Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY294629 Inspection date 17 May 2005 Inspector Zoe Smith

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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 2004. She lives in a terraced house in the Bredbury district of Stockport. The house is within walking distance of local shops, school and park. She lives with her partner and their two children who are aged seven and 13 years. The childminder is registered to mind four children, there are four children on roll who attend on a combination of part-time places. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom on the first floor are used for

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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 childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a dog and a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their physical development and good health. Walks and trips to parks help improve children’s physical skills and provide fresh air and exercise. Children confidently explore their surroundings. They use their bodies to practice and develop new physical skills, with the encouragement of the childminder. Children’s physical needs and well-being are met and promoted by the childminder who recognises when they are tired, hungry and thirsty. Children rest, eat and drink in accordance with their individual routine and needs. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home where effective hygiene practices are implemented by the childminder. This reduces the children's risk of illness and is helping them to learn about the importance of good hygiene. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands before eating and after using the

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Helping children to be healthy

toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables. This promotes physical development and is encouraging children to choose healthy options. Dietary requirements are agreed with parents. Children’s preferences are catered for and they receive drinks and food in adequate 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. Potential risks have been identified and effective safety precautions put in place to minimise them. This means children are able to play safely, freely and independently. High priority is given to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. Children are aware of the simple rules that are in place to protect their safety. Children confidently choose what to play with from the wide variety of safe, good quality age appropriate toys and equipment. Children are well supervised by the childminder who ensures they choose toys that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Their safety and protection is of utmost importance to the childminder. She holds a current first aid certificate, is aware of local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and her responsibility to implement them.

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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. Children are relaxed and happy at the childminder’s home. They quickly settle and make themselves at home. Children relate well to and are caring of each other. All children spend their time purposefully, are enthusiastic about and interested in the play and activities provided. They have access to a variety of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all. Older children enjoy doing worksheets, but do not always grasp what the activity is trying to teach them. Exploring, experimenting and playing with more varied resources will extend their learning in a less formal way. Younger children happily play with age appropriate toys and enjoy watching the older children. More opportunities to choose what they need to begin an activity independently will further promote their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with a wide range of enjoyable activities and resources within the home. These are appropriate to their age, enjoyable and promote their self awareness. They have time to relax as well as to be active. Children are respected as individuals and they behave well. Children have access to books that provide positive images to help them find out about and understand others. They participate in activities that help them learn about their own religious and cultural beliefs, but not those of other faiths and cultures. Extending the provision of such activities will increase their awareness of wider society. Children enjoy going to the local parks and shops, however use of other amenities, such as the library is limited. Children are starting to develop a sense of belonging and awareness of their community. Increasing the use of local amenities will enhance

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled and make themselves at home in the well-organised environment. This promotes their confidence, so they freely explore their surroundings and initiate their own play and learning. Children respond to and enjoy receiving lots of encouragement and attention from the childminder. Children’s welfare, care and learning are promoted through good practice, policies and procedures. Children benefit from having continuity of care. This is underpinned through the good use of written records. Parents are regularly shown records to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. Children are cared

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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 for in a safe environment where they are making progress in all areas of development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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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): • plan a wider range of activities to provide children with lots of first hand experiences to help promote development in all areas (such as those used in birth to three matters) • increase the activities and resources that help children learn about the community they live in and wider society

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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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