Childminder in StockportOfsted inspection, 6 Jul 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY320534 Inspection date 06 July 2006 Inspector Sarah Taylor

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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 lives in the Reddish area of Stockport. She has been registered since 2006. She is registered to care for four children and currently has one on roll. She uses the ground floor of the premises and the upstairs bathroom for minding. Children are taken to the park and to local attractions. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment where the childminder places consistent emphasis on keeping the home and equipment clean and hygienic. For example, toys are disinfected each week and the home is clean and tidy. Children are learning to take care of themselves and beginning to understand the importance of good hygiene routines. They are given enthusiastic praise when they respond to their own needs, such as toileting and hand washing. Children learn about the importance of keeping their teeth clean as they clean their teeth when they have eaten. Children are encouraged to make healthy snack choices and are offered a good variety when they are hungry. They have access to healthy options, such as fresh fruit and crackers, and the childminder takes the opportunity to emphasise healthy selections to the children during play. For example, while playing with the toy food, the childminder talks about healthy vegetables. They are able to help themselves to

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Helping children to be healthy

drinking water at all times, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a spacious, clean, comfortable, well furnished and cared for home. Their safety is given priority as the childminder makes sure that a range of safety equipment is in place. The setting is secure and good supervision ensures that children are never alone. Fire evacuation is practised monthly to ensure that children are aware of procedures. Children can move freely to select from a wealth of varied and imaginative toys and resources. All equipment is of good quality, age appropriate and safe. Toys are very well organised to allow children to make independent choices in their play and this helps to improve their confidence and independence skills. Children are extremely well protected. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. She is clear about the signs and symptoms of abuse and understands who to report any concerns to. She has shared

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

her child protection policy with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met very well through the childminder's knowledge of child development and the children in her care. She has knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework and is attending training in the near future. She is skilled in offering reassurance, developing children's play and in recognising their immediate needs, such as providing quiet times when they are tired. The children's enjoyment is enhanced by a good variety of toys and resources. They

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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 experience a wide variety of activities and experiences such as small world, books, imaginative play, and visits to local places of interest. Their language and communication skills are developed as they are stimulated through discussion and through skilful questioning about their play. For example, during the jigsaw activity, children talk about colours and shapes and the childminder extends their vocabulary by introducing new words. Children are completely engaged in their play and enjoy attention and one to one care from the childminder. They sit attentively and enjoy a book together and laugh and giggle at the story. Children thoroughly enjoy playing the musical instruments and singing. Children benefit from effective routines which provide plenty of fresh air and exercise,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and opportunities to socialise. They have access to varied outdoor activities which include walks to the shops, library and the park. Their physical development is further promoted through access to a variety of local activity centres and play sessions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning about the world around them and are actively encouraged to value people, and themselves, as individuals. They enjoy a wide range of interesting books to develop their awareness of other people’s cultures and traditions. Their individual needs are fully discussed with parents and are confidently met by the childminder. The childminder speaks positively to the children at all times and works hard at building their self-esteem. Their social skills, and respect for people and property, are developed through the use of good manners, tidying up and encouragement in simple chores, like wiping the table. Their efforts and participation are rewarded by constant praise and encouragement from the childminder. The children benefit from a very good partnership between the childminder and their parents. The most recent parental feedback is very positive and states that the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder ‘is like family’. Children’s needs are promoted through good systems in place for sharing information, such as a two way diary and a record book. There is a detailed portfolio about the service available to new parents. This approach ensures consistency of care between home and the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The effective routines and very well planned activities enable children to be confident and happy in their play. They benefit from a good range of indoor and outdoor experiences, giving them a varied and interesting day. Children actively contribute to their care by helping to make decisions about what they would like to play with and when they would like to eat and sleep. Children's freedom of choice is enhanced by a well organised and set out environment. Children move comfortably between activities, making selections and gaining confidence and independence skills.

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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 Children benefit from the care of a motivated and well organised childminder. She has a good background in childcare and brings very effective practice to her childminding. The documentation and record keeping is effective and information is verbally shared with parents each day. Some parental consents are missing. Children are protected from harm by the childminder's constant vigilance and supervision. The childminder’s service is greatly enhanced by her commitment to further training and personal development opportunities. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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 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 all necessary parental consents are in place.

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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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