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 306541 Inspection date 20/08/2009 Inspector Debra Elizabeth Jean Dahlstrom

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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 1994. She lives in the Offerton district of Stockport with her husband and their two older children.

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Description of the childminding

Children have access to all rooms on the ground floor. The enclosed rear garden is used for outdoor and physical play activities. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently seven children on roll of which three are within the early years. Children can be taken to and collected from local schools. The family have a dog and an outdoor rabbit.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The quality of the provision is good. The childminder's practice is strong and effective as she successfully offers children opportunities to learn and develop. In providing a welcoming and inclusive environment she supports children's progress. High priority is given in developing positive partnerships with parents with and other providers to support children's individual needs. The childminder is well organised and committed to improving her practice. She has taken up a number of training opportunities since her last inspection to develop her service. Through the self-evaluation documents the childminder uses, she is frequently looking at ways to improve her strong practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop the assessments for learning, to make informed decisions about children's progress and plan the next steps to meet their development and learning needs  ensure an up to date knowledge of safeguarding procedures in order to implement them appropriately.

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provision

The childminder has made a number of changes to her service in order to embrace the early years framework. Her commitment to ongoing training ensures that she brings back what she has learned to inform her practice. She has worked hard to become secure in her understanding of the requirements of both the Childcare and the Early Years Registers. For example, consistently ensuring reference materials are close to hand to refer to when charting children's progress. The areas used by children, both indoors and outdoors, are attractive and welcoming to children, thus extending their opportunities for learning. A good range of resources which are of high quality and easily accessible contribute to each child's learning and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enjoyment.

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provision

The childminder is committed to protecting children and is secure in her understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse. She is less secure, however, in her understanding of the procedures and of the action she needs to take to ensure children are protected. Supervision of children is good as priority is given to all children in order to keep them safe. Detailed risk assessments are undertaken regularly, covering all aspects of the home and any outings undertaken.

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provision

Partnerships with parents is a key strength of this provision as the childminder discusses all aspects of their child's learning and development with them. Children and parents are always warmly welcomed and included as the families attend many social occasions together. She is particularly supportive of families where there are children with additional needs. Information is regularly exchanged between other settings children attend in order to ensure their transitions are smooth and provide continuity for them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic in her practice to provide high quality care. Observations and assessments of each child are generally well documented by the childminder and are used to focus upon helping children to take the appropriate next steps in their learning. Children therefore make progress in relation to their capabilities and interests.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy their time spent with the childminder, as she ensures that all children can successfully take part in all activities. Her strong commitment to inclusion means that children's individual needs are valued and respected. An atmosphere of respect and consideration permeates throughout the setting creating an environment where children behave well and show real consideration for the feelings of others. Their sense of belonging is enhanced as they frequently see photos of themselves and the childminder's family displayed. A digital photo frame in the lounge is used to help share with parents children's experiences and achievements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

An interesting indoor and outdoor environment is created, offering continuous provision for children. The garden, for example, has had significant improvements made to it to ensure children can make good use of it all year round. A large patio area ensures children can use the surface for active outdoor play. They use play tunnels to crawl through, pop up tents to hide in and a range of other equipment to promote large motor skills. Individual children's mobility has been significantly enhanced as the childminder has skilfully used their interests in the outdoor world to promote their learning and mobility.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's experiences of the wider world are promoted well. They have their own patch of garden where they help to plant and care for flowers. Attractive, colourful, stone cartoon characters are also included in their garden, one for each child. Wind chimes and mobiles ensure that there are lots of opportunities for children to learn about the weather as these ornaments tinkle in the breeze. Individuals, fears of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 spiders is readily overcome as children use magnifying glasses in the garden to find mini beasts. They, later make and display their beautiful models of spiders using pipe cleaners and card.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is skilled as she supports the children's desire to learn. Young children, for example, can successfully count to five and beyond as the childminder provides many opportunities to use and recognise number as part of their daily lives in the wider world. They clearly understand that front doors and lamp posts have numbers and that they also have meaning. Literacy and language skills are well promoted as an early appreciation of books is cultivated. Not only is the childminder an excellent role model for children in her storytelling but older more able children also confidently read to the younger ones. This positive atmosphere ensures that from a very young age children handle books, younger ones readily turn the pages as they start at the beginning and use a finger to attempt to 'read' the print as they move it across the page.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from effective practice to promote their safety and welfare. The home is well maintained where high standards of hygiene are promoted. Children enjoy washing their hands and use brightly decorated hand towels which are changed daily, providing added interest in their daily routines.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

They thoroughly enjoy their time spent with the childminder, as she ensures that all children can successfully take part in all activities. Her strong commitment to inclusion means that children's individual needs are valued and respected. 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? 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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