Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY217524 Inspection date 26 July 2005 Inspector Kay Margaret Armstrong

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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 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?

This childminder has been registered since May 2002. She lives with her husband and their two children aged six and eight years. The family who have two pet guinea pigs, live close to, shops, parks and the local library. The areas used for childminding purposes are, the play room, dining room and kitchen. Children have access to the children's bedrooms. There are bathroom facilities available on the ground and first floor. The enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play.

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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 The childminder is registered to provide care for five children. She currently cares for four children, all whom attend on a part-time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and gains support from local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Good hygiene procedures are implemented to ensure children are cared for in a warm, clean, home. Daily routines help to promote children's understanding of good hygiene practices, fostering their independence and self help skills. Children confidently take themselves to the bathroom and are beginning to understand the need to wash their hands, before they eat and after using the toilet. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their physical growth and development. They benefit from fresh air and exercise. They regularly walk to and from school and play in the garden. The children visit the park where they are able to run around, climb, swing and slide. All these experiences promote their physical development and to help them gain control of their bodies. The childminder discusses and agrees children's dietary requirements with parents. She considers children's likes and dislikes when providing food and drink. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder actively promotes healthy eating by providing children with a range of meals and snacks which are well balanced and nutritious. Children are beginning to understand that eating healthy foods "help you grow big and strong".

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children benefit from a well maintained, comfortable, welcoming, homely environment. All safety features are in place to ensure children are kept safe. Consequently, children can move around freely and play safely. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe, both indoor and out. She encourages children to hold hands and stay together when out walking and they learn about road safety as they cross roads. There is wide range of resources available to meet the needs of the children. Toys are clean, well maintained and comply with safety standards. Resources are well organised and easily accessible to the children, which enhances their learning, promotes choice and independence. Children's welfare is compromised, as the childminder's understanding and knowledge of the Local Area Child Protection Committee procedures is minimal.

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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 The provision is good. A range of stimulating activities are provided by the childminder to promote children's, understanding, knowledge, language and learning. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care as they confidently engage in their self chosen activities. The childminder extends children's learning by asking questions. Children are able to understand simple mathematical concepts, such as subtraction and additions. They are beginning to understand and use words such as enormous, gigantic, colossal, to describe large items as the childminder introduces these into discussions. The childminder has an excellent rapport with the children. She spends time playing and talking to them. She listens attentively to their questions and responds to what they are saying. As a result the children feel valued and they are secure in the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminders home and care. The children are taken out regularly to story time at the library and parks providing opportunities for them to experience different play environments. They are able to socialise with other children and adults, use different play equipment and learn about the world around them whilst having fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about their wider community through regular outings, varied activities and the range of resources available that reflect our diverse society. Consequently children are becoming aware of differences and developing a positive attitude to others. The childminder speaks positively to children, using encouragement effectively to support their efforts and foster their independence. Good behaviour, is acknowledged, celebrated and praised appropriately and children's creative work is valued. As a result the children are confident and have high self esteem. Children are comfortable in expressing their needs, which the childminder recognises and meets appropriately. The childminder supports children to understand and maintain simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. As a result, the children behave well and are learning to play co-operatively with each other. Children benefit from the positive relationships that the childminder has established

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with their parents. Informal discussions keep the childminder up to date with the children's routines and any changes that may have occurred.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's organisation. This means they are welcomed into her home, which is clean, well maintained, safe and warm. The majority of records and documentation required by the regulator are in place. This

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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 contributes to the continuity of care for the children. However, the children's welfare is compromised, as the childminder has not requested consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and does not have consent to administer medication. The childminder ensures children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort. She organises play materials to promote children's independence, encouraging them to make choices about their play and learning. The children enjoy a range different play opportunities away from the home, such as visit to the library, parks and playgroups. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to, improve resources that actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for children. This recommendation has been addressed. There are now a suitable range of resources available that reflect positive images of our diverse society. Children's awareness of the world around them is now promoted.

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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): • improve understanding of child protection procedures • obtain written consent to administer medication and request written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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 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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