply relax. Children have access to a wide range of toys and play materials which encompass all areas of their learning. Toys are safe and easily accessible, allowing all children to make choices and develop their independence. Toys for older children are stored safely, preventing young children and babies accessing them. Risk of accidental injuries is minimised by the childminder taking precautions to ensure that children are kept safe both on and off the premises. Good procedures are in place for the safe collection of children. On outings children wear name badges

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

with a contact telephone number in case they get lost. Children are encouraged to take steps to ensure their own personal safety as they practice fire evacuation procedures, learn about the Green Cross Code and tidy up toys at the end of the

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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 session. However a safety issue, which compromises children's safety, has been identified; alcohol stored in the kitchen is accessible to the children. The childminder recognises her responsibility to protect children from harm and has a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures. A written child protection policy is in place and informs parents of her legal responsibility regarding this aspect of their children's care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are content and secure in the childminder's care. They settle quickly and make themselves at home. Children freely choose from a wide range of exciting activities that are on offer that promote all areas of their learning. Everyday play situations are used to develop literacy skills. As children listen to stories the childminder points to words, conveying to children that print carries meaning. Children happily play on the computer and identify letters of the alphabet. Mathematical concepts are explored as children match shapes, identify the number of holes in the buttons and predict the number that comes after four. Children become engrossed in their imaginative play as they dress up as policemen, ballerinas and cowboys. Appropriate creative activities allow older children to express themselves freely as they make models from junk, snowmen from cotton wool and play with the musical instruments. Fine motor skills are developed as children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

manipulate play dough and thread beads. Babies and toddlers enjoy playing with toys which are colourful and make pleasant sounds. However, they do not have access to a sufficient range of natural materials to fully support their sensory development. The childminder has an awareness of Birth to three matters, however it not fully developed to ensure the needs of babies and toddlers are totally met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder appreciates each child's individuality and responds to their needs in an appropriate manner. Older children, attending after school, are encouraged to show due regard towards younger children as they play and learn. Meaningful experiences such as accessing resources that reflect equality, tasting food from other cultures and discussions about festivals from other countries allow children to appreciate the diversity of the world in which they live. The childminder has experience of caring for children with special needs. She works closely with parents and ensures that children with additional needs are welcomed into a sharing and inclusive environment. Children behave well supported by the childminder who works in consistent ways with all children to manage behaviour. Older children are given responsibility and, in

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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 first instance, are encouraged to resolve their own issues through discussion and negotiation. Children's efforts and achievements are celebrated, promoting their confidence and self esteem. Each child has an individual portfolio which contains examples of their art work. This is given to them as a memento of their achievements when they leave the childminder's care. Children benefit from the positive relationships that exists between their parents and the childminder. The childminder provides parents with an introductory booklet which informs them of all her policies and child care practices. She keeps them well informed about events in their children's day through a written daily dairy, helping to promote consistency and security in children's lives.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and are able to express themselves freely in the childminder's comfortable home. They eagerly explore their surroundings and initiate their own play. Children delight in receiving lots of encouragement and attention from the childminder. Effective use is made of space to provide children with a range of experiences. Good use is made of local playgroups and the Salvation Army play centre to allow children to experience alternative play opportunities and mix with other children. There is a clear timetable in place to take and collect children from local schools and nurseries. All required records and documentation are in place and of a good standard which contributes to the continuity of care for the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to address some issues relating to toys, activities provided, documentation and relationships with parents. Improvements have been made in all of these areas. Children attending the setting now have access to a wide selection of resources and activities, including a range which reflects positive images of race gender and culture. Written parental consent has been obtained to transport children by car and for outings. Children's personal details are now included in the contracts. Systems are in place to ensure that information is regularly exchanged with parents regarding their children's care. These changes carried out by the childminder ensure that all aspects of documentation are up to date, that activities and resources cover all areas of children's learning and that positive relationships, to ensure continuity of care, are established with parents.

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Complaints 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 There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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): • ensure that alcohol stored in the kitchen is made inaccessible to the children • promote young children's sensory development by providing regular access to natural materials; develop an awareness of Birth to three matters.

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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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