Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY301201 Inspection date 02/10/2009 Inspector Kay Margaret Armstrong

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2005. She lives with her husband and their two children, aged 13 years old and eight years old. The family live in the Bredbury area of Stockport, close to shops, parks and the local library. Access to the property is via several steps. Children have access to the lounge, dining room and kitchen. The rear garden is available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time, three of whom may be in the early years age group. There are currently four children on roll in this age group, all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder makes provision for older children, as she is also registered on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she gains support from the local authority.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements. Children's learning is adequately promoted as the childminder provides a range of activities which sufficiently supports their progress. Children's welfare needs are well fostered. The childminder establishes positive links with parents and other providers of the EYFS, which ensures continuity of care for the children. The childminder has recently begun to reflect on the service she provides and demonstrates a positive capacity for continuous improvement.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint (Early Years Register, compulsory and voluntary Childcare Register). 27/10/2009

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further?

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

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further?

 conduct regular meaningful observations and ensure each child’s next steps are identified and incorporated into the planning  increase awareness of equality and diversity and provide more opportunities for children to learn about and value differences. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the procedures to safeguard children. She has recently updated her training and has up to date information on child protection. Consequently, she is aware of how to respond appropriately if concerns arise. Detailed risk assessments are carried out in the home and for outings. Children are beginning to learn about some aspects of managing their own safety, as they practice the emergency evacuation procedures regularly. Children learn about road safety when they are out walking. The childminder has a good range of written policies and procedures in place, which promotes children’s health and welfare. However, the childminder does not have a procedure for dealing with complaints and concerns, which is a breach of the welfare requirements.

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the early years provision

Resources are easily accessible, enabling children to make choices and to initiate their own play and learning. Some toys and equipment shows positive images of different cultures and religions. However, the childminder's knowledge and understanding of diversity is limited, which influences the activities she provides for the children. The childminder knows the children well and they make steady progress in relation to their starting points. However, she has yet to establish a system to make meaningful observations and assessments of the children’s progress. This impacts on the quality of planning for children’s individual learning, as it is based on children's routines rather than achievements and goals.

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the early years provision

Systems are in place for seeking relevant information from parents, which ensures children's care and well-being. Parents are informed of their child's routines and achievements on a daily basis. Continuity of care and learning is well promoted, as the childminder works in partnership with parents. She has established good links with other providers of the EYFS that the children she cares for also attend. Children benefit as the childminder has recently completed a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in childcare, which has increased her knowledge and understanding of how children learn. All recommendations raised at the last inspection have been successfully addressed, enhancing children's safety and improving the range of equipment available to them.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy, relaxed and settled. The childminder's caring and supportive manner enables them to feel safe and to develop trusting relationships. Emphasis is placed on children learning through play, exploration and fun. A range of varied, age appropriate activities are available for children to choose from. As a result, they make steady progress towards the early learning goals in relation to their capabilities. The childminder knows the children well and provides activities which builds on their interests. She is aware of the six areas of learning and links the activities she provides for the children to them. For example, children learn to problem solve as they complete jigsaws. They learn about shapes and numbers, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 for example, as they count in every day situations, such as when they climb steps and they identify different shapes when out in the community. Children have

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and outcomes for children

opportunities to express themselves creatively, as they paint and play imaginatively with small world figures.

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and outcomes for children

Young children are inquisitive learners, they are keen to try out new ideas. For example, they press buttons on electronic toys to activate pop-up animals that make sounds. They really enjoy the music made by other resources, bouncing up and down, waving their arms and giggling with delight. The children spontaneously begin to sing 'Twinkle twinkle little star' as they find a star shape. The childminder supports children's emerging language skills, as she listens to their utterances, repeating words and valuing what they have to say. Children are gently challenged as they play, as they are asked questions which helps them to think, such as 'what shape is it?' or 'what colour are they?'.

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and outcomes for children

Positive behaviour is promoted well, as the childminder uses appropriate behaviour management techniques, for example, she reinforces good behaviour by praising children, which fosters their self esteem and confidence. Minor altercations are dealt with in a firm, calm and sensitive manner. Children are becoming aware of good hygiene habits through daily routines. They are encouraged by the childminder to make healthy choices in the food they eat, as she offers fruit as snacks. Children learn about the world in which they live as they are taken into the local community. They have lots of opportunities to socialise as they enjoy visits to toddler groups. Children develop coordination and control of their bodies, as they visit groups and play areas where they are able to access large equipment, such as swings, climbing frames and slides. They learn about lifecycles and growth as they plant and care for sunflowers.

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and outcomes for children

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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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Stage

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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as outlined on the Early Years Register. 27/10/2009 To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as outlined on the Early Years Register. 27/10/2009

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