Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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306686 Unique Reference Number 10 March 2008 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 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 has been registered since 1989. She lives in the Hazel Grove district of Stockport with her husband and their two adult daughters. 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 five children and is currently minding one child.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have opportunities to participate in a range of enjoyable, physical and outdoor play activities. They look forward to trips to the local park where games of football and playing on the slide are firm favourites. In the house, children enjoy participating in activities which promote their coordination, such as balancing on one leg when they play ‘Simon says’. These activities provide children with fresh air and exercise and promote a healthy lifestyle.

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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 Parents provide the children’s food, which is stored, prepared and served according to instructions. Squash is readily available for children to quench their thirst. Sensible hygiene procedures are implemented to protect children from illness, they are cared for in a warm and clean home and wash their hands after using the toilet. Most medication and accident records are in place. However, written parental consent is not obtained to administer medicine, this is a breach of regulations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure and well maintained home. They are kept safe because the childminder ensures they are appropriately supervised. Potential dangers have been identified and sensible safety precautions put in place to minimise them. Sharp knives are stored on a high shelf, cleaning fluids in a locked cupboard and a fireguard is provided. Effective fire precautions and procedures are in place. A fire blanket is provided in the kitchen and smoke detectors are fitted on every level of the house. Children choose what to play with from a satisfactory range of age appropriate toys and equipment. They enjoy helping the childminder to care for equipment and regularly help her to wash the toys. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children procedures and her responsibility to take action should she have concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children play with a variety of activities designed to stimulate their interest and development at the childminders home. They explore a wider range of activities and have opportunities to play with other children during their daily trips to toddler groups and soft play centres. Children look forward to trips to museums, the garden centre, zoo and walks in the countryside. They are encouraged to develop new vocabulary and to become skilful communicators. Children chat about what they can see when they are on outings and make up stories about the animals that live in the woods.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to paint and crayon at the childminder's house and to explore different messy and creative activities during their visits to toddler groups. They carefully manipulate the plastic bricks together to build trains and then put play figures on them and take them for journeys round the floor. Children enjoy using the toy drill and screwdriver to take apart and build a large truck. They enjoy imaginary play, where they imitate and copy the actions of adults. Children use the washing up brush to thoroughly clean the inside and outside of a plastic cup.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to some toys and books that provide positive images of gender, culture and disability. However, there are not sufficient resources and activities available to help children learn about the wider world. Children mostly behave well and respond to the praise they receive for their efforts. The childminder quickly intervenes to resolve squabbles when children have difficulty sharing toys. Children benefit from continuity of care because the childminder works in partnership with their parents. Daily discussions keep parents up to date about their child's day, progress and any issues.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children enjoy each others' company and are settled and happy at the childminder's home. They confidently choose and help themselves to the easily accessible toys. The children's well-being is protected because the childminder has up-to-date training in first aid. Most records and documentation are in place, appropriately maintained, stored and retained for inspection. The childminder does not have sufficient understanding of her responsibility to notify Ofsted of significant events and changes, this is a breach of regulations.

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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 five recommendations were agreed to improve the quality of care. The childminder has extended the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, however, a further recommendation has been agreed on this inspection. Accident and medication records are now maintained in a manner that ensures the children's confidentially. The system for registering children's attendance now shows the hours attended by children. The childminder has obtained a copy of the National Standards and has used it to develop her knowledge and childminding practice. Written permission is now sought from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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 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 prior written parental permission is obtained to administer medication • continue to develop the range of resources and activities that help children to learn about the wider world and to respect and value difference • ensure Ofsted is informed of any significant events at the earliest opportunity.

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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 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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