Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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306832 Unique Reference Number 26 July 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 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 1999. She lives in the Heaton Moor district of Stockport with her husband and their thirteen-year-old daughter and fifteen-year-old son. Children have access to two rooms on the ground floor, and the bathroom on the first floor. The rear garden is used for outdoor and physical play activities. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently minding three children. She is able to take and collect children from local schools. The family have a pet rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children participate in a range of physical play activities that provide them with plenty of fresh air and exercise. For example, they have regular opportunities for physical play in the garden,

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 and through walks and visits to local parks and activity centres. Playing football and riding on the tricycle are firm favourites. Children are beginning to gain good control and co-ordination over their bodies. Babies' hold the childminder's hands and pull themselves to standing on her knee, and then happily bounce up and down.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm and clean home. The childminder implements sensible hygiene procedures and routines. Children are learning about cleanliness through discussions and daily routines, such as regularly washing their hands. They are starting to find out about the benefits of healthy eating. Their dietary requirements and preferences are discussed and agreed with parents who provide the children's food and drinks. The childminder supplements their diet with fresh fruit. Fresh water is readily available to enable children to quench their thirst throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally safe and well maintained home. Most potential dangers have been identified and appropriate safety precautions put in place to minimise them. For example, cleaning fluids and sharp knives are stored out of the children's reach and plug socket covers are used to protect children. The childminder constantly and directly supervises children inside and outside as they play to ensure they are kept safe. However, a loose telephone cable is trailing within easy reach of the children. This poses a risk to their safety. A written escape plan and practise fire drills, ensure the childminder and children are proficient in emergency evacuation procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose what to play with from a variety of safe, age appropriate toys and equipment. They are carefully monitored by the childminder, who makes sure they choose resources that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children’s awareness of keeping themselves safe is reinforced through simple tasks and discussions. They help the childminder tidy the toys away and only play with small pieces at the table, where they are out of the reach of the younger children. 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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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children’s day is planned to provide a range of activities inside and outside the home to occupy and stimulate their interest and development. Children are beginning to become independent as they choose what toys and activities to play with. Regular trips to toddler groups enable children to play with other children of a similar age and participate in a wider range of play opportunities. The childminder talks to children about what they are doing and things of interest. This is helping them to become skilful communicators and to link words with actions. Children have opportunities to be quiet as well as to be active. They listen to stories with the childminder and watch children’s programmes on the television. Children enjoy playing with construction toys. They carefully manipulate the building bricks into place as they build towers and rockets.

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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 Babies enjoy playing with the childminders pots, pans and spoons as well as the activity centres, musical and tactile toys. They bang toys together, watch the flashing lights and listen to the noises activity centres make when they touch them. Children become engrossed in pretend play, actively using gestures and actions. They happily put the play people on the aeroplane to take them on holiday. Children improvise as they play, using the furniture to make a play house under the table and a bus with the chairs. They have opportunities to explore a range of sensory and creative activities, such as sticking, painting, water and play dough. Children love sticking, eagerly making pictures of faces on paper plates and decorating the shakers they have made with brightly coloured paper.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a small number of books that provide positive images of gender, culture and disability. There are not sufficient resources or activities available to help children find out about the wider world they live in or to understand others. Children are developing a good sense of belonging and knowledge of their local community. They look forward to attending toddler groups, visits to physical activity centres and trips to the park to feed the ducks. Children are responsive to the encouragement and meaningful praise that they receive from the childminder. They are finding out about the boundaries that are in place and behave well. The childminder has an effective partnership with parents. She takes positive steps to ensure that they are kept informed about all relevant policies and procedures. Daily discussions keep parents up-to-date about their child's day, progress and any issues.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are content and happy at the childminder's house. Toys are stored in large containers which are placed where children can easily access them. Children confidently explore their surroundings and initiate their own play. The childminder knows the children well and has good relationships with them. Individual children’s routines are followed by the childminder to provide them with continuity of care. The childminder plans the day to ensure she can give children lots of encouragement and attention. All records and documents are in place, appropriately maintained and retained for inspection.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection six recommendations were agreed to develop the care provided. The childminder has updated her knowledge of the National Standards. Parental consent to administer medication and to seek medical advice has been obtained, and all required records and documentation are in place. She now has procedures about the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious which are discussed with parents. And she has devised and practised an emergency escape plan. These improvements promote the children’s safety and well-being, ensure they are appropriately cared for and the wishes of their parents respected.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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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 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): • ensure trailing cable is made safe • increase the range of resources and activities that promote equality of opportunity.

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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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