Childminder in Stockport

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY224217 Inspection date 14/05/2009 Inspector Teresa Ann Clark

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 13 years. The family live in a town house in the Offerton area of Stockport. The whole of the ground floor and first floor are used for childminding purposes. Bathroom facilities are situated on the first floor. There is a secure rear garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding five children in this age group. With parental consent, the childminder takes children to local community groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She holds a relevant childcare qualification and is part of the Childminding Network in Stockport.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the children in her care and plans a balanced range of activities to suitably support their learning and development. Most aspects of the children’s welfare are promoted through sensible practice, documentation and procedures. Children are making steady progress towards the early learning goals, but planning, observations and assessments are not fully developed to ensure children are making as much progress as they can. Children are treated as individuals and positive steps are taken to ensure that all children are included and made welcome at the childminder’s home. She is beginning to evaluate her practice, but the system is not robust enough, as some issues have not been identified.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 make systematic observations and assessments of each child's achievements and use these to identify learning priorities  improve the two way flow of information with parents to promote a shared understanding of children's individual needs and involve parents in practical ways to support their child's learning and development  practise fire drills with all children to ensure they know what the procedure is in event of a fire  assess the risks in relation to the stairs and take action to minimise these  ensure all relevant consents are in place. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 obtain written parental permission to seek any 28/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 necessary emergency medical advice or treatment (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)

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provision

The childminder organises her time and childminding duties effectively to provide a high level of one to one support for children. The premises and good quality resources are effectively arranged and presented to enable children to make independent choices in their play and learning. The childminder has a positive approach to her professional development and continues to attend a good range of training. She has addressed the recommendations made at the previous inspection, which contributes to positive outcomes for children.

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provision

A clear range of policies is available to parents to inform them about the provision, such as behaviour management, equal opportunities and business arrangements. The childminder develops friendly and professional relationships with parents and carers. Regular newsletters and questionnaires are sent to parents to keep them informed and involved. Daily diaries inform parents about their children's welfare. However, systems have not been established for them to be fully involved in their children's learning and development. The childminder has obtained written consents from some parents but this is not consistent for all children. She has failed to obtain consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. This is a breach of registration requirements.

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provision

The childminder's sound knowledge of safeguarding issues and procedures ensures she knows how to protect children. Sensible safety precautions have been put in place to minimise identified hazards and reduce the risk of accidents. Written risk assessments are conducted on the premises and for outings. However, the stairs pose a risk to children's safety, as there is no banister or safety rail for the first few stairs. There is a clear evacuation procedure in place, but not all children have taken part. As a result, they do not know what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their time with the childminder and develop warm trusting relationships. They receive good levels of individual care and support which creates a secure emotional environment. The childminder plans a suitable range of activities to promote children's learning. She knows the children well and their capabilities but she has not implemented a system for observation and assessments. As a result, children's next steps are not identified and there is no system for tracking their progress towards the early learning goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports children's development effectively by responding to them in a calm and patient manner. She knows how to appropriately promote children's development and asks children questions to encourage them to think and consolidate their learning. Individual interests are recognised by the childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and resources and activities provided to foster interests and the children's development. For example, children enjoy painting, mixing colours together and creating their own pictures. They develop their writing skills as they label their work using some recognisable letters of their name. Children play games that encourage them to link sounds to letters, for example, card games and alphabet puzzles.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes children's communication skills through their everyday routines and play activities. During a picture card game, they talk about X-rays at the hospital and feeding the ducks in the park. Children use number language during their play and talk about shapes, such as circle and square. Baking activities provide opportunities for children to learn about weight and measure. They manage their own personal care as they use the bathroom, put on and take off shoes, and make good attempts at fastening their coats.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop their imaginative skills, as they love to make dens and dress up. They confidently use battery-operated toys and know how they work, for example, a games consul. They enjoy using the torch to explore light, and find out how they can make it change by shining it near and far from the wall. Children enjoy solving simple problems whilst they play. They consider how to fit the pieces of a marble game together showing good concentration and perseverance skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s good health and safety is promoted through discussions, practice and routines. They enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks that include plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and salad. The childminder is proactive in reminding the children to drink their water regularly to keep hydrated. Children know to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. They learn how to cross the road safely on their regular walks and outings. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 3 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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