Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 318351 Inspection date 03 February 2006 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 1996. She lives with her husband and a 12 year old daughter in Stretford, an area of Trafford. The rooms used for childminding are the lounge, dining room, kitchen and bathroom on the first floor. An enclosed garden is provided for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding six children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. With parental permission the childminder attends local amenities such as the park, shops, adult and toddler sessions and childminder drop in sessions. The childminder is a member

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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 of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home and the childminder generally implements satisfactory hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection. However, the childminder uses the kitchen sink to wash her hands after changing a nappy and children share the towels to dry their hands. Children have a good understanding about healthy eating. They know which foods are good for them and make healthy choices at snack times which promotes their growth and development. They are offered regular drinks, including fresh drinking water, to keep them refreshed. Children develop their independence skills as they are involved in the planning and preparing of nutritious food, such as making sandwiches using brown bread and a choice of healthy fillings and salad. Children's dietary requirements are well met because the childminder has a good understanding about children's dietary requirements. She consults with parents and considers children's

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Helping children to be healthy

likes, dislikes and any special dietary requirements. This ensures children stay healthy and safe. Children's health is protected by a comprehensive and effective sick policy which prevents the spread of illness. Children enjoy physical exercise through regular visits to the park where they use large equipment, which helps to develop their muscular control and coordination.

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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 children to explore freely and play in comfort. Children are able to move around the downstairs areas as they play and have easy access to the garden, giving them choices about where they play. Toys and equipment are of good quality and rotated on regular basis to maintain stimulation. Children access them freely, which promotes children's independence skills and provides them with a range of activities and experiences. Resources and play materials are kept clean and in a good state of repair. Regular checks by the childminder ensure they do not pose a risk to children's safety. She ensures small objects are kept out of the reach of very young children to prevent them coming to any harm. The risk of accidental injury to children is minimised as the childminder takes precautions to keep children safe and secure on and off the premises. However, the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

fire guard is not securely fitted, which is a safety hazard to children. Children are learning the importance of keeping safe as they help the childminder to tidy away the

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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 toys before they bring out another one. Children are well protected as the childminder has attended child protection training and is aware of how to follow child protection procedures. However, she is not aware of the procedures to follow if an allegation is made against her. She has a written policy in place, which she shares with the parents during the settling in period. She is able to recognise signs of abuse, however, she does not have contact numbers of the local child protection unit which compromises children's safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, settled and relaxed in the childminder's home. Children's self-esteem and confidence is promoted through good support and encouragement from the childminder. For example, she listens and encourages children to talk about what they are doing. Young children have insufficient opportunities to make greater use of their senses and creative abilities by for example, accessing natural materials and exploring different sensory experiences. They receive lots of praise for their achievements, which boosts their morale and self confidence. The childminder uses positive language to actively encourage children's enjoyment, pride and manners. Children get a lot of opportunities to develop both large and small physical skills through a range of activities both within and away from the childminding setting. They practise climbing and balancing skills during outdoor play and their fine manipulative

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills during indoor activities such as building with bricks, completing jigsaws and colouring in pictures. Children are provided with first hand experiences as they go for walks, visit local parks and other places of interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children occasionally participate in activities that help them learn about their own religious and cultural beliefs, and those of others. There are a few resources that reflect positive images, which limits children's understanding and knowledge of the world around us. All children are valued and respected, however they do not have equal access to all the toys. For example, the childminder brings out some of the toys only on the days a particular child attends. Children benefit from the close working relationships that the childminder has developed with their parents. Daily informal chats keep parents up to date with the children's routines and continuity of care. This enables the childminder to provide good quality care in accordance with parents wishes. Discussions with and letters from parents indicate a high level of satisfaction with the care afforded to their children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Younger children are learning how to share, take turns and play co-operatively. They

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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 gradually learn to understand and respect boundaries and what is right or wrong in a caring environment. Children are regularly offered praise and reassuring smiles from the childminder. Appropriate strategies such as distraction or negotiation are used to promote positive behaviour. Children's achievements are celebrated which promotes confidence and self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Most of the records for the smooth running of the provision are in place. The childminder has an effective system in place to maintain records for each child, which are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. She discusses her policies and procedures with the parents at the initial meeting. Children’s progress and routine are discussed with the parents on a regular basis which promotes continuity, understanding and knowledge of each individual child. The children are relaxed and comfortable in the childminder's home. They benefit from the effective organisation of space and stimulating environment, which they confidently explore making choices about their play. They are well cared for because the childminder spends time playing with them providing good levels of individual support and attention, which helps them feel secure. Overall the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there were two recommendations made and these were to ensure that children do not have access to the drain in the garden and to ensure that toys are maintained in working order. Since the last inspection the childminder has covered the drains, so that they are inaccessible to children, which has enhanced children's safety. All the toys are now maintained in working order, which promotes children's learning.

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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

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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 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 good hygiene practices are implemented with regards to hand washing and drying • make yourself aware of the procedures to be followed if an allegation is made against you • make the fire in the dining room safe • develop a suilable range of activities for younger children, for example by using the Birth to three framework • increase resources that reflect positive images • ensure children have equal access to all the toys.

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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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