Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY244115 Inspection date 20 September 2005 Inspector Nighat Ghani

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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 satisfactory. 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 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged six, fourteen and nineteen years in Sale Moor. The children have access to all ground floor rooms including a toilet. There is safe and secure garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. She is currently caring for four children under eight years. Children attend for a variety of full time and part time sessions.

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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 attends the local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a very clear understanding about good hygiene practices as they routinely wash hands after using the bathroom and before eating because they are aware that this prevents cross infection. The children are protected from the risks of cross infection as the childminder implements and discusses her sick child policy with the parents. However the childminder does not have record of children's allergies, likes, dislikes and preferences which compromises their health. Children are provided with a good range of nutritious food which encourages them to make healthy choices at snack time when they help themselves to a selection of fresh fruits. Older children keep themselves independently refreshed as drinks are freely accessible, while younger ones are offered frequent drinks during the course of the day. Children of all ages benefit from a relaxed social atmosphere during meal

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Helping children to be healthy

times as they sit around the table. Children enjoy daily outdoor activities in the fresh air where they benefit from some exercise and opportunities to develop new physical skills such as climbing and running.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments both indoors and outdoors to ensure children’s safety. She is vigilant in checking that the toys are safe and suitable for the ages and stages of development. For example special care is taken to make sure that babies and toddlers do not have access to the other toys or other articles which may cause them harm. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. Children know and understand the well established rules such as staying close together during trips to the park. Older children have developed a sense of maturity by respecting the agreed boundaries for where they may play when outdoors. The childminder has all the documents and procedures in place to ensure children’s welfare is safe guarded and promoted. Children are well protected as the childminder has undertaken recent training in child protection and has a secure knowledge of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

how to follow child protection procedures. She has a written policy in place, is able to recognise signs of abuse and knows whom to contact if she is concerned about a child.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a well structured day which is influenced by their individual needs for eating, rest and play, this ensures they remain contented and well settled. Children have close relationships with the childminder and the other children. Younger children are excited to see older children as they arrive from school. Children develop good self esteem as their ideas and requests are listened to and valued. The childminder support the younger ones in their activities and they make their needs known through discussion and negotiation such as "shall we play in the garden after our snack" ? Children show care and concern for others and are very aware of the ground rules as they share and co-operate when playing games. Children are well occupied in a good range of activities which successfully promote development and take account of their individual age and interests. Their learning is

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

challenged by the childminders' appropriate questioning and prompting through which they learn their colour and shape.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern since the childminder obtains all relevant information and works effectively with parents. Children are consulted in the morning about they would like to do when they come back from school which boosts their self-esteem. Children are familiar with the set routines which promote consistency and security in their care. Children respect each other and are very aware of the ground rules as they share, take turns and help to tidy up. However, they have few opportunities to develop an awareness of diversity within the wider world as they have limited resources and activities to raise their awareness of positive images. The Childminder has good understanding of children with special needs and is aware of the importance of working in partnership with the parents and other agencies. Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder develops with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder share her policies and procedures with the parents which promote the safety and welfare of children. Regular exchange of information about children's progress and development including a daily diary for young babies, ensures parents are involved in their child's care and that the needs of children are met. .

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for due to the childminders understanding of her role and

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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 responsibilities. She effectively implements various policies which promote children's safety and welfare and she actively seeks further training opportunities to enhance her skills and knowledge. Children feel at home and at ease in their childminding setting so they are confident and well settled. They respond well to the clear guidance they receive from their carer which helps them to become respectful and caring individuals. They benefit from her involvement in their activities since this encourages them to seek her support, attention and cuddles as they require. Well organised documentation contributes to the effective management of the setting and ensures the children's needs are well known. However children's exact time of arrival and departure is not recorded which compromises children's safety.

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Organisation

Confidentiality is well observed since children's files are kept separately for reference. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there was one recommendation made and this was to review the child protection statement to ensure current legislation is met. Since the last inspection the childminder has attended two day child protection training and has also got the current Trafford child protection procedures. This ensures that Children are well protected in her care as she has a secure knowledge of current child protection procedures.

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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 satisfactory. 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 children's allergies, likes, dislikes and preferences are recorded • develop current practices with regard to equal opportunities by providing children with activities and resources to raise their awareness of race, gender

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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 and disability • ensure children's time of arrival and departure is recorded.

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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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