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 306561 Inspection date 20/07/2009 Inspector Judith Anne Kerr

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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 1994. She lives with her adult daughter in the Gatley area of Stockport close to shops, schools, parks and public transport links. The whole ground floor and the first floor rear bedroom and bathroom are used for childminding. There is an 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 and is currently minding three children on the Early Years Register. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a level 3 qualification in Early Years Childcare and Education. She attends the local adult and toddler group and 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 provides a welcoming and inclusive service where all children are valued and respected. Children make good progress in their learning and development, as they are well supported by the childminder who provides a range of stimulating activities. Beneficial partnerships are forged with parents and others to promote consistency and continuity for children. There are systems in place to monitor and evaluate the provision for its effectiveness. The childminder is keen to make any necessary improvements to further enhance outcomes for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 review the risk assessments to take account of hazards to children from drains in the garden.

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provision

All adults in the household are checked to ensure their suitability to be in close contact with children. The childminder is very keen to ensure improvement is ongoing. For example, she attends training courses to extend her knowledge and understanding of childcare issues. These include festivals, food safety and observation and planning. She evaluates her provision in order to identify her strengths and areas for improvement.

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provision

Risk assessments which are ongoing and for the most part effective are in place to monitor children's safety. These cover areas inside and outside the home, so that any potential hazards to children can be identified and minimised. However, two This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 drains in the garden pose a hazard to children as they are accessible. In addition, risk assessments are also in place for all the outings which are undertaken. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of safeguarding procedures. She is aware of the different types of abuse and her responsibility to report any concerns promptly to the relevant agencies.

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provision

The childminder builds effective partnerships with parents so the needs of all children are met. Comprehensive written policies are shared with parents and reviewed to ensure they reflect current guidance and good practice. First aid, regulation and insurance certificates are displayed to provide reassurance to parents. Parents are made aware of procedures should they be unhappy with any aspect of the service provided. Letters from parents show they value the childminder, as they say she is 'reliable and trustworthy' and they 'would have no hesitation in recommending her'. Links are maintained with other settings providing for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to ensure continuity of care and learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a purposeful understanding of the needs of the children in her care and plans her routines accordingly. She is developing a secure knowledge and understanding of the EYFS with regards to children's learning and development. Children's starting points are identified. She observes children in their play and uses her observations and assessments to monitor and record their progress. Observations are used to identify and plan for the next steps of their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

From the moment children and parents enter the childminder's house, they are made to feel welcome. Information is displayed for parents and cupboards are covered with displays of children's work. There is a wide range of age appropriate, quality toys and resources. The childminder is sensitive to children's needs, such as offering reassuring words to give them confidence to come down the slide. She supports children well, listening attentively to what they say and asking appropriate questions to develop their thinking and to promote dialogue. Children are encouraged to use their imagination. For example, they make their own pizza café, taking turns to be the waitress and the customer.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children communicate well and language and literacy skills are supported through free access to the attractively presented books and mark-making resources. Early writing skills are promoted as children help themselves to paper and pencils or write with a stick in the soil. They play well together and are beginning to share and take turns. Cooperative play is encouraged as the children are supported to understand the ‘rules’ of waiting for their turn in the skipping game. The children enjoy a range of craft activities, including finger painting and making collage pictures. Creative activities, such as making octopuses and jelly fish using paint, wool and wobbly eyes provides children with opportunities to explore different textures and colours.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children enjoy water play as they bath the dolls and observe the properties of floating and sinking. They count the number of children present and then calculate This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 how many cake cases will be needed for their baking. The childminder develops children's knowledge of the world through activities, such as planting tomatoes and then watering them to ensure they grow. Outings to the farm enables the children to develop an understanding of the needs of other living things as they see the baby pigs, sheep and a cow. The childminder is aware of children's different abilities and adapts activities accordingly. Resources, such as books and dolls and celebrations for Chinese New Year helps to develop children's awareness of diversity.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Procedures taken to help prevent the spread of infection, includes individual colour coded towels for hand washing and pictures on display in the toilet, to remind children of the importance of hand washing. The childminder seeks information from parents regarding individual dietary needs and children are consulted in relation to their preferred snacks. Drinks are available to children at all times. Road safety is discussed daily walking to and from school and a visit from the lollipop lady further reinforces good practice. The children practice the evacuation procedure, to ensure they know what to do in the event of a fire. 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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