Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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306902 Unique Reference Number 17 October 2007 Inspection date Sara Haigh 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 minding since 1997. She lives with her husband and three children aged 22, 19, and 16 years in Marple, an area on the outskirts of Stockport in Cheshire. The playroom, kitchen and toilet facilities of the childminder's bungalow are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. There are currently seven children under the age of eight years on roll and one child over the age of eight, attending various sessions. The childminder walks to and from local schools, childcare groups and childminder groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept healthy and protected from the spread of infection and cross contamination as the childminder maintains adequate levels of hygiene. The childminder follows appropriate hygiene practices such as washing her hands after changing nappies and ensuring that tissues

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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 are available for children to learn to wipe their noses. However, children are able to access the pet dog's feeding bowls in the kitchen, thereby compromising their health. Children are well cared for in the case of illness as the childminder adopts an effective sick child and administration of medication policy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents can choose to provide their own food and drinks for the children or they can benefit from a meal prepared by the childminder. Healthy snacks of fruit are provided and meals vary from home cooked cottage pie to sandwiches to promote children's growth and development. However, drinks are not freely available to ensure children are hydrated and refreshed. Older children are taught about a balanced diet as they discuss healthy and unhealthy foods. The childminder has systems in place to take account of parent's preferences regarding food, drinks and routines, ensuring that individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Regular outings and daily walks help children to benefit from fresh air and exercise. They walk to and from play group, pre-school, school and local childcare groups. Children use wheeled cars, skipping ropes and space hoppers in the childminder's garden to develop their large muscle skills and coordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play happily within the warm and welcoming environment of the childminder's home. They have sufficient room to explore the resources provided. These are well maintained and offer appropriate challenges for the children being cared for. Care is taken to ensure that younger children do not have access to toys and activities which may cause them harm and older children learn to keep small items out of reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound regard for children's safety at all times, thereby minimising the risk of accidental injury. However, the bathroom door has a lock that cannot be opened from outside and the ivy growing in the garden poses a hazard. Children are protected from the risk of fire because there is a fire blanket in place, smoke alarms are fitted and children are aware of the emergency evacuation procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to accept responsibility for their own safety as they become aware of road safety, stranger danger and the need to stay within sight of the childminder. The childminder recognises her responsibility to protect children from harm and has a sound knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She is aware of the appropriate procedures to follow if she has concerns regarding the welfare of children and she ensures that parents are also aware of her responsibility in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy the company of the childminder who is developing warm, caring relationships with them. The childminder offers appropriate physical contact by means of cuddles and hugs, and maintains eye contact and smiles. As a result children are happy, content and relaxed in her home and care. The childminder supports their play well, provides close supervision and praises their efforts. The children's day is planned to provide for all their individual care needs, such as sleeps, meals and toilet routines. Children have daily opportunities to go out and about, exploring their local environment and widening their knowledge of the wider world. They are regularly taken out to local child centred groups, which helps to encourage their social skills

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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 within a group setting. Children also visit museums, parks, the local farm and go on the train to a nature reserve.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has attended 'Birth to three matters' framework training and she is aware of the children's different ages and stages of development. The childminder responds to young children's verbal and non-verbal communications and imitates their babbling. She talks to the children about what they are doing, so they are starting to link words with actions and she develops children's communication skills through conversation, talking and listening. The childminder interacts with children as they use a toy phone to pretend to speak to their parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are beginning to develop their ideas as they engage in imaginative play with a doll's house and play figures. Younger children enjoy exploring the various sensory and sound action toys. They are learning to problem solve as they fit pieces into simple wooden jigsaws. Children develop their manipulative skills as they roll, squash and squeeze play dough. Children experience sensory activities as they play with odd socks in the washing basket and experiment with sand in the garden. Children also enjoy making up their own games with a cardboard box and painting. Older children relax after school as they construct a train track and make Halloween masks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging in the setting through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. Children enjoy each other's company and relate well to each other and the childminder. Children are finding out about the boundaries that are in place and are learning about good behaviour through a positive approach to behaviour management. Children receive praise and encouragement and they are learning to share and take turns through the childminder talking to them and giving them explanations. Children behave well, minor altercations are dealt with in a calm and consistent manner, and each child is treated with individual care and respect.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are starting to learn about their local community as they visit the park, library and local child centred groups. The childminder interacts with children in a way that promotes equality of opportunity, she provides a positive role model for children and uses language that does not conform to stereotypes. Children learn about various celebrations from around the world, such as Ramadan and Christmas in Spain. Children have satisfactory opportunities to develop their awareness of our diverse society through jigsaws, toys and discussions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for by a childminder who works in partnership with parents to meet children's needs and develop consistency of care. She offers parents a settling in programme that takes into consideration the needs of both the child and the parent. Information regarding children's progress and welfare is exchanged daily with parents through informal conversations.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the friendly, organised home. The childminder organises her time, space and resources well to meet the children's needs. Children confidently explore their surroundings and benefit from well planned routines both in and out of the home. The daily record of attendance confirms that children are cared for in accordance with the conditions of registration and they are receiving appropriate attention from the childminder. Children are safe and protected as the childminder understands the need for vetting of household members.

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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 The childminder has a clear sense of purpose and commitment to providing quality care for the children. The childminder has completed the required training and has planned her attendance on further short training courses to enable her to further develop her childcare skills and the service she provides. Written policies, contracts and consents are in place and shared with parents. However, the organisation of the accident and medication records do not maintain privacy and confidentiality for children and parents.

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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, the provider agreed to request written permission from parents for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment and before administering medication to children. The childminder has obtained written consents from parents for emergency medical advice or treatment and ensures that parents put medication requests in writing before she takes responsibility for administration.

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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. 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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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 children cannot access the pet dog's feeding bowls in the kitchen • ensure fresh drinking water is available to children at all times • ensure proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents; ensure the bathroom door can be opened from outside and the ivy in the garden is made inaccessible to children • review the organisation of the accident and medication records in order to maintain privacy and confidentiality for children and parents.

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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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