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 EY306930 Inspection date 30/07/2009 Inspector Jeanne Lesley Walsh

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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 2005. She lives with her husband, one child aged 12 years and one adult child. They live in the Romiley area of Stockport, within walking distance of shops, parks and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with access to the bathroom upstairs. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. Children may be taken to local children's activity groups and other places of interest, with parental consent. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time, under the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. She is also registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register to enable her to care for older children. There are currently two children on roll under five years of age. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder has a good knowledge of the individual needs of the children she minds. She welcomes them and includes them in a homely environment, where they are making good progress in their learning and development, in relation to their starting points. The childminder has established positive working relationships with parents and other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. She is well aware of her own development needs and demonstrates a capacity and commitment to maintain continuous improvement in the setting.

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further?

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

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further?

 further enhance the information for parents relating to the six learning areas to help them extend children's learning at home  improve the accessibility of resources to allow children more freedom to explore and make more independent choices  improve the daily register to make the actual hours of attendance clear.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of the individual needs of the children she minds. She provides a good range of opportunities to promote their learning and development. The childminder regularly reflects on her practice and has established clear plans for future development. She demonstrates a commitment and an ability to secure improvement. She includes both the parents and children in the ongoing evaluation of the provision, which also helps to ensure continual improvement. All previous recommendations are met.

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provision

The childminder has developed good partnerships with parents. Appropriate This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 information is shared with them on introduction. Daily, two way, communication systems keep both the childminder and the parents informed of children's progress and relevant issues. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of the EYFS framework and informs the parents of her responsibility to deliver it. She has also begun to establish links with other providers of the framework. Photographs support the information displayed for parents, showing the children involved in a variety of activities that link to the four themes. However, little attention is drawn to the six learning areas to help parents extend children's learning at home.

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provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding children. She is clear about the procedures to follow should she have concerns about children's safety. Regular risk assessments ensure the safety of the environment. These include outings, outdoor activities and daily visual checks that ensure children's safety at all times. She helps the children to become aware of the importance of keeping themselves safe by following simple house rules. They practise road safety and talk about the appropriate use of safety reigns. The children explain that they cross the road with the crossing patrol person. They are aware of 'stranger danger' through stories and discussions. Arranged visits to the fire station and the police station help the children learn about people who keep us safe.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder follows a simple long and medium term planning system, which is supported by weekly plans that link into topics and projects. Within this system there is flexibility to ensure opportunities for spontaneity and child led activities. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of the children she minds. She takes time to provide for their specific care needs, as well as ensuring that they are all fully included in all activities. The childminder's observations and assessments of children link into all the learning areas, and include plans for their individual needs and next steps. The childminder regularly shares this information with parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of the welfare requirements and meets these to provide a good standard of care for the children she minds. A set of policies and procedures are shared with parents to ensure the safe care and management of the children and the provision. However, the daily register does not always clearly show the actual hours of attendance. The childminder discusses children's individual dietary needs with parents and incorporates any specific requirements into the daily menus. She helps the children become aware of healthy options through healthy picture menus and healthy foods place mats. They go shopping for different fruits and vegetables for their snacks. The children are also beginning to understand where some foods come from as they show interest in growing foods, such as mushrooms, cress, tomatoes and courgettes, which they then eat at snack or meal time.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a good range of interesting activities for the children. However, the accessibility of resources does not always allow children full freedom to explore and make choices independently. The childminder has made a visual time line, which helps the children gain a concept of time and understand the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 routine of the day. She supports their communication skills and language development through constantly talking to them, negotiating and explaining what they are doing. The good range of books helps children to understand themselves and the world around them. For example, they read books about safety, separation and strangers and they practise new sounds and words. The children love the books and choose their favourite stories, confidently curling up to read a story to the childminder and the inspector.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children are becoming familiar with their local environment as they enjoy regular trips to the supermarket, the toy library, school activities and the park. They visit the local farm and photographs show the children looking through a telescope on their trip to the airport. The children are beginning to understand their own and each others feelings as they recognise sad, sleepy, happy and grumpy. They understand that their behaviour affects other people and they know that children younger or older than themselves, may have different limitations. They are learning to share and help each other. They know that if they bring a toy from home they have to share it with others. The children are settled and happy in the setting. They respond positively to the childminder, who constantly encourages and praises their efforts and they are progressing well. 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? 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? 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

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