Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY235912 Inspection date 29 June 2005 Inspector Julie Wright

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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 has been registered since November 2002. She lives with her husband and one child aged under 16 and one adult child. They live in a house in Sale within walking distance of schools, parks and shops. The whole of the ground floor, which includes the through lounge and downstairs toilet is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are currently four children on roll.

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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 family have a dog. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group 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 good. Children are protected from the risk of illness and infection through the clear sickness policy. Parents are advised of procedures which promote good health and hygiene practice. Children learn about hygiene routines, washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Suitable nappy changing practice is described. Individual needs are known and met well through discussion with parents and details on children's records. Health is promoted through the care provided. Outdoor play is encouraged and good use is made of the garden and outdoor equipment. Children also enjoy regular outings which include trips to the park. Children socialise with each other and their physical development is promoted. Arrangements for meals are made in consultation with parents to meet individual requirements. Children benefit from healthy snacks and regular drinks which promote their growth and development. Children's preferences are known and respected.

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Helping children to be healthy

They sit at a small table and use age-appropriate utensils with competence. Children enjoy meal times and are familiar with the routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are familiar with the setting which provides a warm, secure environment. There is sufficient space for them to play indoors and out, with suitable arrangements in place for day time rest if required. They can choose from a variety of toys and activities which are accessible and clearly organised. Additional resources are borrowed from the toy library and include positive images of diversity. The childminder has age-appropriate equipment for the care of babies and toddlers. Children are safe in the home, with indoor and outdoor hazards minimised. The childminder supervises the children at all times and demonstrates a good understanding of safety issues. Children learn about responsibility and are encouraged to help tidy up. Play space is maintained in a safe condition for children. The childminder has devised an emergency evacuation procedure; however the children are not aware of this.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and the local procedures. She uses a child protection statement with parents to inform them of her responsibilities. The childminder has attended recent training to update her knowledge and ensure that the welfare of the children is promoted.

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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. The childminder has warm, affectionate relationships with the children. They are familiar with the setting and each other. Children are occupied and play well together. The childminder interacts with them and supports their play, such as helping with jigsaws when required. Children are confident and move around freely, choosing to play inside or out. Children attend nursery or playgroup in the morning and then have free play after lunch. The routines meet their needs. The children have good relationships with each other, they communicate and express themselves well during imaginative play. They enjoy being outside exploring in the garden, they talk about insects and flowers and develop interest in nature. Toys are accessible to children and they take the initiative in play. The childminder uses the toy library regularly and describes suitable activities for children aged from birth to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

over 8 years, therefore the needs of all children are considered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities. She provides resources which reflect diversity and uses the toy library to help children learn about differences in themselves and others. The childminder encourages positive attitudes in children as they are encouraged to share, take turns and to respect each other and possessions. The childminder has some experience of working with children with special needs. She has a clear awareness of related issues and considers the needs of all children to promote inclusion. Children respond well to the positive approach to behaviour management. They are aware of the simple rules and expectations and are co-operative. Children are praised for their achievements and thanked for their help, such as when they tidy up. The childminder has warm relationships with the children and their self-esteem is promoted. The childminder promotes positive relationships with parents. Regular discussions

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and record keeping ensure that the needs of children are met. Parents are advised of childcare practice and routines through the information file and receive written information on child protection procedures. Good working relationships develop which ensure effective, consistent care for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are well cared for in the home. The childminder uses space effectively to meet the needs of the children attending. She has attended updated training since

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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 the last inspection including child protection, craft and policy workshops. She is currently undertaking a Quality Assurance assessment to enhance the care of the children. Records and documentation are maintained and clearly organised. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of her responsibilities as a childminder. The information shared ensures consistency of care for children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children do not have access to door keys and to provide resources that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. The keys are now kept on a hook out of children's reach and the childminder has improved resources with the provision of dolls, books and dressing up clothes, she also uses the toy library on a regular basis. These actions have resulted in improvements to safety and the provision of play materials which reflect diversity to help children be aware of similarities and difference in society.

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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): • practice the emergency evacuation plan to improve fire safety measures and safety for children • further develop the play opportunities to enhance children's learning and development.

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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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