Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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307042 Unique Reference Number 21 January 2008 Inspection date Angela Cuffe 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 1997. She lives with her husband and three children, aged eighteen, thirteen and six in Heaton Moor, Stockport. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and six children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to and from local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group on a regular basis.

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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 Child Minding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. They are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times of the day to reduce the risk of cross infection. They have use of the garden and walk to and from school where they benefit from fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has current training in administering first aid. Records are in place regarding the administration of medication. However, written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has not been sought.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet from the choice of home cooked meals and snacks available to them. They understand why it is important to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. The childminder is aware of the need to consider parents wishes when providing food for the children in her care. Their individual needs are discussed on induction. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks. They either help themselves or ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the ability to move around and freely choose from the toys and activities available. There is a satisfactory range of toys and equipment which are well organised and stored within easy reach. This includes natural materials and art and craft equipment, which provides children with appropriate stimulation and encouragement. The children have sufficient space to play comfortably indoors and access to a safe and secure garden for outside play. The risk of accidental injury is minimised by the regular checking of play materials and risk assessments of the premises. However, there is a low level lock on the bathroom door, which poses a risk to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy outdoor play. The childminder uses strict routines to ensure safety whilst on outings. Discussions about stranger danger, road safety and the use of fluorescent jackets gives the children a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe whilst on outings. Fire safety is enhanced by the regular discussions with children and robust procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection, in line with the 'Local safeguarding children board' guidelines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home. The warm and welcoming environment and appropriate interaction helps children to develop caring relationships with the childminder and each other. They are given appropriate attention as the childminder is aware of their needs. She gives them support when needed and observes as they happily play together. Children are motivated and interested in the range of activities available. The children have unlimited access to the garden for outdoor play and are taken out on a regular basis to the park, library, parent toddler groups and gymnastics.

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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 are happy, stimulated and make sound progress in the care of the childminder. They benefit from a wide range of activities and consistent routines. The childminder provides children with various options and interesting activities. Children develop independence and social skills as they play cooperatively together; for example, when they play imaginatively with dolls and action figures they sing their favourite songs and then bounce up and down as they happily tidy up before lunch. The childminder interacts well with the children and encourages them to take part in all activities. She provides a range of play materials to suit all ages of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's individual needs are well met by the childminder, as a result they are happy and content in her care. The childminding day is planned to provide a well balanced range of activities inside and outside the home that stimulate the children’s interest and development. The childminder constantly talks to children about what they are doing and praises them for their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children value each other as individuals. They learn about different cultures through the activities provided and the equipment available to them. They are made aware of the wider world through regular discussions, outings and information in books. Children express their needs naturally to enable the childminder to gain a better understanding and build routines. As a consequence the children are happy and settled in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good behaviour, children's efforts and achievements are acknowledged, recognised and praised appropriately. Consequently children are confident and have high self esteem. The childminder speaks positively to the children. She supports and helps them to understand simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. As a result; the children behave well. They interact with each other in a positive manner. They understand their boundaries and respond well to discussions and occasional reminders from the childminder. Information about the children's progress is shared with the parents verbally on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely and caring environment. The childminder has good relationships with the children and organises her day to enable her to give them lots of support, encouragement and attention. The home routine is followed to help new children settle and to ensure continuity of care. Children confidently explore their surroundings and choose what to play with from the easily accessible toys and activities.

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Organisation

Most childminding records and documentation are in place, they are clear, well maintained and stored appropriately. The childminder has attended the required training courses to help her develop her childminding skills. This enhances the continuity of care of the children. As a result children's safety, security and the childminder's partnership with parents is enhanced.

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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 knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, ensure appropriate written consent is in place regarding the use of transport,

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Improvements 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 outings, medication, daily attendance records and written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has attended safeguarding children training and has obtained written consent for the use of transport, outings and administration of medication. The daily register is kept up to date of when children arrive and depart. However, the childminder does not have written permission from parents to seek emergency advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All of these actions improve the overall care, safety and well being of the children.

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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 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): • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency advice or treatment • ensure safety of the bathroom lock.

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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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