Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301729 Inspection date 19 September 2005 Inspector Krystina Chitryn

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 12, 10 and 9 in the Trafford area. The kitchen dining area, sitting room and bathroom on the first floor are used by the minded children and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children after school. The childminder walks to local schools to collect children.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from continuity of care and follow the same eating patterns as they do at home. The childminder discusses dietary needs with the parents and records any special requirements. Written information is unavailable as the parents have the contracts and are completing them. The childminder is aware of recording and having information available about the children. They benefit from a warm caring environment where they receive smiles and encouragement. They are confident with the visitor and ask questions about her visit. Good hygiene standards and routines are undertaken, which ensures the children's health is safe guarded. The children purposefully explain why they wash their hands, on their return from school prior to eating and after going to the bathroom. The children are aware that they wash their hands to prevent the spread of infection. Children enjoy playing in the garden and described climbing the tree. They benefit

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Helping children to be healthy

from regular exercise, walk to and from school and take part in physical activities in the garden. Children benefit from eating a healthy diet. The children are offered a variety of healthy snacks and have a bottle of drinking water. The children's diet is discussed with parents and the childminder is aware of the children's individual needs. Children can access drinks independently allowing them to quench their thirst.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a safe secure environment. The childminder consistently undertakes regular risk assessments of the setting. She ensures the children's safety by checking the toys and equipment daily and prior to specific activities. Children are always in sight or hearing of the childminder. The children are reminded not to run in the house as this may be dangerous and the childminder explains why. The childminder has a good understanding and knowledge of child protection, enabling her to protect the children from harm. She uses incident and accident recordings to identify potential risks and to keep parents informed. Children fully understand road safety and describe the reason from walking on the pavement. All relevant information is taken on outings including emergency numbers and a first aid kit to ensure children's safety.

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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 The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met as the care routines offers consistency and provides a homely environment. As a result the children are happy and content. They are interested in what they do and have access to a good range of activities. Children are encouraged to talk and play. They asked questions of the childminder who answers them appropriately. They gain comfort and reassurance from the childminder. This helps to develop their confidence and self esteem. The children are interested in what they have to play with, however they cannot access the toys and equipment independently. The children happily play a game of tiddlywinks together. Other children play with the hospital set and one bandages another child's arm. The childminder asked the children questions and talks about activities, which extends their concentration and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

understanding. Children extend their language playing with the each other and taking turns in the game. The older children encourages the younger children to take turns and explains how the game is played. There is constant conversation as the childminder sits on the floor and plays with the children. Children can only make limited choices as the toys and equipment are not easily accessible. The children and the childminder work together and the children benefit from discussions and the attention of the childminder as they play and learn.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met by the childminder as she works in full partnership with parents. She exchanges information regularly about the children, for example, their likes and dislikes. Parents and children are made welcome by the childminder who sits with them and exchanges information. Children are relaxed and comfortable in the childminder's home. They are encouraged to attend for several visits to help them settle into the childminder's care. Children benefit from strong relationships between home and the childminder. She has a good system of communication and ensures the passage of information between school and parents. This ensures the children receive consistent care as agreed between the childminder and parents. Children are very well behaved. Children's good behaviour is encouraged by the childminder. She is supportive of the children and they are encouraged to say please

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and thank you. They show good manners and co-operation towards each other, for example, by taking turns and passing things to one another. The children are learning about boundaries and expectations placed on them in a social context. They know the house rules and the reasons for them. Children have limited access to books, toys and equipment which show positive images or which reflect a diverse society.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children and their families feel welcomed. Children have the use of a sitting room and dining kitchen in which the toys and equipment are stored but are not accessible to them. This restricts children's independence. The space in the sitting room and dining kitchen is used effectively and allows children to move about freely within sight of the childminder. The childminder has undertaken a wide range of courses to develop and maintain her practice. Children benefit from a continuity of care as a result of the clear communication between parents and childminder. Most information is recorded accurately and kept safely. The childminder did not have contracts available as they were with the parent. The register had not been completed for the day. There is a file available to parents containing information about the provision. The childminder displays her certificate on the wall. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • make toys and equipment accessible to children • ensure the register is kept up dated

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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 • provide a range of toys and equipment that promote images which reflects diversity.

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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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