Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

306775 Unique Reference Number 22 January 2007 Inspection date Barbara Christine Wearing Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2000 and provides care for a maximum of six children under eight years. There are currently three children on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her two children aged 12 and 14 years in the Heaton Mersey area of Stockport. The ground floor and enclosed rear garden are used for childminding activities. The family have a pet rabbit.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children are taken to and collected from the local primary school. They are also taken to local activities and carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are kept healthy and protected from the spread of infection and cross contamination as the childminder maintains high levels of hygiene. Children develop skills and independence in their personal hygiene as they follow good routines. Children are reminded to cover their mouths and noses when coughing and access tissues as needed independently. Children are well cared for in the case of illness as the childminder follows an effective sick child and administration of medicine policy.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide lunches for their children with the childminder providing drinks, such as apple juice, orange juice or water at mealtimes and when the children appear to be thirsty. However, drinking water is not freely available between meals. Children are offered healthy snacks, such as fruit and hot buttered toast. The childminder encourages children to taste a variety of healthy foods, for example, the childminder involves them in shelling peas and tasting baby sweet corn. She discusses different types of food, thereby, developing their understanding of keeping themselves healthy. Children’s individual needs and routines with regard to diet, health and sleeping are catered for.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from walking to and from the local school and local groups if the weather permits. Children look forward to and enjoy regularly visiting a play barn and feeding the ducks. During warmer weather children also develop their large muscle skills and coordination as they play with prams, cars and footballs in the garden.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play happily within the warm, welcoming and secure environment of the childminder’s home. The house is well organised, allowing children to explore the broad range of resources freely accessible to them. These are well maintained and offer appropriate challenges for the children being catered for and cover all areas of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a high regard for children’s safety at all times, thereby, minimising the risk of accidental injury. Children are well cared for in the case of an accident as the childminder has a current first aid certificate and well stocked first aid kit. Children learn skills to keep themselves safe, such as road safety on the way to and from school and they wear reflective vests. The childminder has an intruder bell fitted to her back door to further ensure the children’s safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse and has the necessary contact numbers in order to refer concerns regarding the welfare of children. She has a secure knowledge of the current guidance produced by the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and stimulated and make good progress in all areas of development. The childminder has a good understanding of the children and of their stage of development. This knowledge is used effectively as the childminder spends time interacting purposefully with them at various activities, asking questions to extend their learning. For example, when completing a favourite number jigsaw, the childminder encourages children to count to 10 and beyond and to recognise more difficult colours. Children are keen to draw pictures and make marks as they attempt to copy the childminder in writing names. The childminder is sensitive to individual children and provides activities at an appropriate level, thereby, allowing children to succeed and be challenged. Children benefit from high levels of adult interaction and the close relationships that have been established. The childminder has a good rapport with the

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children which is demonstrated through their developing sense of humour. The children enjoy opportunities to borrow toys from a local group, such as equipment to set up a fruit and bread stall. This enables the children to extend their play and learning with a wider range of toys and resources.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a sense of belonging as they are welcomed. Photographs of the children are displayed alongside the childminder’s own children. The childminder is sensitive to the individual needs of the children she cares for and is skilled at settling and welcoming them into her home. Therefore, children quickly become relaxed and confident. Information regarding children’s individual health, dietary and cultural needs are recorded on children’s files and these needs are catered for accordingly. Children are praised and their contributions valued, thereby, promoting their self-esteem. Children generally play harmoniously within the childminder's boundaries and

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

minor altercations are dealt with in a calm and consistent manner.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the warm, friendly and long established relationships that the childminder develops with parents. She regularly shares information verbally with parents regarding routines and their child’s development. Information regarding the childminding policies and practices are clearly accessible for parents. Positive feedback from long term parents indicates their satisfaction regarding the care that the childminder provides for their children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children become aware of diversity and develop their understanding of others as they access toys, books and resources that reflect positive images and through open discussions and experiences. Photographs of all children wearing bobbles for a bad hair day at school are displayed on a montage of photographs. This demonstrates how the childminder promotes equality of opportunity for all children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a clear sense of purpose and commitment to providing quality care for the children. All necessary policies and procedures are in place and are shared with the parents, therefore, promoting children’s health, safety, enjoyment and achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. The childminder organises her time, space and resources well to meet children’s needs, for example, she provides opportunity for them to learn to socialise at playgroups. Children’s care and well-being is enhanced as the childminder keeps up to date with changes in policies and new initiatives.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that gas and electrical appliances conform to safety standards. Evidence was provided at this inspection to meet this recommendation, thus, further ensuring children’s safety.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 that children have free access to drinking water.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5