Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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318222 Unique Reference Number 09 November 2006 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 1992. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 15 years. The family have a dog and two rabbits. They live in a house in Timperley, Altrincham close to shops, parks, schools and pre-schools. The kitchen and playroom on the ground floor are used for childminding and the bathroom and small bedroom 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 seven children on roll from 18 months to five years. One child is full-time and the other children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder has gained her 'Certificate in Childminding Practice' and is working towards her NVQ Level 3 in Childcare. She is a member of the Approved Childminding Network, National Childminding Association and on the Committee of Trafford Childminding Association. Her additional duties include vacancy coordinator and supporting other childminders.

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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 the children from illness and infection. The house is clean and the children sit at the table to have their snacks and lunch to avoid cross contamination of germs. The childminder has gained a food hygiene certificate to ensure their food is correctly prepared. There is an effective nappy changing routine in place that includes the changing mat being wiped down with antibacterial spray after each change and nappies being appropriately disposed of. The children are learning simple good health and hygiene practices. Toilet training includes the children learning that part of the routine includes washing their hands; they have their own individual towels. 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 is correctly maintained helping

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Helping children to be healthy

Nutritious food and discussion promotes the children's good health. Healthy snacks include rice cakes, bread sticks and fruit. Children bring their own lunches and the childminder works well with parents to encourage them to provide healthy food. Fresh drinking water is not sufficiently promoted for the very young children,, to encourage them to choose the healthier option to remain hydrated. The childminder records the children's dietary needs on their personal records and is aware of the importance of meeting these requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Daily routines include activities to help children develop their physical skills, widen their boundaries, and develop a healthy life style. Walking is incorporated into the routine when they are going to parks or local facilities to help children learn the benefits of fresh air and exercise. The children are encouraged to play outside as often as possible. They are able to rest and sleep according to their needs, in a separate room. Children enjoy a warm, supportive relationship with their childminder, helping to promote their emotional well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel welcome in a house that is clean organised and very presentable. It is maintained at a comfortable temperature. The children have sufficient space to move about and space is organised to meet children's needs with a dedicated play room stocked with a very wide range of resources to promote their learning and development. The resources are well maintained, organised, clean and safe. Children confidently use them as they are inviting and easily accessible helping them to make decisions and manage resources for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Generally, children are cared for in a safe, indoor and outdoor environment that is suitable for them. The house and garden are totally secure. There are sensible safety processes in place to keep the children safe. For example, hazardous substances and materials are either locked in cupboards or out of the children’s reach, the oven door is designed so that it does not become hot. There are emergency fire procedures in place and the property is fitted with smoke alarms.

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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 holds current public liability insurance. However, a couple of safety issues in the small bedroom where the children rest have been identified.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role in safeguarding children and is confident she would be able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. The procedures in place for reporting concerns about children’s welfare are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy, confident and comfortable within their surroundings. They take an interest in the activities available to them and confidently move from one to the other. The childminder has a good understanding of how to meet the children's individual needs and how they develop, helping to challenge them and build up new knowledge and skills. Children experience a stimulating and structured day including visits to childminding groups, local facilities and parks. This helps them learn about their local environment and peoples' roles in the community. There is a stimulating range and balance of activities to promote their learning. The childminder guides the young children into extending their vocabulary and knowledge through their imaginative play. As the children play the childminder intervenes at appropriate times with open-ended questions. She encourages them to name the food in their kitchen.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Generally the childminder interacts with the children throughout the day, encouraging them to talk. They talk to one another sharing their learning and encouraging others to join in during their imaginative play. For example, they hand out food to adults within the room. They are able to become engrossed in activities and play independently for a while.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has attended courses relating to the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework and tries to implement this as often as possible. However, there is no documented evidence of this in the form of planning or assessments. The childminder provides activities according to the children’s interests and also reinforces their learning at school and nursery. For example, the children have been learning letter sounds at nursery and the childminder incorporates this into their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for by the childminder who works with parents to meet their individual needs and ensure they are included fully in the life of the setting. They have good relationships with their childminder helping to promote their confidence. The childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of equal opportunities and special needs issues. She ensures she is aware of children's individual needs by liaising with parents and recording such information. The childminder is happy to take children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has attended relevant training courses to enhance her understanding of how to care for these children. Equal opportunities are promoted through positive attitudes and a range of resources that reflect the wider world including dolls, books and jigsaws.

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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 In line with the appropriate behaviour management policy the childminder employs positive strategies to promote acceptable behaviour. The children are well-behaved and respond well to the childminders high expectations. She encourages them to share and praises good behaviour. Children receive appropriate support and are able to approach the childminder when they feel upset.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has built good relationships with parents. She respects their wishes and communicates with them on a daily basis to keep them informed of events and happenings in their children’s lives. The childminder has a procedure in place to appropriately respond to and log any written complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Thorough vetting procedures ensure children are well protected and cared for by the childminder who has a good knowledge and understanding of child development. She is conscientious, committed, organised and has a high regard for the well-being of all children. The childminder shows a commitment to continually improve the quality of provision by gaining qualifications in childcare and attending training courses. Being a member of the Trafford Childminding Network enables her to provide quality assured childcare and education above the regulatory day care standards set by Ofsted. The children feel at ease within the well organised environment. The children benefit from a structured week. They take part in adult-led and child-initiated activities.

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Organisation

The comprehensive range of policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the provision and their children's experiences. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. 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 improve documentation. The register is correctly maintained including times of arrival and departure, written parental consent is sought for emergency medical treatment for each child on roll, the childminder is aware of the requirement to record all accidents and incidents and correctly follows these procedures. All required documentation is easily accessible and available for inspection. The improvement in documentation helps to underpin the good care of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 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 complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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

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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): • promote the drinking of fresh water for the pre-school children • improve the safety of small bedroom.

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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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