Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319203 Inspection date 30 August 2006 Inspector Debra Elizabeth Jean Dahlstrom

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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 registered in 2006, and lives with her husband and two children in the Hazel Grove area of Stockport. Schools, shops, a library and parks are within walking distance. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently three children on roll. The rooms used for childminding include a lounge and open plan dining area, sitting area and kitchen. Toilet facilities are provided on the first floor and an enclosed back garden is available for outside play. The family have a cat, which chooses to spend very little time in the home when children are present. Children are taken, with parental permission, to local amenities, such as the park, library, toddler groups and to other

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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 places of interest. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of health and hygiene procedures as she follows regular routines and maintains her home to a high standard of cleanliness. She ensures any pets do not pose any health hazards to children, tables tops and kitchen work surfaces are also wiped down regularly with antibacterial sprays. Young children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet or after messy play and are helped to understand about the importance of being clean. She ensures this is a positive experience for children as she patiently waits whilst they spread the liquid soap on their hands and gives guidance as to how then to rub it in and rinse it off. Opportunities for children to take exercise daily are in place to promote their physical health. Indoors, babies are encouraged to stretch and balance, thus, developing their muscles for sitting and walking. The childminder, for example, carefully positions toys

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Helping children to be healthy

for them to reach or allows them to bear their weight as they stand on her knees. Sit along rides and small slide, tent and tunnel, hula hoops, bats and balls are all part of a varied range of good quality equipment to suit children's needs as they progress. Children have ready access to drinking water at all times to ensure they are well hydrated. The childminder has a positive approach to healthy eating. Meals sent by parents are stored appropriately and healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit are provided daily by the childminder to promote children's good food choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from space to relax or take part in energetic play. They are cared for in a comfortable and secure home where numerous safety features are in place to reduce the risk of accidents. The childminder, for example, uses cupboard locks, she ensures all external doors are locked and stores dangerous substances out of children's reach. Children are appropriately supervised by the childminder who makes sure she is usually within sight and always within hearing distance. In the event of a fire, the childminder is clear as to her escape route as she has sought advice from the fire service to the correct positioning of smoke detectors for each level of the home. She has not, however, practised her escape route with children in her care, so this compromises their safety. Children enjoy a suitable range of toys and play materials, such as train tracks, electronic toys, books and dolls. A variety of these are placed where children can

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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 reach and boxes are organised so they can easily be rotated to promote interest and enjoyment. The childminder is sufficiently clear as to her roles and responsibilities concerning child abuse and the procedures to follow in the event of any concerns raised. She ensures parents are clear as to her responsibilities at the time of placement. The childminder has a commitment to protect children, therefore, children are suitably protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Young children benefit from the warm and caring approach the childminder has to help them to settle. She supports their emotional well-being as she offers cuddles, encouragement, uses smiles and speaks to children in gentle tones. The childminder often repeats the sounds young children make, giving prolonged eye contact and warm expressions, thus, encouraging them in finding their voice. Their early language is further developed as the childminder listens carefully to them and values the sounds they make. Young children are involved in a range of activities and spontaneous events, which supports their learning and development. The childminder sits on the floor with them as they play with pop up toys or a magnetic game. She demonstrates how they work and children are encouraged to copy her. Some older children enjoy playing with the play dough, the childminder talks about the colours and encourages the children to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

choose from a range of animal shaped cutters. The childminder also places importance upon the value of social experiences for children, trips to the library or toddler groups are offered to assist them in this area of their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Young children are developing a sense of belonging and are learning to be at ease in the childminder's home. Their understanding of diversity is also developing as they have access to some books and play materials which reflect differences in our society. Young children's individual needs are clearly valued and the childminder works hard in the short time they are with her to meet them. The childminder, for example, finds out from parents about the routines and their wishes for the care of their children, she respects these and ensures consistent care is provided. She offers a flexible service to parents, relationships are also warm and friendly and so benefit the children. A simple record of sleep times, nappy changes and food intakes ensure parents are kept informed about their children's day. Children are helped to feel good about themselves as the childminder uses praise

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and encouragement appropriately to increase their confidence. She places emphasis

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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 upon giving young children simple explanations to help them understand why their behaviour may not be appropriate, so children are learning right from wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Young children make use of the rooms provided within the setting as some move around their play space with increasing confidence. The childminder makes sure that through the day children can rest or be active, according to their needs.

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Organisation

Suitable arrangements are in place to ensure children are protected from persons who are not vetted, as the childminder is clear children are never unattended. She has also completed the necessary training for first aid and childminding. This is required in order for registered persons to care for children effectively. The childminder is familiar with the National Standards for childminding and uses them as part of her childcare practice, although she is unclear as to the complaints procedure. Therefore, parents are not sufficiently informed. All of the required records and documentation are in place for the efficient and safe management of the provision. These are organised well and readily accessible. Details relating to individual children are maintained along with the necessary consents from parents. 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 have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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

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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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 an evacuation procedure is practised with children • become familiar with the complaints procedure in order to inform parents.

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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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