Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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307013 Unique Reference Number 04 February 2008 Inspection date Teresa Ann Clark 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 with her son aged sixteen years. The childminder lives in the Reddish area of Stockport. The children have access to the whole of the ground floor which consists of the sitting room, conservatory and kitchen. Bathroom facilities are situated on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently nine children on roll. With parental consent children are taken to local amenities, such as the park, shops and library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Borough of Stockport Childminding Association. She is an accredited member of an approved childminding network and the disabilities network. The childminder works closely with Stockport Social Services as a member of both the Day Care Scheme (providing respite care for families in need) and the Short Breaks Project (providing support to families who are experiencing difficulties to prevent family breakdown). She gains support from the local authority and works closely with other professionals.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy as the childminder follows good hygiene routines to prevent the spread of infection. She supports children to take care of themselves and become independent particularly well, for example, encouraging children to wipe their nose when needed and using the bathroom to attend to their personal needs. Children know that washing their hands helps prevent the spread of germs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are treated appropriately for minor injuries as the childminder is qualified in first aid. Documentation relating to accidents and medication is well maintained. However, the first aid box is not adequately stocked. Written procedures for a medical emergency, signed and agreed with parents, ensure children receive good care and that communication is effective.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's well-being is positively promoted as they eat healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. They have access to fresh drinking throughout the day to quench their thirst. Children learn how eating healthily benefits them as they go shopping with the childminder to select healthy foods. They are learning that food is packaged in different colours to help identify healthy options. The childminder has attended training in nutrition and puts into practice what she has learnt.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children grow strong and gain good physical skills as they use equipment in the childminder's garden, in the park and at local community groups. They benefit from regular fresh air and exercise as they go for walks each day. The childminder ensures children have lots of opportunities to play vigorously and to benefit from fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and emotionally secure because the childminder is warm and kind towards them. Her home is generally safe and welcoming. A good range of safely maintained toys which are organised into storage boxes encourages and effectively supports children's independence and ability to develop their own ideas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder checks her home and takes action to ensure dangers are minimised. For example, she has suitable safety precautions in place, such as safety gates and fire safety equipment. However, the glass cabinet and cords of the blinds pose a risk to children's safety. Children learn to keep themselves and others safe because they are learning about road safety when they are outside. Young children manage the stairs carefully, as they hold on to the rail and go up and down one stair at a time. They know not to open the front door in case there is a stranger and not to run indoors in case they have an accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder shares a clear policy with parents. She is able to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse, such as unexplained marks or changes in children's behaviour. She keeps local child protection guidance to hand so she can act if she has concerns. Therefore, children are effectively safeguarded from the risk of possible harm.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children clearly enjoy their time with the childminder and are extremely relaxed and happy in her company. Children ask the childminder to come and play with them. They encounter a wide range of activities and experiences which stimulates all areas of their development. Children benefit from the childminder's skilled involvement in their play and her understanding of when to step back and allow them the space and time to develop their own ideas and imaginations.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are appropriately challenged to gain new skills. The childminder competently observes individual children and provides activities that effectively promote their next steps in learning. For example, she encourages the development of children's language skills as she joins in their pretend games caring for the dolls and holding a telephone conversation with a child. She uses the opportunity for children to make links with their home and family, which encourages children to talk about familiar experiences, such as waking up last night. Children are supported in learning about early numbers as they count objects in the books and count the stairs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are independent and responsible, because the childminder plans the environment very well and has good routines to support them. Children returning from a school are given time to rest and relax before choosing whether to play or complete their homework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very well behaved. The childminder takes every opportunity to reinforce the positive actions, attitudes and achievements of children. She devotes time to children and ensures they are constructively busy. She treats children with respect and offers them constant praise and encouragement, as a result, they are confident and show respect and concern for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing an understanding about others through positive images about culture, religion and disability. Children benefit from an inclusive service where every child is valued for who they are. All children are learning basic sign language, which helps them to communicate with each other. Children proudly show off their skills during the inspection and practise these at home with their parents. The childminder works closely with other professionals, parents and carers to ensure she fully understands the needs of the children in her care. She knows the children well and plans each day around their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents report that they appreciate the good care offered to their children. The childminder has good systems in place to ensure effective communication with parents and carers so that she is clear about their wishes and they know all about the care she offers. For example, she invites parents and children to visit her several times before children are placed with her and has comprehensive files about her service which includes policies and procedures, evidence of courses she has attended, as well as evidence of public liability insurance and many other aspects of her service.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is conscientious, committed, organised and has a high regard for the wellbeing of all children. She keeps herself very well informed of legislative changes and new ideas in

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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 childcare and education through attending courses and an active involvement with the local childminding network. This promotes positive outcomes for children in her care.

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Organisation

The children are secure and at ease in the well organised environment. All necessary documentation is in place and is comprehensive with a minor exception. The childminder has additional written information that describes the good care of the children and allow parents to better understand the care their children receive. The childminder provides a flexible service to support parents which includes weekend care.

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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 childminder agreed to develop a range of resources that reflect our diverse society. The childminder has increased her toys and has a good range of books, which help children gain an understanding of the wider world. She also helps children to learn about different cultural festivals throughout the year.

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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 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): • ensure the first aid box is adequately stocked • assess the risks in relation to the cords of the blind and glass cabinet and take action to minimise these • ensure consent forms are in place for all children.

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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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