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 306623 Inspection date 20/07/2009 Inspector Janice Shaw

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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 1993. She lives in the Hazel Grove district of Stockport with her husband and their adult daughter. The childminder has an National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Early Years Education and Childcare.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time under the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The childminder is also registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register to enable her to care for older children. There are currently eight children on roll, three of whom are on the Early Years Register.

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Description of the childminding

Minded children have access to all of the ground floor and the enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet rabbit. Children can be taken to and collected from local schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and Stockport's Childminding Network Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder's good knowledge of the children she is caring for enables her to provide a service which meets their individual needs very well. Children have their individual needs met successfully. A very positive partnership with parents and other early years providers plays an important part in providing an inclusive environment. The childminder's secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) enables her to correctly identify areas for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the self-evaluation and quality improvement systems and use as the basis to reflect on the childminding practice and to support the continual improvement of outcomes for children

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provision

Children benefit from the well organised and welcoming environment offered. The childminder maintains a clear and focused approach to meeting the individual needs of the children and has written policies and procedures that clearly underpin her very good practice. Whilst she has a positive attitude to improving the service offered, this is not yet reflected through a clear and comprehensive self evaluation process. Her capacity to improve the service was demonstrated through close This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attention given to a recommendation made following the previous inspection.

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provision

The childminder works well with parents and other early years providers, valuing their contribution as partners. For example, there is a very strong link between the pre-school and school. The childminder is able to plan activities and experiences, which complements the other setting's programmes. Children’s progress is shared through both daily discussions and a communication book, giving parents a clear view of their child’s progress. Informative and useful information relating to the children's needs are sought prior to the children starting with the childminder, this contributes to ensuring children are viewed as individuals and also that inclusion is promoted. Many positive written comments have been received from parents and this is further demonstrated by the many years that families use her service.

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provision

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and of the relevant procedures. The childminder ensures that comprehensive risk assessments are completed on all areas of the house, the garden and for when they are on outings. All adults within the childminder's home have undergone appropriate vetting procedures, which ensures that they are fit to have regular contact with children and further endorses their safety.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s learning and development is outstanding. Their starting points are discussed and agreed with parents. An observation and assessments system is in place and the information gained from these is used to plan a superb programme for the next steps in children’s learning. They are all supported exceedingly well in their learning and development. The childminder spends all of her time working together, encouraging their play and providing resources to offer them challenges and fun. For example, they enjoy planting and growing vegetables and children who are transferring to school in September are very keen to return to harvest their potatoes. Their sensory experience is fostered through smelling and handling herbs, lavender and tomato plants.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Many interesting activities and outings helps children to gain an understanding of the wider world. For example, they travel by train to Buxton, where they collect spa water from the well to keep them refreshed during the day. They also visit the museum and learn how the thermal waters were used in the past. Photographic displays on the kitchen remind children of the fun they have had. Children are helped to consider and value diversity through interesting activities and both planned and spontaneous discussion. Children discuss quite naturally and positively of the different skin tones of their friends and also note with keen interest why some people need to use crutches. There is a wide range of resources available to the children to promote diversity.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good behaviour is actively encouraged by the childminder, who regularly gives praise and encouragement to the children. In letters to the inspector, children explain their understanding of the house rules, for example, physical, violent contact is not allowed and you must always hold the childminder's hand when This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 outdoors. They also comment that they can always talk to the childminder if they are sad or unhappy, demonstrating their ease and confidence with her.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are kept safe because the childminder applies vigilance when supervising the children and ensures that external doors are locked at all times. Children are learning how to keep safe. As they walk to and from school, they learn about road safety and when in the home, the childminder explains the correct use of furniture to avoid accidents. They play in an extremely clean and well organised home, where effective measures are in place to promote their health. They benefit from healthy and nutritious food, such as wholemeal toast and fruit for snack. A fruit and vegetable graph on the wall is completed by children, helping them to recognise the importance of ‘five a day’. This environment promotes confident, happy, independent children, who can communicate at all levels effectively. These experiences contribute to children developing outstanding skills towards their future economic well-being. 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? 1 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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