Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 306992 Inspection date 31 October 2005 Inspector Julie Wright

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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 a registered childminder since 1995. She lives with her husband, adult daughter and 11 year old son. They live in a house in Stockport within walking distance of schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor which includes the lounge, dining/play room and kitchen are used for childminding. The bathroom is on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are currently six children on roll who attend on a part time basis.

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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 attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from the risk of illness and infection through the clear sickness policy. The childminder has effective health and hygiene procedures to reduce the risk of cross-infection. The children are familiar with the routines and wash or wipe their hands at appropriate times. Individual needs are known and met through discussion with parents and accurate record keeping procedures. Children enjoy regular physical play in the garden, at toddler groups or local parks. Good use is made of the garden where children are involved in activities as well as free play. They use outdoor equipment with competence and confidence. Their physical development and well-being is promoted. Children benefit from varied snacks, nutritious meals and regular drinks, which promote their growth and development. Their individual preferences are known and respected. The childminder promotes healthy eating and encourages children to try a

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Helping children to be healthy

variety of foods. They become aware of food preparation and healthy options. Children sit together at the table and enjoy social mealtimes. The arrangements made with parents ensure that the dietary needs of children are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and happy in the warm and welcoming environment. There is sufficient space for them to play, indoors and out. Areas are defined for different types of activity, such as table games and creative play. Children move about with confidence and can access a good range of age-appropriate toys, which are suitably maintained. They learn how to take care of the toys, for example, they help to tidy up or sometimes wash them as an activity. Varied resources are available to promote development for children aged from birth to over eight years. Children are safe and secure in the home and are supervised well by the childminder. She demonstrates a clear understanding of safety issues and has suitable measures in place to ensure that hazards are minimised. She sets clear boundaries in the garden so that children can play safely. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Relevant information is accessible, the majority of which is up to date. The childminder discusses her responsibilities with parents and provides a written policy statement for them. The welfare of the children is safeguarded.

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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 develop warm and friendly relationships with the childminder. They are familiar with the setting and each other. The children have good friendships and play well together. They receive constant attention, are occupied and co-operative. The childminder interacts well with them and provides good levels of support to their play. They are confident in the house and move around freely. The garden is used regularly for outdoor play. Children enjoy using outdoor equipment and have a balance of free play and structured activities. The childminder prompts letter or name recognition as children use water and brushes to make marks. The children use finger puppets and sing action rhymes as their language development is encouraged in play. Children have consistent routines, which meet their needs and promote security. They can choose to play inside or out and relax after school. Creative development is

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

promoted with a variety of materials for children to use. Children learn about processes, such as writing and posting letters to themselves. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the purpose of play and provides interesting activities for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities. Children become aware of similarities and difference in people and places. They have access to resources which reflect diversity and take part in themed activities. Children develop positive attitudes as they are encouraged to share, be careful and to be respectful. Children make choices and their requests are responded to promptly. Their individual needs are known and met well by the childminder. Inclusion is promoted and the childminder has a sound awareness of special needs issues. The children respond well to the consistent approach in behaviour management. They are aware of and understand the suitable boundaries and expectations. The children are able to take turns and negotiate co-operatively in play. Their self-esteem is promoted as they are praised and encouraged by the childminder. The childminder promotes good working relationships with parents. Regular

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Helping children make a positive contribution

discussions and accurate record keeping ensure that the needs of children are met. Reference letters from parents provide positive feedback on all aspects of the care given.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are well cared for in the home. The childminder plans effective use of

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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 space and has suitable routines to meet the needs of children who attend. She organises her time well to ensure that the requirements of the families are met. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to good practice as she attends relevant training. The care and welfare of the children is promoted. Records and documentation are well organised and maintained in good order. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of her responsibilities as a childminder. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to further develop the toys and equipment which reflect positive images of ethnicity, culture, gender and disability. The childminder has extended the range of resources which reflect diversity and also uses the toy library on a regular basis. These actions have resulted in improvements to resources and equal opportunities for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 that the child protection information on local procedures is maintained up to date.

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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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