Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 404558 Inspection date 09 March 2006 Inspector Julie Wright

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2001 and also has previous experience as a childminder. She lives with her husband and adult daughter, who is also registered to work at the premises as a childminder. The house is in the Edgeley area of Stockport within walking distance of shops, parks, toddler groups, playgroups and schools. The rooms used for childminding are the lounge, kitchen and first floor bathroom. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. When working with her daughter a total of five children may be cared for, four of

p.2

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 whom may be under five years. There are currently three children on roll. The childminder attends carer and toddler groups on a regular basis and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from the risk of illness and infection through a clear sickness policy. They learn good hygiene routines such as regular hand washing, made fun with a novelty soap dispenser. Suitable, hygienic nappy changing practice prevents the risk of cross-infection and protects the health of children. The childminder has a clear awareness of health issues and childhood illnesses. Accident and medication details are accurately maintained which safeguard the welfare of children. Emergency contact numbers and parent consents are accessible at all times to protect the welfare of children in the event of an emergency. Children enjoy sociable meal times and their dietary requirements are met well. Individual needs are carefully discussed and recorded to ensure a suitable diet. The childminder has attended a course on healthy eating and has a good awareness of healthy options for children. She introduces new tastes and textures to them in food

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

which promotes their health. Children are taken on frequent outings and benefit from playing out in the garden as often as possible. They have regular opportunities to develop physical skills and coordination at the park or at toddler groups. The fresh air and activities contribute to the general good health of children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. They are comfortable in the setting and move around with confidence. The play area is made attractive to children with posters and accessible toys. Children have sufficient space to explore and play in areas which are maintained in a safe and suitable condition. The childminder creates a relaxing atmosphere with lullaby music as children go to sleep. Children are safe in the home, with all reasonable measures in place to minimise hazards and prevent accidents. These include fire safety equipment and a suitable emergency evacuation plan to protect children. However, fire safety is compromised as the evacuation procedure is not practiced. Suitable arrangements are in place for outings which ensure that children are secure and safe. Supervision of the children is good with two childminders present for the majority of time that children attend.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and the procedures. She uses a child protection statement and discusses her responsibilities

p.3

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 with parents to safeguard the welfare of children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop warm and affectionate relationships with the childminder. They are happy and well stimulated in the setting. The childminder works well with her daughter who has work experience from a pre-school group. Children receive good supervision and support in their play. Their activities include interesting ideas to help them develop and learn through play. Babies respond with excitement at their reflection in a carefully placed mirror. Children learn to name facial features as they draw heads and faces. The childminder interacts well with the children as they sit together on the settee and look at books. Language development is encouraged during activities, such as in stories and singing. They develop confidence as they are reassured and praised for their efforts. The childminder develops tactile play opportunities so that children can explore a variety of textures and objects, such as accessible mobiles. A balloon tied to string

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encourages a baby to reach and kick which helps physical development and coordination. Creative activities are planned and link to themes or events, for example, children make cards and plant bulbs for Mothers Day. Photographs of minded children at play show that they enjoy a good range of activities. They join in celebrations to socialise, use creative materials and decorate biscuits. The childminder has a clear understanding of the stages of child development and plans consistent routines to meet their needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are discussed, recorded and met well. The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities and the policy is effective in practice. Children develop positive attitudes as they learn to share and become aware of others. They have varied resources which reflect diversity and help children become aware of similarity and difference. The childminder has a clear understanding of special needs issues. She welcomes all children and aims to promote inclusion. Children respond well to the positive methods used to manage behaviour. Children are happily occupied so they behave well and are cooperative. They have a close relationship with the childminder and understand expectations of behaviour. Self-esteem develops as they are praised and encouraged in their play. Behaviour management is discussed with parents to ensure a consistent approach for children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes positive working relationships with parents. An effective arrangement to settle children in ensures that they feel secure. Information for parents is generally good and includes a leaflet about the setting. Written policies and procedures are in place, however, there are limited details in the complaints

p.4

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 procedure. Regular discussions and appropriate record keeping contribute to the continuity of care for children.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and well cared for in the home. The childminder organises her time and space effectively to meet the needs of the children present. Consistent routines are planned and take account of the individual requirements of children. Good supervision and support from two adults working together benefits the children in their safety and development. Records and documentation are maintained in good order which contribute to the health, safety and welfare of children. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the National Standards and meets all regulatory requirements. She is developing knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework to further enhance the quality of care. The childminder regularly reviews her practice and actively seeks the views of parents on the care given. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the procedure to record details in the register, ensure that plants in the garden are not harmful and to seek written parental consent in respect of emergency medical treatment and the administration of medication. The childminder now completes the register appropriately, she has removed a hazardous plant from the garden, written parental consents are in place in respect of emergency treatment and medication. These actions have resulted in improvements to the heath, safety and welfare of children.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received two complaints in relation to National Standards 3 (Care, Learning and Play), 6 (Safety) and 11 (Behaviour Management). On each occasion a Child Care Inspector visited the provider to discuss the concerns. No actions were raised and the provider continues to remain qualified for registration. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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

p.5

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 escape plan to improve fire safety procedures for children • develop the information on the complaints procedure for parents.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6