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 EY364421 Inspection date 23/09/2008 Inspector Zoe Smith

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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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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 has been registered since 2007. She lives in the Marple district of Stockport with her husband and their two children who are aged two and five. The lounge, conservatory and toilet on the ground floor are used for childminding. The small back bedroom and bathroom are used on the first floor. Children participate in physical and outdoor play activities in the enclosed rear garden. The childminder is on the Early Years, Compulsory Childcare and the Voluntary Childcare registers and is registered to care for four children. She is currently minding three children, her husband works with her as an assistant. The family have one pet dog. Children are regularly taken to local amenities, such as the park, library, toddler groups and other places of interest.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a very good knowledge of the individual needs of the children in her care. She values the uniqueness of each child and successfully promotes all aspects of their welfare and learning. Children are happy and secure and thoroughly enjoy participating in a balanced range of enjoyable activities. They are well safeguarded and cared for in a home where most risks have been minimised. The childminder has fostered excellent partnerships with parents and carers, schools which the children attend and other agencies. This is ensuring the individual needs of children are well met and they receive all the additional support they need. Children are making very good progress, given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder evaluates her practice and is proactive in continually developing the care provided and responding to the needs of children and their families.

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further?

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

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further?

 review the risk assessment of the premises to ensure that building work does not pose a risk to the children.

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provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder gives utmost priority to their well-being. She has a good understanding of safeguarding children procedures and her responsibilities. Children benefit from the close bonds they have with the childminder and are learning to recognise the difference between familiar adults and strangers and how to protect themselves. The childminder has developed effective systems to assess and review her practice. She takes positive steps to continually develop her childminding service and meet the specific needs of the children in her care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has a strong commitment to developing her skills and knowledge through attendance on relevant training, such as ‘Positive Behaviour Management’ and ‘Feeding Young Imaginations’. She has formalised clear and well written policies and procedures which are shared with parents and carers. They are used

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provision

effectively to underpin her practice and the practice of her assistant to ensure consistency of care for children. The childminder works extremely closely with other professionals and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) providers to ensure children’s individual needs are well met.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with a wide variety of challenging, interesting and enjoyable play opportunities across the six areas of learning and as a result are making very good progress in their development. Planning is flexible and recognises the uniqueness of each child and is informed by the childminders observations of them and their individual care plans. Children are encouraged to lead their own play and learning and confidently make independent choices about the toys and activities they play with. They have lots of opportunities to develop physical skills and control and coordination over their bodies. They look forward to their frequent visits to parks, walks into the countryside and chat about how this is giving them muscles on their legs. Children have very well developed imaginations and thoroughly enjoy dressing up, feeding the dolls and acting out scenarios with the small world play figures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is very supportive of children and effectively facilitates them to become increasingly skilful communicators. She constantly talks with the children about what they are doing, things of interest and introduces colours, numbers and shapes into their discussions. Children count how many sausages they have and enjoy snuggling up to the childminder and the assistant, to look at books and listen to stories. The childminder and assistant are very good role models and have extremely positive relationships with the children. They actively join in with the children to effectively support and facilitate their play and learning. Children are learning how to look after their body and the importance of healthy eating. They confidently help themselves to fruit whenever they are hungry and have enjoyed growing strawberries and tomatoes in the garden.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has high expectations of children and is helping them to learn how to play with each other, behave well, share and take turns. She regularly discusses and agrees the house rules with children and praises their efforts and achievements. The childminder has made her home a friendly and welcoming environment for the children. Educational posters and examples of their creativity are displayed on the walls. Children are kept safe because the childminder and assistant diligently supervise them at all times and make sure they play with age appropriate toys and equipment. A risk assessment of the premises has been conducted and effective steps have been taken to minimise most risks. However, building work is taking place to the exterior of the property and the risk assessment has not been updated to reflect any potential hazards this may create. 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: 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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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