Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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306561 Unique Reference Number 05 July 2006 Inspection date Janice Shaw 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 outstanding. 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 1994. She lives with her family in a house in Gatley within walking distance of schools, parks and shops.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children before and after school. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has completed the NVQ level 3 in Early Years Childcare and Education. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the local authority.

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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 outstanding. Children gain an excellent understanding of hygiene and a real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care through the exceptional adult support and guidance offered. At an appropriate age, children use the child friendly bathroom to develop the routine of washing hands before handling food and after taking part in messy activities and toileting. They are involved in many discussions and stories about germs on their hands which emphasises why they must clean their hands after toileting or before eating. Each child has access to their own individual towel and a younger child explains the reasons why. Highly effective hygiene practices are followed to reduce the risks of cross-contamination and infections for children. Clear procedures are in place to guide parents in the event of sickness which contributes towards a healthy environment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an excellent understanding of healthy eating and provides the children with nourishing, healthy food. Children's dietary requirements are recorded and taken into account at all times. Drinks are freely available and older children help themselves to fresh drinking water in the kitchen. Children thoroughly enjoy sitting together with the childminder for snack times where they chat happily in a very sociable setting. Every child learns about the benefits of a healthy diet when the childminder involves them in lengthy discussions and informal projects and reads books on healthy eating. Children's knowledge and understanding is consolidated when they choose their own food, chat about which is good for them or read stories together. A particular favourite is the special end of term meal which the childminder organises with the help of the children. Each child chooses their favourite tea in advance and

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Helping children to be healthy

children recall how everyone loves this special occasion and discuss how much they are looking forward to the next one. They proudly show photographs of past events, including previous 'special teas'.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy an excellent range of activities to develop their physical abilities and promote their healthy life style. They learn to value and understand the benefits of regular exercise as the childminder explains how keeping fit keeps you healthy, and encourages them to join in energetic walks each day. Children across the age range gain confidence and move with more control as they learn to use their bodies in different ways. They enjoy playing in the garden, particularly in the playhouse and have many good opportunities to play with balls to develop their throwing and kicking skills. Fine motor skills are developed when young children explore different tactile materials such as soft textures and materials, different types of mark-making implements and craft activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an extremely well organised and welcoming environment where they are very safe and secure. Every child is kept exceptionally safe due to the childminder's ability to conduct risk assessments and through her continual vigilance when supervising children. Children learn about keeping themselves safe when out in the community as they follow robust

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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 road safety rules. This is further reinforced in road discussions and stories. Children learn about keeping themselves safe in the home when they consider and write their own set of rules, all contributing equally. Equipment is very efficiently stored and organised on open shelving and in drawers where children can help themselves or ask for items they know are available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children show an excellent understanding and willingness to keep themselves safe and healthy. In discussion they explain why sticks should not be thrown into the trees because of hurting people and they understand not to open external doors even if they think their own parent is there. Children are very well protected and their welfare is effectively safeguarded because the childminder has extensive documentation in place. A detailed file contains all the necessary information with relevant contact details accessible. The childminder has a very good understanding of child protection issues and procedures; including a clear understanding of what to do in the event of identifying any concern, this ensures children’s safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children become engrossed in a wide range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which provide high levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder conscientiously develops excellent, well-thought-through activities that create imaginative and innovative opportunities for children. Children develop a very strong sense of belonging as they are surrounded by inviting opportunities and attractive displays, in photographic albums of their work, activities and special occasions with the childminder. Children are animated and enthusiastic as they make choices about their activities and care. As a result, children develop a positive attitude and disposition to learn more.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Communication skills are given a high priority and young children happily chat and engage in conversations with adults. Children are confident and have good self-esteem because the childminder listens carefully to what they have to say and responds appropriately. Their language and understanding is skilfully encouraged and extended with new words and concepts introduced in play situations. Children’s creative thinking is outstanding. They are highly motivated to learn because they are engrossed in exciting and challenging opportunities. This enables them to make excellent progress in all areas of their development. Children relish opportunities to investigate and explore new areas in themes and topics. Travel leads to colourful paintings, stories, songs and new words. They make their own decisions and their individual interests are developed in creative ways. Informal opportunities are skilfully maximised to introduce, extend

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and reinforce children's learning throughout the day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children are encouraged and praised as they read poetry and look closely at rhyming words with the childminder. Size, shapes and prepositions are naturally introduced and developed in pretend play when children look at jigsaws and use small construction sets. Comparisons are made and similarities acknowledged when children discuses parties and favourite food. Children are given time to plan and develop their own games as the childminder is aware of when to step back and when to encourage and extend children's learning.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Every child is very warmly welcomed and actively included by the childminder. They have excellent opportunities to learn about themselves and the wider world. Children have free access in everyday play activities to high quality resources that reflect a very wide range of positive images of society, which provides exciting opportunities for children to learn about different cultures and beliefs. Children examine and experiment with new words and read vibrant stories about different beliefs and cultures. As a result, children develop an excellent and fully rounded awareness of ethnic diversity. There is a very positive attitude to caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. When necessary the childminder works closely with parents and relevant professionals to enable her to effectively support individual children. Children develop a strong awareness and sense of empathy when positive images of disability

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is exemplary; they are well behaved because they are inspired and interested by all the activities offered. They respect and emulate the childminder's calm, firm, consistent approach and respond positively to her enthusiastic praise and encouragement. Children understand what is expected of them because there are a few simple rules with clear and realistic boundaries which are based on safety and kindness for children rather than on convenience. Children are skilfully encouraged to understand the consequences of their actions as they explore emotions and learn to relate effectively to others. They have a clear understanding of their own needs and a mature respect for the needs of others. The childminder plays a key role in discussions about feelings and exploring different behaviours through very detailed discussions. The recent death of a family pet was dealt with in a very skilled way. Children can

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Helping children make a positive contribution

articulate extremely well how they feel about their loss and the childminder sensitively supports the children in the discussion, which helps them to be in touch with their feelings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is an excellent partnership with parents which promotes very good continuity of care for children. A comprehensive information pack and detailed records ensure that all relevant information is shared. Parents are fully informed of their child's day through informal chats at either end of the day. Parents comment that they are 'completely happy’ with the excellent quality of care provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children’s care is significantly enhanced by exceptional organisation. There are wonderful relationships demonstrated throughout the home, producing a harmonious and happy environment where the children thrive. This increases the children’s sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. The high quality of interactions between the childminder and children help their confidence and self-esteem immensely. The children experience highly stimulating activities that are skilfully planned to be suitable for their age and interest levels. Children are developing an excellent understanding of the wider world through discussion, stories and an excellent selection of resources. These resources reflect equal opportunities successfully helping children to become aware of a wider society. The childminder is very sensitive towards children’s needs and recognises the uniqueness of each child. Her

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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 understanding of each child's stage of development means the children are confident to try out new skills, ask for help when needed and set their own limits within a safe environment. For example, children are able to play outside in the secure and safe area, where they enjoy developing hand eye co-ordination skills through throwing and catching.

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Organisation

The children are well protected and cared for as an excellent knowledge and understanding of child development and child protection is present. Records are meticulously maintained, remain confidential and are easily accessible. Outcomes for children are excellent. All policies and procedures are individual, robust and fully support the expert practice of the knowledgeable and highly skilled childminder who consistently gives utmost priority to protecting all children, promoting their well-being and supporting all to develop their potential. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder one recommendation was raised. To further develop the written information for parents in relation to her childcare practice. The childminder now has a very robust set of procedures in place which are regularly shared with parents.

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Complaints 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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