Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 318580 Inspection date 10 May 2005 Inspector Lynda, Margaret Ronan

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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 a registered since February 2001. She lives with her husband and four children aged under 16 in a house in Urmston within walking distance of schools, parks and shops. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are two children on roll, both of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder is able to take and collect children from St Mary's Primary School. She attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

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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 do not have pets. The childminder is an approved member of Trafford Network Childminders, which is a quality assurance scheme; as such she receives regular support and assessment from the Network Co-ordinator.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are actively encouraged to make healthy choices and to take good care of themselves. They discuss the care of teeth whilst looking at a book "Wobbly Tooth" and link this, knowledgeably, to the snack of apples that they are eating. Children are very active, they routinely walk from school, visit the park and use the large trampoline in the garden. Children tell the inspector, "playing out makes you strong". Children are very independent and at home in the setting. Children know and follow excellent hygiene routines, for example washing hands, without being prompted in appropriate situations. Children's health is safeguarded by the childminder giving considerable thought to a wide spectrum of health issues and implementing practices to safeguard children; examples of which include taking antibacterial wipes on trips, meticulous maintenance of health and medication records, and the development of a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe and protected, because the childminder is proactive in ensuring safety precautions are in place, equipment is safe and children's awareness of danger is a priority. Children are given good opportunity to discuss and recognise hazards consequently they are aware of precautions and actions to take, for example they know how to use the phone to summon help. Children discuss with the inspector the rules applying to using the trampoline and walking home from school and know why it is important to follow them. Children are protected, the childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures and has discussed these with parents and issues such as stranger, danger with children. Children know this is part of the reason that they must be in sight of the childminder at all times and they must be able to see her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children independently and enthusiastically access a wide range of activities. Children are kind to each other and are supported by the childminder to play co-operatively. At the childminder's suggestion older children read aloud the clues to a computer game to give younger children an equal opportunity to join in. Children

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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 confidently try out new experiences, eagerly trying out new programmes on the computer and more challenging manoeuvres on the trampoline. They use their imaginations well and are very well supported to do so in innovative ways; recent role play of weddings, following the royal wedding, led to decorating a wedding cake and children gaining new skills. Children are stimulated by the activities offered and the skill of the childminder in asking open ended questions that encourage them to think. Children, consequently are lively, interested, inquisitive and keen to learn.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave very well in a positive environment where individuals are respected and valued. Discussion is a prominent and continuous feature within this setting. Children negotiate each morning with the childminder and each other what they would like to do that evening after school, learning to operate effectively as part of a group. They discuss and agree rules, children have a clear understanding of expectations. They are confident, receiving constant praise for their efforts, achievements and conduct. Children form positive attitudes to diversity looking at Hindu artefacts, talking about holiday destinations and pursuing themed activity such as tasting different breads, Italian garlic bread, chapatti and French bread. Children are secure they receive consistent messages and care at the childminder's and home. Parents report that they are kept very well informed about their children and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their views are sought and acted upon enabling an effective partnership of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel welcome and settled, they are able to engage in a range of activities simultaneously as space is well organised to allow quiet and vigorous activities at the same time. Children benefit from the dialogue between parents and the childminder that is recorded accurately and updated regularly in documentation to support children's safety and well being. However the childminder did not notify Ofsted of changes in circumstances and does not record times of attendance accurately, which impacts on the care of children. Children are assisted to extend their play by the provision of resources that are generally well organised into themed boxes. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to seek written permission from parents for children to be taken on outings and to be transported in a vehicle. Children's safety has been improved by the provision and use of a permissions slip that seeks consent for outings and transportation.

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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 There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

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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): • ensure that Ofsted is notified of changes • keep an accurate record of the actual times of attendance.

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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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