Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

307066 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2008 Inspection date Angela Cuffe Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and three children aged 19, 16 and 14 in Reddish, Stockport. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five on a part time basis and one child 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. The family has two cats.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and homely environment. Effective procedures and routines are implemented to protect them from cross-infection. The babies changing area, work

p.2

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 surfaces, dining table, toys and equipment are kept clean. Children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. They have use of the garden and walk to and from school where they benefit from fresh air and exercise. 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; this impacts on children's well-being in the event of an accident.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet from the choice of snacks available to them. They understand why it is important to eat fruit and vegetables. The childminder provides all meals for children which are home cooked, varied and contain fresh ingredients. The childminder shares this information with parents by providing a detailed menu. The nutritional value of the meals is written into the food policy. She is fully aware of the need to consider parents wishes when providing food for the children in her care. Their individual needs are discussed on induction and information is entered in the child detail form. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks. They either help themselves or ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children rest on the sofa and sleep according to their individual needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from the ability to move around and freely choose from the toys and activities available. There is a good 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.

p.3

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 road safety and stranger danger gives the children a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe. Fire safety is enhanced by the regular practise of fire drills and robust procedures.

p.3

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, She has a written policy which is in line with the 'Local safeguarding children board' guidelines.

p.3

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 comforting 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 fully aware of their individual needs. She gives them support when needed and observes as they happily play together. Children are motivated and interested in the broad range of activities available. The children have unlimited access to the garden for outdoor play and are taken out on a regular basis to nearby parks, a farm and other places of interest.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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

p.3

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 with various options and interesting activities. Children develop good relationships and social skills as they play cooperatively together, for example, when they play with push button toys that play a tune, one child shows the younger child how it works and they laugh together. The children are discussing a video they have recently watched and sing the songs from the film. The childminder sits the children on her knee as she reads them a story using a home made story box, which contains the characters and props from the story line. The children point at the pictures and the characters in the box as they listen intently to the story. 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 the ages and abilities of the children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's individual needs are met extremely well 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.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. 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 and information in books. The childminder has attended training to enable her to meet children's specific needs. She is fully aware of the children's disabilities and organises her home and routines in order to meet these needs well. She works closely with parents and other agencies to ensure consistency is maintained. As a consequence the children are happy and settled in the childminder's care.

p.4

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.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised and caring home. 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.

p.4

Organisation

Most of the required childminding records and documentation are in place, as well as written policies. They are clear, well maintained, in line with the National Standards and current legislation and are stored appropriately. The childminder is currently working towards a level three qualification. She has attended all the required training courses and continues to achieve further training 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.

p.4

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 Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to record details of any first aid treatment given. The childminder has an accident book, which is completed appropriately and signed by parents.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The action taken by the childminder ensures that parents are fully aware of any accidents their child may have and the treatment they received. This impacts on the overall care and well being of the children.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 safety of bathroom lock • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5