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 EY225203 Inspection date 28/04/2009 Inspector Christine Myerscough

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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 partner and two children aged 11 and nine years old. They live in a house in Stockport. The whole of the ground floor and an upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, under the Early Years Register and compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The childminder is also registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. There are currently three children on roll aged from 14 months to four years old.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder's caring manner and well organised approach successfully supports progression in children's overall development, and ensures their well-being. All children are valued for their individuality and treated with respect, which enables them to feel fully included. Most aspects of children's welfare are promoted successfully, ensuring that children are safe and secure; however, a legal aspect of a welfare requirement of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is not being met. An effective partnership with parents promotes security in children's lives. The childminder demonstrates a commitment towards the continual development of her practice and areas for further improvement centre on documentation, self-evaluation, systems for assessing children's learning and working with others involved in children's care to complement and support children's ongoing learning.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems for identifying strengths and priorities for development that will further improve the quality of the provision for children  ensure continuity of care and education by sharing relevant information with other providers of the EYFS and use information from assessment to fully plan for the next stages in children's learning.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure children's welfare is safeguarded by including the procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse being made in the safeguarding policy (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare. Also applies to the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register). 08/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children's safety is promoted as the required checks are undertaken to ensure members of the childminder's household are suitable. Record keeping is well organised and each child has their own colour coded file to maintain confidentiality. Most of the required documentation is in place, which ensures the welfare of all children. A detailed safeguarding policy is shared with parents; however, this does not include the procedures to follow in the event of an allegation of abuse being made. This is a breach in a welfare requirement and compromises children's safety. Thorough risk assessments are undertaken of the premises and children feel at ease in their environment. They enjoy playing in a dedicated play room with accessible, good quality resources. This successfully supports their independence and promotes their learning well.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to her ongoing professional development and keeps abreast of current issues in childcare by attending training on subjects, such as, promoting positive behaviour and allergy awareness. She is beginning to analyse her strengths through self-evaluating her practice; however, self-evaluation is not sufficiently robust to identify areas for improvement, such as, systems for assessment to further extend the quality of care and education. Recommendations made at the last inspection, for example, gaining written consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, have now been met to ensure children's well-being.

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provision

Good relationships exist with parents and detailed information is shared verbally at the end of the day about each child's welfare to ensure consistency of care. Parents speak very positively about the service and describe the childminder as fantastic. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures regarding the childminder's practices are shared with parents and underpin the safe care and management of the children and the provision. Children take home their work so parents are aware of their achievements. However, links have not been established with another provider involved in children's care to ensure progression and continuity of care and education.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and well settled. The familiar routines and the childminder's supportive approach enable them to feel secure. As a result, trusting relationships are formed and children are confident and good humoured. The childminder divides her attention well and is attentive to children's individual emotional needs; for example, by ensuring they have their comforter from home. Children make good progress in their development, as the day is well planned to encompass a variety of learning experiences. Activities are adapted to take account of varying age groups, therefore, all children are able to participate and have fun. The childminder is beginning to record observations and assess children's learning using photographic evidence, however, the information gained from assessment is not fully used to plan for children's next stages of learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children actively engage in play and concentrate well because they develop a strong desire to explore and activities appeal to their interests. The childminder has a calm manner and uses effective strategies to manage children's behaviour. Children behave well and show pride, as the childminder awards them stickers for their achievements. Important events are recognised and children celebrate their birthday with a cake, which helps them feel special and included. Children's communication skills are well supported through good quality interactions with the childminder. As a result, children eagerly learn new words and practice sounds of animals. Children excitedly make their marks on paper and show great skill as they successfully write their name. The childminder uses everyday opportunities to promote children's learning. For example, as they walk down the stairs, they count the number of steps together.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children become inventive as they roll up a piece of felt with absolute precision to make a telescope. They play independently on the computer and develop good skills in using the mouse. Children learn about the wider world as they discuss costumes that people wear in different countries, such as China. Playing in the childminder's garden with a range of equipment and visiting local parks, successfully promotes children's physical skills and confidence in their abilities. Good emphasis is placed on developing children's creativity. Children create figures from marzipan and eagerness is shown as they excitedly draw slugs. Children have fun hiding in a den and dress up in a range of outfits. They enthusiastically take part in role play at the toy cooker in their chef hat and apron.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in clean surroundings, where there are effective practices in place to minimise the risk of cross infection. The childminder places emphasis on maintaining a safe environment and has extra precautionary measures in place, such as a carbon monoxide detector. She has attended fire safety awareness training and children develop a good understanding about how to keep themselves safe as they take part in regular evacuation drills. Children enjoy fresh fruit at snack time and keep well refreshed as the childminder is proactive in reminding them to drink from their water bottles. 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? 2 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? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Arrangements for safeguarding children) C2.1. 08/05/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Arrangements for safeguarding children) C2.1. 08/05/2009

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