Sidebotham, Julie Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY216498 Inspection date 01 August 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 2002. She lives with her husband and their three children, aged eleven, eight and five. The family who have two guinea pigs and live in the Great Moor area of Stockport. This is within close proximity of local shops, parks, the library and the town centre. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, which consists of a playroom, dining room, kitchen and sitting room. There are toilet and hand washing facilities on the ground 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 seven children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association, the Borough of Stockport Childminding Association and she gains support from Stockport Sure Start.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Excellent hygiene procedures are robustly implemented to ensure children are cared for in a warm, clean, home. Daily routines help to promote children's understanding of good hygiene practices. Children confidently take themselves to the bathroom. They clearly understand the need to wash their hands before they eat and after using the toilet. Children's independence and self help skills are fostered by the childminder. She provides a range of equipment such as step stools in the bathroom to enable children to reach the wash basin to wash their hands. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their physical growth and development. They are observed to have wonderful fun as they play swing ball in the rear garden. Children also have the opportunity to run around, climb, swing and slide whilst playing on the equipment in the garden. Visits to parks and such places as

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Helping children to be healthy

Alphabet Zoo promote physical activities and exercise. All these activities help children to gain agility and control of their bodies. The childminder offers children high levels of support and encouragement, which gives children confidence to try out new skills and gain trust in their own abilities. The childminder discusses and agrees children's dietary requirements with parents and considers children's likes and dislikes when providing meals and drinks. She actively promotes healthy eating by providing children with a range of meals and snacks which are well balanced and nutritious. Children are introduced to fresh vegetables. They help care for peas growing in the garden, which they pick and eat straight from the pod. They relish the fruit provided at snack time and are aware that fruit "helps you grow big and strong".

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children benefit from a well maintained, homely environment where the childminder prioritises safety. Positive steps are taken indoors and outdoors to ensure all potential risks to children are minimised. The childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure in place, which is practised with the children. This ensures they know and understand what to do in the event of a fire. The children are beginning to learn about how to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them dangers within the home. There is an extensive range of resources available to meet the needs of the children. Toys and equipment are clean, well maintained and comply with safety standards.

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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 Resources are effectively organised to promote choice and independence, which enhances children's learning. The childminder has all the required documentation and knowledge in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has a clear understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection, in line with the Local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. A written policy relating to child protection is used with parents, who read and sign it.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. A range of stimulating activities which children really enjoy are provided by the childminder. Children's creativity and fine motor skills are promoted and developed as they prod, poke and squeeze the dough. The children have high self esteem as they proudly show the creations they have made with dough. Early scientific concepts are developing, as the children grow vegetables in the rear garden. The childminder utilises every opportunity to reinforce children's knowledge. When playing with the children she introduces mathematical language, such as "light and heavy" to describe objects which sink or float in the water play, to extend children's knowledge and understanding. The childminder has an excellent rapport with the children. She spends time playing and talking to them. She listens carefully to what they are saying and responds positively to their requests, as a result the children feel valued. They are confident,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

happy and secure in the childminders home and care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about their wider community through varied activities. The good range of resources which reflect our diverse society helps all children to become aware of differences and develop a positive attitudes to others. The childminder has a positive attitude regarding children with additional needs. Good behaviour, children's efforts and achievements are acknowledged, recognised, celebrated and praised appropriately. Their creative work is valued and displayed. Consequently children are confident and have a high self esteem. The childminder speaks positively to the children. She supports and helps them to understand and maintain simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. As a result, the children behave well. They interact with each other in a co-operative manner and are beginning to develop skills in negotiations. 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. This enables the childminder to provide a consistent approach to meeting children's individual needs,

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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 in accordance with parent’s wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's organisation, as this means they are welcomed into her home, which is clean, well maintained, safe and warm. The daily routine offers a good balance of adult led activities, free play and quiet times. The childminder ensures children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort. She organises play materials to promote children's independence and encourage them to make choices about their play and learning. The majority of records and documentation required by the regulator are in place. This 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. The childminder is committed to improving the quality of care she provides to children. To support her professional development, she has completed several short

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Organisation

courses since her registration. Her learning and knowledge has enhanced her child care practice. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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):

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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 • request written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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