Mather, Caroline Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 306852 Inspection date 12 October 2005 Inspector Zoe Smith

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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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and two children who are aged 6 and 9 years in the Cheadle Hulme district of Stockport. The areas used for childminding are the large open plan dining room and kitchen, and the enclosed garden at the rear of the house. There is a large play house in the garden which the children use throughout the year. The front room is used for children to sleep in. The childminder is registered to care for five children and is currently minding two children.

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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 member of the National Childminding Association and the Borough of Stockport Childminder's Organisation.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy participating in a wide range of physical play activities. They regularly visit the local park where they relish the challenge of climbing the steps to slide down the slide. Children are gaining good control and co-ordination over their bodies. Daily opportunities for outdoor play provide children with plenty of fresh air and exercise. This reinforces the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home. The childminder implements highly effective hygiene procedures and routines. Children are learning about cleanliness and personal care through practice and discussion. They clean their teeth after lunch and wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. This is helping them to develop good hygiene practices and learn how to look after their bodies. Children are beginning to find out about the importance of healthy eating. They enjoy

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Helping children to be healthy

a varied and nutritious diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables. Dietary requirements are agreed with parents and children’s preferences well catered for. They receive food and drinks in sufficient quantities to meet their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and well maintained home. Potential dangers have been identified and good safety precautions put in place to minimise them. Effective fire precautions are in place, regular practice fire drills ensure children are proficient in evacuation procedures. Children participate freely and independently in a range of play activities that provide challenging expectations. They are becoming aware of the simple rules that are in place, such as helping tidy up and not jumping on furniture. Consistent boundaries ensure children have a balance between having freedom and safe limits. Children choose what to play with from a wide variety of safe, good quality, age appropriate toys and equipment. They are well supervised and carefully monitored by the childminder, who makes sure they choose resources that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children enjoy regular trips to the fire station and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

frequent discussions take place on safety issues, such as road safety. This reinforces their understanding of the importance of taking responsibility for keeping themselves safe. Their safety and protection is of importance to the childminder. She has up-to-date knowledge of first aid practice and child protection procedures.

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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 are content and enjoy being at the childminder’s home, they happily sing to themselves as they play. They quickly settle and make themselves at home. Children become independent as they choose what to play with from the wide variety of good quality resources which appeal to all. The children’s day is planned to provide a well balanced range of activities to stimulate their interest and development. Children enjoy making music, singing songs and nursery rhymes. They love looking at books and listen intently to stories. The childminder talks to them about what she is doing and things of interest. This helps children link words with actions and make progress in communicating and developing language skills. Children become engrossed in pretend play where they actively use gestures and actions. They eagerly make snacks and drinks for themselves, the dolls and the childminder. Children enjoy the challenge of shape sorters, carefully manipulating the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

pieces to post them through the right hole. They have opportunities to explore a good range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as painting, water, baking and model making. Children enthusiastically make marks on paper with crayons and on the travel scribbler. They have time to relax as well as to be active. The childminder has obtained a copy of the Birth to Three Matters framework and intends to use it to develop her planning for young children. This will further enhance the play and learning opportunities provided for individual children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a good range of books and imaginative toys that provide positive images. Activities are provided to help children learn about their own and the religious and cultural beliefs of others. Children have attended harvest festival at the local church and made lanterns and a dragon for Chinese New Year. This is helping them to understand and value differing lifestyles. All children are valued as individuals and their needs are well met by the childminder. Children are developing a sense of belonging and knowledge of their local community. They look forward to trips to the library, local parks and toddler groups. This provides them with a range of interesting and enjoyable learning experiences. Children are responsive to the meaningful praise they receive from the childminder. She discusses and agrees house rules with children, who adhere to them and behave well. The childminder has an effective partnership with parents. She takes

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Helping children make a positive contribution

positive steps to ensure they are kept well informed about all relevant policies and procedures. Regular discussions and a daily diary keep parents up-to-date about their child's day, progress and any issues.

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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 Children are happy and settled in the friendly and well organised home. The environment is designed to provide a wealth of learning opportunities which are easily accessible. This promotes children's confidence so they eagerly explore their surroundings and initiate their own play. Regular attendance on short training courses enables the childminder to continually develop her childcare skills and the service provided. The childminder monitors and improves upon the quality of care provided as part of an accredited quality assurance scheme. Children enjoy receiving lots of encouragement and attention from the childminder. Written policies and procedures are used to effectively underpin the care provide. Children benefit from having continuity. Their care is agreed with parents through regular discussions and

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Organisation

written contracts. Children are making good progress in all areas of development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop the information available to parents. She has produced an interesting and informative brochure for new and prospective parents. This informs parents of all her policies and procedures and helps to promote continuity of care for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted. 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): • increase understanding and knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework and use it to develop the play and learning activities provided for individual children.

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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 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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