Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 404549 Inspection date 04/12/2007 Inspector Teresa Ann Clark

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Type of inspection Care Type of care Childminding

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Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be freely reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided the source and date of publication are stated.

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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.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

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.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

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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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The provider must give a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must give a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Day Care and Childminding (inspection) (England) Regulations 2005 No 2300 Regulations 5 and 6).

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2001. He lives with his wife, who is also a registered childminder, two adult sons, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. The family live in the Stretford area of Manchester, within walking distance of schools, parks and shops. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, which includes toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently six children on roll. With parental consent children are taken to local community groups and the library. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Trafford Childminding Network. He has completed the Developing Childminding Practice and Extending Childminding Practice courses.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is well protected. The childminder maintains good standards of cleanliness across the home. Established daily routines support healthy practices and the childminder is proactive in helping children to understand the importance of hand washing to remove germs. Effective procedures are in place if children become ill. A clear sick child policy ensures the best interests of all children are taken into account. Records relating to health care matters are maintained in good order. Children's well- being is assured as they have time to rest as well as be active.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide children's meals, which ensures children remain healthy. The childminder provides children with healthy snacks and regular drinks throughout the day. Children are learning about healthy eating and foods which are good for them through activities, such as food tasting. The childminder has good information about food safety and has attended training. As a consequence, food is stored and prepared safely.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children actively participate in a good range of activities to keep them fit and healthy. They experience the elements as they go out on walks in all weathers. Playing in the childminder's garden and visits to the local parks provides good opportunities for children to develop their physical skills and exercise their bodies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. The childminder maintains the home in a generally good state of repair and decoration to make inviting surroundings for children. This enables them to feel secure. Children have sufficient space to play in safety and comfort. A good range of toys and equipment are available to stimulate children's interests. They gain pleasure from playing with their favourite things. Resources are set out for children and are rotated to provide a range of experiences to promote their all round development. The childminder intends using the downstairs extension as a playroom, but it is not suitable for children, due to a small area of damp.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risk of accidental injury to children is minimised as the childminder takes reasonable steps to prevent hazards. For example, there are smoke alarms on all levels and the premises are kept secure. The childminder is vigilant as regular health and safety checks are carried out on the home and equipment. Emergency evacuation procedures are practised with the children and recorded. As a result, children know what to do in the event of a fire. Although the childminder has a fire blanket, it is not fully accessible in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant about children's safety as he makes sure that there are no tripping hazards for children. For example, when children want to push the buggy around the front room, he clears away toys so children can move around safely. Through training the childminder has developed a good awareness of health and safety issues surrounding young children. There are safe procedures for transporting children in the childminder's car. The necessary documentation, such as business insurance cover is kept up to date and children wear appropriate restraints.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder has attended training and is aware of his responsibilities with regard to child protection. The necessary documentation and contact details are readily accessible to enable him to respond quickly in the event of identifying a concern. Child protection procedures are shared with parents so they have a clear understanding of his role.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well cared for in a warm and nurturing environment. As a result, they form strong attachments to the childminder. Children freely climb on the childminder's knee to share a picture book and seek comfort and reassurance from the childminder when unfamiliar adults enter the home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are busy and occupied. They benefit from a broad range of activities which promotes their overall development and fosters their learning well. They develop their imagination as they pretend to make dinner and cups of tea with the play food and tea set. Playing with sand and paint encourages children to explore using their senses. Regular visits to the library and trips out in the community extend children's learning and help them to become sociable.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder consistently talks to children to encourage their language development and engage them as they play. Children enjoy exploring objects in the treasure basket and show that they understand their use. For example, pretending to open a door with a key and putting the spoon to their mouth. The childminder supports children well as he names the objects and shows children how to build up the stacking cups. Children receive lots of praise for their efforts and show great delight as they knock the cups to the floor.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a sense of pride and belonging. The childminder creates an environment so everyone feels important. As a result, children are totally at ease in their surroundings and freely express themselves. Children learn about the wider world as they take part in activities linked to various festivals, for example, Eid and Christmas. Children attending are from a range of cultural backgrounds, which helps them to understand each other's similarities and differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are made aware of the management of children's behaviour through discussion and the childminder's policy document. The childminder sets a good example and offers gentle encouragement so children gain an awareness of right and wrong. Children are learning to share resources and take turns during their play. They are learning to act responsibly as they help tidy away toys after use. Frequent use of praise supports children's efforts and boosts their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An open and friendly approach with parents contributes to establishing good relationships. Parents are very happy with the care on offer to their children. A useful folder of information which outlines the childminder's services is available for parents so they are fully aware of the care practices. The childminder gathers a good amount of information from parents before their children start attending and the use of a daily diary keeps parents informed about their child's day. This helps to meet children's needs successfully and provides consistency of care.

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Organisation

The childminder gives good regard to the National Standards to ensure outcomes for children are positive. He has attended several training sessions since the last inspection and holds a first aid certificate therefore, is in a position to administer treatment to protect children's health. This supports the ongoing development of his childminding practice.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the clear daily routines, which help them to feel secure. There is a good balance of activities, both in the childminder's home and within the local community, to provide for children's enjoyment. The childminder supports children very well in their play and development, which promotes positive outcomes and ensures children enjoy their time in the childminder's home. Documentation is in good order and very well-organised to promote a safe and efficient service. Records are stored securely to maintain confidentiality. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures support the childminder successfully in his work and ensure the business runs smoothly. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure resources reflect diversity and include positive images of disability. The childminder has made good progress in addressing the recommendation. There is a good range of equipment and books which promote equal opportunities, including disability. The childminder also uses the toy library to provide additional resources which help children to gain an understanding of the wider world.

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Complaints about the childcare provision

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints about the childcare provision

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

 ensure the ground floor extension is in a suitable condition for children  improve the accessibility of the fire blanket. procedures set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted’s role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2473) which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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