Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY305623 Inspection date 08 December 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 2005. She lives with her partner and daughter aged 4 years in Manchester. The house is in walking distance of shops, schools and parks. At present there are three children on roll. The whole of the ground floor, first floor bathroom and a bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. She walks to schools to take and 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they stay healthy because the childminder implements good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection. They learn about good personal hygiene as part of daily routines as they wash their hands after using the toilet and before meal. Records of accidents, incidents and medication are consistently completed to safeguard children's well-being. Effective procedures are followed by the childminder to protect children from illness. Children respond well to routine and learn to enjoy nutritious food as part of a healthy lifestyle as meal and snack times are a social occasion where children sit together comfortably. Children are well nourished and their health is promoted as they are provided with a choice of healthy homemade meals. Children are offered juice and fresh drinking water on a regular basis to quench their thirst.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of physical activities on a daily basis which contributes to their good health. They develop large and small motor skills and good co-ordination as they make effective use of the stimulating outdoor equipment. For example, they have fun playing together in the play house and can easily access the bikes and swing. Children benefit from regular exercise, fresh air and open space as they visit the local park on regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well maintained and homely environment that offers space for young children to explore freely and play in comfort. Positive steps are taken by the childminder to minimise the risks to children both inside and outdoors. However, children's safety is compromised by the childminder not carrying out a full risk assessment in the bathroom. Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe as they are aware that they have to tidy away the toys before bringing out others. There is a wide range of accessible resources available to meet the needs of all the minded children. The childminder checks the toys and play materials are safe and suitable for children. She extends the range of toys available for children by regularly using the toy library to provide a wider range of play opportunities for children. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to protect children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

from harm and has a clear awareness of child protection issues and procedures.

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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 Children are good communicators as they confidently ask questions and eagerly chat with the childminder and each other. Children develop good self-esteem and confidence as the childminder listens and values what they say and do. They extend and practise their learning through her skilful and spontaneous questioning. Older children benefit from planned activities which are offered to them on regular basis. However, the childminder does not always organise activities which suit the different ages and ability of the children. Children play together in a well resourced role-play area which develops their imagination. Children develop mathematical thinking through everyday routines such as counting the pieces of fruit they have eaten. Children get the opportunity to take part in sensory experiences such as,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

paint, collage materials and play dough. Children are very happy, settled and secure. They have good relationships with each other and the childminder as they play together and benefit from the regular support the childminder provides to enhance their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident and happy in the care of their childminder. They have good relationships with their childminder which makes them feel safe and secure in their environment. The childminder encourages children to develop positive attitudes and kindness to each other by sharing and taking turns. Children are well behaved and supported by the childminder who works in consistent ways with all children ensuring that firm boundaries are in place that are understood by children of different ages. She makes sure that explanations given to children are in keeping with their level of maturity and understanding. The childminder has good understanding of children with special needs. Working in partnership with parents and other agencies contributes significantly to children's well-being. The childminder collates information from parents about their children's needs to ensure these are met effectively. Information about children's achievements

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and progress is shared verbally with parents on a regular basis which promotes continuity of care. Children are learning independence skills through daily routines such as, moving from one room to another and selecting some of the toys which are available for them. Children have limited access to resources that reflect positive images which hinders the opportunity for them to learn and develop awareness of the world around them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for as the childminder makes good use of her time and plans her daily routines so that children's individual needs are met. She organises her

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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 home well to accommodate different activities, which encourages children to become confident in making choices and decisions about where they want to play, helping them to become independent. The childminder has a commitment to broaden her knowledge and skills in child care and develop her practice to provide a quality service to children. For example, she has completed an Introduction to Childminding Practice course and keeps abreast of current issues in child care by sharing good practice with other childminders. Records and documentation are well-organised and meet the required standard to maintain a safe and efficient service for children. Overall the care provided meet the needs of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 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): • conduct a risk assessment of the premises to ensure children's safety • take into consideration the ages and abilities of the children when planning activities • increase resources that reflect positive images.

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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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