Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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306965 Unique Reference Number 03 August 2007 Inspection date Angela Cuffe 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 good. 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 1995. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight, six and four in Heaton Mersey, Stockport. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five, on a part time basis and one child over five, before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local parent toddler groups on a regular basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children are protected from the spread of infection as good hygiene procedures are in place. Toilets and play areas are kept clean and there are good food hygiene practices within the kitchen. A healthy lifestyle is promoted for children as they are taken to the local park and other places of interest. All children regularly use the play equipment in the garden where they benefit from fresh air and exercise. The clear sickness policy is implemented and understood by parents, as are the procedures for administering medication and first aid. However, written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has not been sought.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children demonstrate a good understanding of keeping themselves healthy. They carefully wash their hands with appropriate levels of support. They also discuss healthy food at meal and snack times. The childminder is aware of, and caters for, children's individual dietary needs. She communicates closely with parents to ensure that young children's routines with regard to eating and sleeping are followed. Written information regarding the children is shared with parents on a daily basis, including details of eating, sleeping, nappy changing, as well as the activities they have enjoyed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected from harm as the childminder follows the comprehensive procedures to maintain their safety and protection. The childminder is observant and vigilant, while allowing children to explore. Therefore, potential hazards are minimised and children are able to develop independently. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they are aware of the areas they can and can not play in. They learn about road safety and stranger danger whilst on outings and during activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the warm, welcoming, safe environment where they develop a sense of belonging. They access the good range of activities which are on offer to them. These are well organised and provide them with opportunities to progress in all areas of their development. Children have ample space in which to explore. They make choices from the wide range of materials and resources available to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are given appropriate attention as the childminder is aware of their needs. She gives them support when needed as she sits next to them; joining in with the activities and then watches as they happily play together. Children are motivated and interested in the broad range of activities available. The children have unlimited access to the garden for outdoor play and are taken out on a regular basis where they socialise with other children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and develop confidence and self-esteem. They build secure relationships with the childminder and have fun together. Children are actively engaged in the activities and show interest and understanding in the lunch time discussions. They eagerly choose their activities and become engrossed in their play, developing good imagination skills. Children enjoy and benefit from regular opportunities to play with sensory and natural materials. They

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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 explore a large toy cupboard and choose their various toys and activities. One child is sitting at the table colouring in fairy pictures whilst other children are playing in the garden with sand, the slide and other interesting toys. The childminder talks to the children as they play and continually replaces the activities with new ones at the children's request. Children confidently talk about their favourite toys and books and interact well with the childminder as she talks cheerfully to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children value each other as individuals. They are treated with equal concern because the childminder obtains all relevant information, she works closely with parents, has a good understanding of equal opportunities issues and how this effects her practice. Equal opportunities are promoted through the good range of positive images in books, toys and equipment. Children are made aware of the wider world through regular outings and information in books. There is a good selection of resources and images which positively reflect our diverse society. Children take part in and learn about various celebrations and festivals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good behaviour, children's efforts and achievements are acknowledged, recognised and praised appropriately. Consequently children are confident and have high self esteem. The childminder speaks positively to the children. She supports and helps them to understand simple rules, such as sharing and taking turns. As a result, the children behave well and interact with each other in a positive manner. They understand their boundaries and respond well to discussions and occasional reminders. Information about the children's progress is shared with the parents on a daily basis. The childminder has a good knowledge of the individual children and responds to their needs well. Children therefore develop a high self-esteem and treat others with care and respect.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's effective organisation. The daily routine offers a good balance of adult led activities, free play and quiet times. The childminder incorporates the 'Birth to three matters' framework in her planning to ensure the needs of babies and young children are appropriately met. She also ensures that children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort. Play materials are organised to promote children's independence and encourage choices about their play and learning. Children are at home in the comfortable and welcoming surroundings and have settled in well.

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Organisation

Most required records and documentation are in place. The childminder has devised written policies and procedures, which are in line with the National Standards and reflect the practice. This enhances the continuity of care of the children. The childminder keeps first aid up to date and has attended a range of other relevant training. As a result, children's safety, security and the childminder's partnership with parents is enhanced. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to record complaints made by parents and is in the process of devising an appropriate record.

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Organisation

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

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to ensure all required records and documentation are in order and store hazardous substances out of reach of children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider has most of the records in place and stores Hazardous substances in a locked cupboard.

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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. 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 good. 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): • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • devise a system to record any complaints made by parents.

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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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