Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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306689 Unique Reference Number 18 February 2008 Inspection date Anne Drinkwater 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two school age children aged nine and 12 years in the Gatley of Stockport. The ground floor of the home, which includes a playroom, is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The family have a dog.

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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 and currently has four children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends the local toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from illness and infection because the home is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness because the childminder follows effective hygiene routines. For example, she undertakes general cleaning throughout the day. In addition to this toys and resources are cleaned on a regular basis. Children are learning about good hygiene because they are

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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 encouraged to bring their own wash bags and tooth brushes, this ensures children's good health. The childminder is careful to ensure the family pets do not pose a risk to children's health. For example, the family dog has regular checks to ensure it is healthy and feeding bowls are not accessible to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy nutritious snacks, which promote their growth and development. For example, they enjoy home-made meals, with cultural and vegetarian options available if needed. Menus are clearly displayed for parents to see and children's preferences are well catered for.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular outdoor activities, which keep them in good health. For example, they enjoy regular trips to the park and are totally supported within the home and garden to develop their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a good sense of belonging in the environment as they confidently move around the home. They independently choose activities from a broad range of toys and resources which are stored at child height enabling children to make choices in their play. The childminder takes pride in creating a child focused environment as she displays children's photographs and organises a good range of toys and activities. Consequently, children are stimulated and eager to explore.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is somewhat promoted because the childminder has a satisfactory awareness of safety. For example, children learn to keep themselves safe as they practise the fire evacuation procedures and talk about potential hazards as part of their learning. Their well-being is assured on outings as they are safely transported in a vehicle with all appropriate documents in place. This includes appropriate car insurance and parental consent. However; low level glass in the greenhouse, electric wires, the fire and hearth and smoke alarms require attention.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a good level of understanding on child protection issues. She has updated her knowledge by accessing relevant training and a detailed child protection policy is shared with parents. This ensures children in her care are safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children access a broad range of indoor and outdoor activities, which contributes to their all round development. They are well organised and are accessible in the playroom storage cupboards. Children develop their social skills through regular attendance at local toddler groups. At other times they play independently with stimulating toys and activities in the home. This is truly enhanced as the childminder plays with them and encourages their language skills. For example, she talks to them naming colours and the different fruits. As a result, they are becoming competent communicators. Children develop a love of the printed word and thoroughly enjoy listening to stories which the childminder reads with great enthusiasm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans activities according to children's interests, which includes lots of arts and crafts. As a result, they eagerly participate in craft activities such as gardening, glass painting and baking. Younger children explore the play dough and love the music sessions. The

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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 environment for the children is attractively enhanced with photographs showing the children enjoying the many different activities they have enjoyed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are totally settled in the environment and form close relationships with the childminder. She takes time to establish their needs, such as likes and dislikes by speaking to parents and also observing the children. As a result, their individual needs are fully met. Children value their own customs and beliefs and learn those of others as they take part in celebrations. They access a satisfactory selection of toys and resources, which reflect diversity. As a result, children are developing an awareness of diversity and respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-esteem, confidence and good behaviour are developed because the childminder shows a keen interest in what they say and do. They are rewarded with praise for using manners and respond well to positive strategies, such as distraction techniques. Consequently, children play harmoniously with their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from continuity of care because there are systems in place for the regular verbal exchange of information between the childminder and parents. Parents of younger children would be given written daily diaries and the children's menus are clearly displayed. This keeps parents abreast of the routines and care provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are cared for in an environment that is successfully organised to ensure that they are safe and well cared for. This is enhanced with effective support from the childminder who organises her time and resources well to ensure children's needs are met.

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Organisation

The childminder does not hold the required first aid certificate, which may be detrimental to children's health. This is a breach of a National Standard. All other required documents are in place, such as an attendance register and children's details, which are updated annually. All records are stored in a secure manner to ensure children's confidentiality. The childminder is aware to inform the regulator of significant incidents. This positively promotes children's safety and well-being. 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 one recommendation was made to ensure all parents give written consent for emergency treatment. This has been fully implemented and consequently, children are protected in the event of an emergency.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 1 April 2004 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 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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for young children • ensure low level glass in the greenhouse, trailing wires, fire and hearth are safe or inaccessible • ensure working smoke alarms are located on all floors.

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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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