Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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306541 Unique Reference Number 26 November 2007 Inspection date Zoe Smith 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 has been registered since 1994. She lives in the Offerton district of Stockport with her husband and their two children who are aged 10 and 14. Children have access to all rooms on the ground floor. The enclosed rear garden is used for outdoor and physical play activities. Children can be taken to and collected from local schools. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently minding six children on a combination of full and part-time places. The family have a dog and two pet rabbits.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have lots of opportunities to participate in a wide range of physical play activities that help them develop good control and co-ordination over their bodies. They look forward to playing with balls and on wheeled toys in the garden, dancing to music and walking the childminder’s dog. These activities provide plenty of fresh air and exercise, and are supportive of a healthy lifestyle. Children’s parents provide their main meals, which are stored and served according to instructions. The childminder supplements their diet with healthy snacks, such as,

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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 plain biscuits, fresh and dried fruit. Fresh drinking water is readily available for children to quench their thirst. Children are finding out about healthy eating through discussions and play. They enjoy making healthy snacks for the dolls using the play fruit and food.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective hygiene procedures are implemented to reduce the risk of cross contamination and to help keep children well. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home, and are learning about the importance of cleanliness. Anti-bacterial disinfectants are used to keep surfaces, toys and equipment clean. Children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet and handling the rabbits. Mostly good procedures are in place to promote children’s heath and care for them if they are unwell or have an accident. The childminder has up to date training in first aid practice and permissions in place regarding accidents and consent to administer medication. However, parents do not sign to acknowledge the entry when medication has been administered to their child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, secure and well maintained home. The childminder has identified potential risks and put effective safety precautions in place to minimise them. Cleaning fluids and sharp knives are stored where they are inaccessible and safety gates and plug socket covers are used to help keep children safe. Highly effective fire precautions and procedures are in place. Fire fighting and detection equipment is are provided and regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. The childminder has planned the best way to evacuate the house and conducts regular fire drills to ensure children are proficient in emergency evacuation procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because the childminder constantly and vigilantly supervises them at all times. They choose what to play with from a good range of safe, high quality, age appropriate toys and equipment. Children’s awareness of keeping themselves safe is reinforced through stories, simple discussions and practice. They regularly discuss stranger danger and road safety and they enjoy playing with the police officer, fire fighter and crossing patrol play figures. Children know not to climb on furniture and happily tidy away the toys before starting a new activity. Children's safety and protection is given priority, the childminder is well trained in, has a sound knowledge and clear understanding of safeguarding procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children’s day is well planned to provide a wide range of interesting and enjoyable activities that stimulate their interest and development. Good use is made of local amenities to extend the children’s play and learning opportunities. They look forward to trips to toddler groups, local parks and shops. Children happily recall the experience of travelling on a bus and how they got a ticket when they paid for the journey. They look forward to regular trips to the pet shop to buy rabbit food and see the animals. Attendance at toddler groups provides opportunities for children to mix with other children and play with a wider range of resources and activities. Children’s development of language is promoted extremely well and they are becoming increasingly skilful communicators. They enjoy looking at books and listening to stories, constantly chatting to the childminder and singing their favourite songs. Children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enthusiastically name the different colours and shapes of toys and spontaneously count the toys.

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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 Children have lots of opportunities to explore a good range of sensory, messy and creative activities, such as painting, sand, water, cutting and sticking and dough. Rolling out and making 'wriggly worms' from dough is a favourite activity. Children enjoy making musical instruments, filling containers with dried food and decorating the bottles and tins so they look attractive. In the summer they take pleasure in planting plants and flowers in their own area of the garden and then tending and watching them grow. Children relish the challenge of completing jigsaw puzzles, posting shapes in shape sorters and matching games. They carefully match and manipulate the pieces into place with a little help and lots of encouragement from the childminder, and then they choose a different puzzle to complete. Children have ready access

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and confidently choose what to play with from the good range of play materials. Building bricks, dressing up and role play, sit and ride toys, books and games are all popular choices.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a very good range of books, games, jigsaws and imaginative toys that provide positive images of culture, gender and disability. They join in activities that help them learn about their own and the religious and cultural beliefs of others. Children enjoyed tasting noodles and making lanterns to find out about the Chinese New Year Celebrations and they look forward to making Christmas cards to take home. These activities are helping children to learn about the wider world and to value difference.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has formalised a written behaviour management policy and uses positive methods to promote good and manage challenging behaviour. Children are kept busy, receive lots of meaningful praise and encouragement and behave well. The childminder skilfully negotiates with children to help them learn how to share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has an effective partnership with parents. Children benefit from continuity, their care is agreed with parents through discussions and written contracts. Positive steps are taken to keep them well informed about all relevant policies and procedures. Daily verbal feedback keeps parents up to date about their child, progress and any issues.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised, happy and child friendly home. The childminder sets out resources on the floor and in large storage containers so they are easily accessible. Children confidently explore their surroundings and choose the toys and activities they want to play with. The childminder has positive relationships with children and organises her day so she is able to spend lots of time with them. This ensures they are well supported and receive lots of encouragement and attention. Childminding records and documentation are clear, up to date and stored securely. Sensible written policies and procedures are in place, they are shared with parents and used to effectively inform and underpin the childminders practice. Attendance on short courses is enabling the childminder to continually enhance her skills in specific subjects, such as the Birth to three matters framework and the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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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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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 two recommendations were agreed to improve the quality of care. A very good range of activities and resources has been developed to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Written permission is now obtained from parents before administering medication to children and their home address is also obtained. This ensures the wishes of parents are respected at all times.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of all 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): • make sure parents sign to acknowledge the entry when medication has been administered to their child.

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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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