Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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306751 Unique Reference Number 10 July 2007 Inspection date Julie Wright 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 was registered in 1991. She lives with her two adult children in a suburb of Stockport. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a dog and a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are three minded children on roll at the time of inspection. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted through suitable practice and appropriate procedures. There is a clear sickness policy which protects children from the risk of illness and infection. The childminder supports the children as they become familiar with everyday hygiene routines. Sufficient information is recorded in relation to accident and medication details.

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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 Children develop physical skills and coordination when they play outside, using age-appropriate equipment. They enjoy being in the garden and also benefit from regular trips to the park.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary requirements are met well in the setting. The childminder provides meals as arranged with parents. Children are encouraged to eat healthy food and to try different tastes and textures. They develop independent skills and are well hydrated with constant access to their drinks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are familiar with the setting and move around with confidence. Since the last inspection an extension has been made to the kitchen. Areas are clearly defined for children to play, rest and eat. Resources are well maintained and rotated to promote children's interest. Children have equal access to the toys and help to sort and tidy between activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe in the home with reasonable measures taken to minimise the risk of hazards. The childminder describes a suitable emergency evacuation plan, however, fire safety is not fully assured as the drill is not practised with children. Safe arrangements are made for outings and children are well supervised by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She is aware of signs for concern and has up to date information on appropriate contact numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and have affectionate relationships with the childminder and each other. They benefit from social opportunities as they regularly meet with other childminders and their children. The childminder provides a suitable range of resources and has a spontaneous approach to the activities. Children are secure and show confidence as they play. The childminder promotes language skills and creates a lively environment for the children. They enjoy physical play as they dance and play exercise games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn through play as they are encouraged to talk about colour and number recognition. They enjoy books and learn to concentrate as they participate in the story. Children are focussed and constructive as they build with the bricks. They take part in cooking activities and confidently recall the ingredients used. The childminder provides dough for the children, although other creative and sensory play materials are limited. Photographs provide evidence of children's sound progress in the care of the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Regular discussions and appropriate record keeping ensure that children's individual needs are met in the setting. The childminder knows the children well and plans their daily routines accordingly. Children have equal access to the resources and choices in their play. They develop positive attitudes towards others as they are encouraged to share and to be kind.

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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 Children are cooperative and constructive in their activities. They understand the age-appropriate expectations of behaviour and respond well to the childminder. They learn to look after the toys as they help to sort and tidy up. They develop good relationships and behave well in the care of the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes positive working relationships with parents. Information is shared on a regular basis to ensure consistent care. Long standing arrangements are in place and parents provide positive feedback in reference letters and cards. They value the childminder and are pleased with their children's progress and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and benefit from the consistent care and routines. The childminder provides suitable activities and organises her time and space well. She has experience in caring for children under the age of three years, with information available on the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which supports children's development in their earliest years.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the childminding regulations and meets the requirements. She has renewed her first aid qualification, however, the certificate was not available at inspection. The mandatory records and documentation are maintained in suitable order, which contribute to the continuity of care for children.

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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 the provider was asked to improve fire safety by ensuring a working smoke alarm is maintained on every level of the home, also to improve knowledge and understanding of child protection with particular reference to awareness of the latest Government guidance. Since then the childminder has fitted additional smoke alarms to the ground floor and updated her knowledge in safeguarding procedures. These actions have resulted in improvements to the safety and welfare of children.

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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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Complaints 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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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 that a current first aid certificate is available for inspection • practise the emergency evacuation plan to improve fire safety for children • develop creative and sensory play opportunities for children.

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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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