Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY224217 Inspection date 21 November 2005 Inspector Christine Myerscough

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 6 and 10 years in a town house in Stockport. The whole of the ground floor and first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are currently six children on roll who attend on a full-time or part-time basis. The childminder attends toddler groups and visits parks. She walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a rabbit.

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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 The childminder is a qualified Nursery Nurse and holds a Certificate in Developing Childminding Practice. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Established daily routines in the childminder's home reinforce good hygiene practices. For example, older children are independent in their self-care skills. They wash their hands after feeding the pet rabbit and after using the toilet; reducing the risk of cross contamination. The childminder is attentive to the personal care needs of babies. She arranges their clothing to help them feel comfortable, puts on their bibs at meal times to keep them clean, and wipes their nose when needed. Children are well nourished. They are developing an awareness of the importance of nutritious foods as they follow the childminder's healthy eating policy. Fresh fruit is on offer daily and meal times are a relaxed occasion so the children enjoy their food. Babies become excited at mealtimes and eagerly eat up their breakfast cereal. They show good levels of independence as they attempt to feed themselves with finger

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Helping children to be healthy

foods such as, wholemeal toast. Parent's wishes are taken into account to meet children's dietary needs. Children are provided with regular drinks, which include water, milk and pure fruit juice to keep them well refreshed. Children benefit from a good amount of exercise and plenty of fresh air to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Every day they walk to and from school. Regular visits to toddler groups and adventure play parks provide enjoyable opportunities, and help build children's muscular strength. They practise and develop their physical skills and play on equipment, such as, slides and climbing apparatus. Comfortable furnishings within the childminder's home provide for children's relaxation, so they can rest and unwind to ensure their well-being. Babies play on a spacious carpeted area where they can practise their crawling skills and explore their surroundings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Positive steps are taken by the childminder to ensure there are appropriate safety precautions and suitable security arrangements to protect the children. For example, there is a guard over the fire, covers on low level sockets and a carbon monoxide detector in place. Main doors are kept locked to prevent unwanted entry into her home. Appropriate practices, such as, the use of harnesses when children are in their highchair or buggy ensures they are kept safe. The rear garden is secure however; uneven paving poses a potential trip hazard to children which compromises their safety. Children are well supervised to minimise accidents. The childminder maintains a watchful presence and close physical proximity to babies at all times to ensure their

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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 welfare. This helps them feel reassured and they quickly become confident and mobile. Special care is taken to ensure babies do not have access to toys, which may cause them harm and older children learn to keep small items out of their reach. The layout of the furniture is effectively organised so children have space to move around and play safely. Children play with toys and equipment, which are well maintained and comply with safety requirements. The arrangement of the resources encourages children's free choice and independence. Fire precautions, such as, smoke alarms and a fire blanket keep children free from harm. The childminder has also attended fire safety awareness training. Emergency evacuation procedures are carried out with the children, so they become aware and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

familiar with safe practices. Children learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder explains simple rules, for example, holding on to the banister rail when walking on the stairway. They are becoming knowledgeable about road safety matters as the childminder draws their attention to a poster on display. This helps them gain an understanding of important rules. Outdoors, they learn when it is safe to cross the roads and comply with the childminder's clear practices such as, holding on to the trolley. Younger children wear reins with parents' agreement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They relate well to her and feel at ease in her company. She consistently talks to the children to engage them as they play. As a result, children communicate well, and develop trusting relationships with the childminder. Babies are learning using some of their senses as they have opportunities to explore paint and listen to the sounds of home made musical instruments. They are well nurtured and comforted through appropriate cuddles, soothing words, smiles and eye contact. As a result, they are content, feel secure and settle in quickly. Children engage in a range of age appropriate activities, which fosters their development well. For example, they enjoy playing with jigsaws, dough, glitter pens and making train tracks. They benefit from regular trips to toddler groups where they have opportunities for different experiences and widen their social circle as they meet

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

new friends. This extends their learning and encourages them to become sociable. Emphasis is placed on making learning fun, as children sound out and recognise letters on the alphabet chart together. Children's confidence and independence skills are well fostered as they make choices about what they want to do. After school, the older children choose whether to rest or be active. They enjoy playing on the play station, building with construction kits or watching television.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 good understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory play. Children are cared for in an environment, which respects and values people's similarities and differences. As a consequence they have a positive attitude towards others. Posters, books and a range of play materials reflect diversity, and help children learn about the wider world. Children visit local places of interest, such as, museums to find out about the local community. During the school summer holiday periods they also go on outings and train rides. Boys and girls have full access to equipment so they can express themselves freely and follow their interests. The childminder shows a commitment towards providing an inclusive service to meet the needs of all children. She has a policy about caring for children with special

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs and has attended some training to gain an understanding about disabilities. She recognises the importance of working closely with parents in order to meet children's specific requirements. Children respond well to effective strategies to manage their behaviour, such as, simple techniques to divert their attention. They learn right from wrong, as the childminder explains issues through what is classed as acceptable and why. The childminder places emphasis on ensuring children feel that they are being treated equally by using a firm yet fair approach. Children are developing a caring attitude towards others, as they eagerly help to care for the baby by getting the nappies and bibs. They are learning to act responsibly as they tidy away toys after use. Children benefit from effective information sharing with parents. The childminder works closely with parents in an open and friendly manner to develop trusting

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Helping children make a positive contribution

relationships so children feel secure. A daily diary for babies keeps parents well informed about their child's day and welfare. The childminder follows parents' requests. This includes the types of foods to give their children; ensuring care is carried out according to their wishes. This provides consistency of care and meets babies' needs successfully. Parents value the childminder's caring and honest approach and find her trustworthy.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a commitment to the continuous improvement of her childminding practice. She is well qualified in child care, and attends additional training to maintain and improve the quality of care for children. Attendance on the Extending Childminding Practice course keeps her abreast of current issues in child care. This contributes to her ongoing professional development. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder keeps her first aid certificate up-to-date to enable her to administer treatment, if necessary. Records and documentation are well organised and readily accessible; ensuring the smooth running of her childminding business. This keeps children safe and ensures their well-being. A range of written policies and procedures, which are shared with parents, are put into practice to ensure the national standards are met and to provide good standards of care for children. The childminder organises her space and

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Organisation

resources effectively to enable children to participate in a range of activities within her

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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 home. They have space to freely express themselves and play comfortably. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended that the childminder review record keeping and gain awareness of Area Child Protection Committee guidelines. A written record is kept and now signed by parents if medication is administered to children. Parents are asked to give their written consent for emergency medical advice or treatment to maintain children's good health. Contracts with parents detail who is responsible for the collection of children. This ensures their safety as they are only released from the childminder's care to individuals named by parents. The childminder has attended training on child protection. She has an understanding of her responsibilities and the procedures to follow with regard to safeguarding children's welfare. Procedures are shared with parents so they are fully aware about her role.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The childminder 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 paved area in the rear garden does not pose a safety hazard to children • develop further sensory experiences for babies, by using the Birth to three matters framework.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website:

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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 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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