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 306708 Inspection date 13/08/2009 Inspector Angela Cuffe

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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 has been registered since 1995. She lives with her two adult sons in Reddish, Stockport within walking distance of shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor of the house is 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, three of whom may be in the Early Years Foundation Stage age range. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently four children on roll.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. 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 well-established childminder works extremely well in meeting the needs of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children are happy and well settled in the homely and inclusive environment. They are all included and involved in the stimulating activities, which are purposeful and challenging. The childminder is aware of some of her strengths and weaknesses and is committed to continually improving her knowledge and skills by accessing training.

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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, interests and learning styles, and use these to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child  ensure children value diversity in others by providing toys, equipment and activities that promote positive images of different cultures and religions

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provision

The childminder provides a well-organised service where all the children and parents are made to feel welcome. She is focused on helping children to make good progress in their learning and development and promoting their welfare. She recognises the importance of continuous improvement and is beginning to identify strengths and weaknesses of her provision.

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provision

The childminder is committed to meeting children's individual needs and has attended a range of training courses since her last inspection. She demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of the EYFS framework. The childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 works closely with parents, giving them regular feedback on the progress their children are making. She seeks comments and feedback from parents and children and uses this information to further develop and improve her practice. The knowledge the parents have of their children is taken into consideration and used as a starting point.

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provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of safeguarding issues and the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child's welfare. She has a written policy in place in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has good understanding of the EYFS, which reflects in her practice. She is organised and provides a welcoming environment by displaying children's artwork, colourful posters and photographs. This promotes children's self-esteem and confidence. She is aware of children's individual needs, which enables her to provide for them effectively. Children are provided with a range of interesting and stimulating activities to help them make progress in their learning. A variety of resources is stored at a low-level to enable children to initiate their own ideas and make independent choices. The photographs and wall displays create a welcoming environment for the children. However, there are few toys, pieces of equipment and activities that promote positive images of different cultures. This impacts on children's understanding of the wider world and how other people live.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder dedicates her time to playing and interacting with the children whom she evidently has a warm and positive relationship. The childminder knows the children very well; she gathers a wealth of information on the children's starting points and recognises that children are all unique. She observes and assesses children as they play and is beginning to use this information to plan their next step, however, this is still in the early stages and has not yet been completed for all children. The childminder regularly takes the children to groups, which gives them the opportunity to socialise, share resources and explore different play environments.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are confident speakers and express themselves clearly, for example, when the younger child makes his way to the garden, the older child reminds the childminder that she must help him down the step. The children practise pouring and filling jugs and other containers with water. One child has spilt water down her dress but is very pleased when she has to wear the fairy dress with wings whilst her own dress dries. The childminder skilfully extends children's vocabulary by introducing words such as big, huge, small and tiny when reading them a story. Children are using the story and rhyme boxes, they choose ‘Row, row, row your boat’ and sing and move as though they are rowing the boat. The childminder recognises that the younger child would rather play with the box and allows him to do so. Problem solving and reasoning are promoted through various activities, for example, children discuss with the childminder how many jugs of water it will take

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

to fill the sink in the playhouse. They all count as they fill the sink and quickly establish how many are needed. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's health and safety is very well promoted. They learn about healthy eating as the childminder provides a range of varied nutritious homemade meals and snacks. The childminder reinforces good behaviour with praise and encouragement. She supports children to adopt good hygiene practices and minimise the risk of cross-infection. Children learn about some aspects of keeping themselves safe, for example, they look for 'the green man' when crossing the road and practise fire evacuations on a regular basis. Effective risk assessments are undertaken frequently, which ensures children's safety. 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

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