Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY312570 Inspection date 11 July 2006 Inspector Kay Margaret Armstrong

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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 has been registered since September 2005. She lives with her husband and their child who is two years old. The family have a cat. They live in the Reddish area of Stockport close to shops, parks and the library. Children have access to the through sitting room and dining room. The rear garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a total of five children and currently cares for one child on a full-time basis.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and gains support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their physical growth and development. They have plenty of fresh air as they are taken outside daily. Regular visits to parks, childminding groups and toddler groups provide the opportunity for children to run around and use large equipment, such as a climbing frame and slide. These experiences help children to develop physically and gain control of their bodies. The childminder discusses and agrees children's dietary requirements with parents. She provides children with a range of meals and snacks which are nutritious and contribute to their physical growth and development. Children remain hydrated as they are able to independently help themselves to drinks of juice and water which are easily accessible. Hygiene procedures are successfully implemented to ensure that children are cared for in a warm, clean home, minimising the risk of cross-infection. Daily routines, such

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Helping children to be healthy

as washing their hands before meals, after nappy changes and visits to the bathroom promote children's understanding of good hygiene practices and minimise the risk of cross-infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. There is an adequate selection of resources and equipment available to meet the needs of children attending. However, these are not yet fully developed, which limits children's choice. Resources are well organised and easily accessible to the children, which enhances their learning, promoting some choice and independence. Resources are well maintained and comply with safety regulations, minimising the risks to children. The children benefit from a well maintained, homely environment where the childminder places a high priority on safety. Risk of accidental injury is minimised by the good supervision of the children and appropriate use of safety features, such as safety gates and socket covers. The safe and secure environment which is provided, is suitable for caring for children as they have space to move freely and are able to play in comfort. The childminder has the required documentation and knowledge in place to ensure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and her responsibility with regards to keeping children safe.

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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 satisfactory. The children's welfare is promoted and their individual needs are met through the range of activities that include opportunities for social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. The relaxed atmosphere enables children to settle quickly. The children are happy and have a positive relationship with the childminder. The childminder offers comfort and reassurance through appropriate cuddles and hugs. Children have support and attention from the childminder, which increases their sense of security. However, the childminder has no knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework, which impacts on children's learning. The childminder provides a range of activities for the children. She spends time playing and interacting with the children who are engaged and interested in the activities on offer. Children's understanding, language and vocabulary are extended as the childminder talks to the children as they play. The childminder introduces

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

colour and mathematical concepts into the activities. For example, the children count as the climb the stairs to the bathroom. The children have fun exploring the resources; they dress up and play imaginatively with dolls. The children are able to access resources freely, promoting their choice and independence. They really enjoy searching in the cupboards for the toys they wish to play with and completing puzzles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has an understanding of equal-opportunities and anti-discriminatory play. Children are beginning to become aware of difference as there are some resources available which reflect positive images of our diverse society. The children are taken into the local environment, visit the local nature reserve and attend a variety of groups regularly, which increases their knowledge of the world around them. The childminder speaks positively to children, using praise and encouragement to support their efforts and achievements. As a consequence children are becoming confident and are beginning to develop positive self-esteem. The childminder supports and encourages children to share and take turns, as a result children are beginning to respect each other. The childminder works closely with parents, sharing information on a daily basis to ensure children's individual needs are recognised and their welfare is promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's home routines are followed with regard to meal and sleep patterns, providing a secure and familiar environment, this promotes a sense of belonging and develops trust.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a warm and homely environment. They benefit from the caring attention of the childminder which results in children being relaxed and secure. Most records pertaining to children's individual needs are in place, which ensures children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes and promotes children's welfare. However, the childminder has not requested consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment which compromises children's well-being. The childminder cares for children within required ratios, which ensures that they are safe and she is able to adequately support their play and learning. There is sufficient space in order for children to play in comfort. Play materials are organised appropriately to promote children's independence and encourage them to make

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Organisation

choices about their play. The children enjoy different play opportunities away from the home, such as visits to the local nature reserve, groups and parks. 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 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • continue to develop resources to meet the needs of the children

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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 • develop an awareness of the Birth to three matters framework • request consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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