Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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501344 Unique Reference Number 13 June 2006 Inspection date Zoe Smith Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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 1991. She lives in the Offerton district of Stockport with her husband, their adult son and eleven year old son. Children have access to all rooms on the ground floor and the enclosed rear garden. Rooms used provide play, eating, sleeping and toilet facilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently minding six children on a combination of full and part-time places. Children can be taken to and collected from local schools, playgroups and nurseries.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy participating in a wide range of physical play activities. Younger children are beginning to gain good control and co-ordination over their bodies. They jump off small steps with support from the childminder and eagerly chase bubbles as they try to catch them. Children love to play in the garden with the wealth of outdoor toys and equipment that are provided. They skilfully propel themselves to and fro on the swings, kick and throw the ball and ride on the wheeled toys. These activities provide children with plenty of fresh air and exercise and reinforce the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm and spotlessly clean home. The childminder implements effective hygiene procedures and routines. Children learn about cleanliness and personal care through practice and discussion. They clean their teeth after lunch and wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. This is helping them look after their bodies and develop good hygiene practices.

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Helping children to be healthy

Mealtimes are relaxed and social occasions, the children and childminder sit together at the table to enjoy the food and each other's company. Children's likes, dislikes and special dietary requirements are discussed and agreed with them and their parents. Children benefit from eating a varied and nutritious diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables. They receive food and drinks in sufficient quantities to meet their needs

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well maintained home. Most potential dangers have been identified and effective safety precautions put in place to minimise them. For example, cleaning fluids are stored on a high shelf, the front door is kept locked and all exposed electric sockets are fitted with safety covers. The children are safeguarded because the childminder is diligent in her supervision of them. She constantly and directly monitors and supervises them as they play. However, there is some household and garden debris being stored in the garden until arrangements are made for its disposal. This poses a risk to the children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Discussions and simple rules are helping children to learn how they can keep themselves safe. Whilst walking home from school they talk about road safety and how to cross the road safely. They help to tidy up toys before getting different ones out and know only one child can use the trampoline at once. Children choose from a wide variety of toys and equipment, that are of good quality and are safe. The childminder makes sure resources are appropriate for the children's age and stage of development. Toys with small pieces, such as marbles are kept out of the reach of younger children or played with when they are asleep. The children's safety and protection is of importance to the childminder. She has up-to-date knowledge of first aid practice and child protection procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children respond excitedly to a wide range of activities that are fun, challenging and stimulating. They laugh and giggle as they take turns to hide under and cover each other with the parachute. Children are becoming independent as they choose toys and make decisions about what they want to do. Their language skills are developing well and they are becoming increasingly competent communicators. Throughout the day they listen to and constantly chatter to the childminder. Younger children link words with actions, repeat what the childminder says, ask and answer simple questions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become engrossed in pretend play, actively using gestures and actions. They happily make snacks and drinks in the toy kitchen and play with the dolls house. Children have lots of opportunities to explore a good range of sensory and creative activities, such as painting, crayoning, dough, gluing, sand and water play. They love playing with sand, using the spades to fill the buckets and relishing the feel and texture of the sand as they pour it through their fingers. They enthusiastically fill buckets up with water and wash the toy animals, before they water the garden. The childminder incorporates ideas from early year’s guidance, such as the Birth to three matters framework into the play and activities provided. This is enabling children to make good progress in all areas of their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a good range of books, toys and jigsaws that provide positive images of culture, gender and disability. Activities are provided to help children learn about their own and the religious and cultural beliefs of others. At Chinese New Year they made dragons and at Easter they made cards to take home to their parents. This is helping children to understand and respect differing lifestyles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are responsive to the frequent and meaningful praise they receive from the childminder. She sets clear boundaries and makes sure children are kept busy and contented. Children are kind, considerate and behave well. They wait patiently for their turn to jump off the step and with a little encouragement they happily share the toys and equipment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has an effective partnership with parents. They speak highly of the childminder and the care she provides. Children benefit from having continuity. Their care is agreed with parents, who are kept up-to-date about their child's day, progress and any issues. Diaries and scrapbooks containing a compilation of photographs and examples of art work provide an interesting record for parents on how their children spend the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and content in the friendly and well organised home. They are given lots of encouragement and attention from the childminder who organises her day so she can devote all her time to them. She shows commitment towards her personal development by regularly

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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 attending training courses and working towards a childcare qualification. She uses this training effectively to provide children with a wide range of learning experiences and to continually improve the service provided. All records and documentation are in place, well maintained, stored appropriately and retained for inspection. The childminder has devised a range of effective written policies and procedures to inform and underpin the care provided. Children are making good progress in all areas of development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to devise and practise an emergency escape plan and obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children. She now conducts regular practice fire drills. This ensures children are proficient in evacuation procedures in case of an emergency. Written parental consent to administer medication is now obtained. This ensures the children's health and wellbeing is monitored and parents are kept informed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of all 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): • improve safety in the garden.

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The quality and standards of the care

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 2599) 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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