Childminder in StockportOfsted inspection, 8 Mar 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313566 Inspection date 08 March 2006 Inspector Krystina Chitryn

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and three daughters, one adult, one aged 15 years and one 23 months in the Stockport area. The back sitting room, conservatory, kitchen and downstairs toilet are used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children under 8 at any one time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder supports children with special educational needs.

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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 She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder ensures the children wash their hands after using the toilet and encourages regular washing of hands. She changes the baby’s nappy and follows a good hygiene standard. She wipes the mat and washes her hands. The children benefit from regular exercise by running and jumping, playing in the park and at the play group. The childminder discusses dietary needs with the parents and provides the children’s food, unless they prefer to do so. Written information about the children’s dietary requirements is recorded in the contracts. The children are offered drinks during the visit and when the baby wakes up, he is given a bottle. This ensures the baby is not thirsty. The childminder provides a sheet for the parents, giving details of their baby's day and, food and drink. She also provides a menu for older children and would take into account their individual dietary needs. The parent provides the baby's food and

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Helping children to be healthy

the childminder has an emergency supply.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a safe and secure environment. The premises are satisfactory. The childminder undertakes regular risk assessments of the setting. The children have access to the back room, conservatory, dining/ kitchen, downstairs toilet and a fenced area of the garden. Children are aware of the areas they can access. She ensures the children's safety by checking the toys and equipment daily and prior to specific activities. Children are usually in sight or hearing of the childminder. However, the electrical sockets are not covered, which presents as a risk to children. The childminder has an appropriate understanding and knowledge of child protection, enabling her to protect the children from harm. She uses incident and accident recordings to identify potential risks and to keep parents informed. The childminder is aware of safety and ensures the children are protected. She talks to the children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

about tidying up toys before getting others out. This ensures their environment is safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met as there is a supportive and homely environment. As a result, the children are happy and content. They are interested in what they do and have access to a suitable range of toys and activities.

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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 encouraged to talk and play. The children respond confidently to the childminder and chat to the visitor. They gain comfort and reassurance from the childminder and smile. This helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem. The children choose the games and toys they want to play with and include the visitor in the game of identifying people and their expressions. The baby plays on the play mat and is offered a variety of rattles and soft toys. The television is on throughout the visit and this may act as a distraction to the children when they are involved in activities. The childminder plays with the baby and responds to the baby's sounds and the baby is happy and contented.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met by the childminder as she works in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children. She exchanges information regularly about the children, for example, their likes and dislikes. Children benefit from strong relationships between home and the childminder. She has a good system of communication and ensures the passage of information between herself and the parents. This ensures the children receive consistent care as agreed between the childminder and parents. She provides a sheet at the end of the day to parents, outlining the child’s day. Children are well behaved and the children's good behaviour is encouraged by the childminder. She is supportive of the children and respectful to them. The children are cooperative towards each other. Their behaviour is managed in a positive way with the use of distraction and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have a satisfactory access to books, dolls and jigsaws, which show positive images and which reflect a diverse society. The childminder is aware of the issues surrounding our multicultural society and the needs of the children who attend. She has tasting sessions with food at festivals. The childminder has cared for children who have special needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children and their families feel welcome. The children have the use of the back room, dining/kitchen, conservatory and downstairs toilet. The raised patio area has been made safe, is fenced off and has a soft surface. The garden requires landscaping and is not accessible to the children. The space in the rooms is used appropriately and allows children to move about freely, within sight of the childminder. Children benefit from continuity of care as a result of clear communication between parents and the childminder. Information is usually recorded accurately; however, the register is not up-to-date. The childminder displays her certificates on the wall.

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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 Parents have access to an information file which contains policies and general information. The childminder has booked on the Birth to three training. The childminder has a current first aid certificate. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • make sure that electric sockets in the areas accessible to children are fitted with socket covers • ensure the register is kept up-to-date • ensure toys and equipment are stored in a way that makes them accessible to children

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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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