Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY300591 Inspection date 21 November 2005 Inspector Jackie Liffen

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and son aged 20 months in Staplehurst, Kent. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 1 child under 5 and 3 children before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are beginning to understand the importance of maintaining healthy options, aided by the childminder who encourages them to wash their hands at appropriate times. The childminder considers the welfare of children and appreciates the necessity for good hygiene. She changes washing up cloths twice a day and ensures that children rest comfortably in cots using their own specified, clean linen. Children enjoy exercising to music and the childminder also provides opportunities for them to extend their physical capabilities when they play on the appropriate equipment in the garden. Children are well nourished because the childminder takes the nutritional value of food into account when she prepares food. Sometimes she ensures that children eat sustaining meals by camouflaging vegetables within another dish. Children appreciate being able to help themselves to a drink at any time.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy playing in a suitable environment where the childminder makes good use of safety strategies such as stairgates. Children are able to explore and experiment in comfort because the childminder has a good understanding of safety issues and undertakes regular risk assessments. The childminder watches children closely in the garden so that they do not stumble down the grass step and ensures that children cannot hurt themselves on any plants. She keeps all dangerous substances out of reach of children or locked away so that they cannot harm themselves and takes a number of other precautions. Children are able to play with good quality, age-appropriate toys which the childminder checks on a regular basis. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures and is able to help protect children and promote their welfare by putting this into practice.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children progress well within the setting because the childminder is aware of their individual needs and prepares activity plans for them. Children's language abilities are advanced by the childminder who takes every opportunity to involve them in conversation including questions to make them think. She also encourages children to take part in a number of activities and action songs which they join in with enthusiasm. The childminder understands the importance of children learning through play and is able to identify the different stages children reach in their early years. The childminder interacts well with children at their level and makes sure that she listens to and communicates with them so that they understand her. Children are building positive relationships and developing self-esteem because the childminder helps them to undertake tasks by themselves. She gradually increases the

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 complexity of the activity according to children's ability so that children's development is enhanced.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children blossom because the childminder automatically reinforces their good behaviour by giving lots of praise and encouragement to promote their self esteem. She diminishes the impact of unwanted behaviour by ignoring it, for instance when she clears up messes quickly and efficiently without worrying the children and damaging their confidence. Although the childminder works satisfactorily with parents she is able to improve on some administration to promote more consistency and parental responsibility so that children benefit from consistent care. Children are happy because the childminder gives them individual appropriate attention. She has a sound knowledge of how to care for children with special needs.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children flourish in the childminder's care because she uses her qualifications and experience of caring for children in a group setting to help them feel secure and confident. She is able to plan and prepare well for the developmental needs of children. The childminder keeps her documentation neatly filed and accessible and is aware of the importance of confidentiality. She is able to use her policies and procedures effectively in order to promote the care and welfare of children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.4

The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • work with parents to ensure their responsibility regarding the administration of proprietary medicines.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.5