Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY225203 Inspection date 23 November 2005 Inspector Kay Margaret Armstrong

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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

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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.

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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.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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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.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband, their young adult son and 2 children aged 6 and 7 years. The family live in the Stockport area, within walking distance of shops, parks and the library. Children have access to the lounge, dining room and hall way. The rear garden which is enclosed is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to provide care for four children and she currently cares for four children. All attend on a part-time basis.

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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 The childminder who is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Borough of Stockport Childminding Association, gains support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Good hygiene procedures are implemented to ensure that children are cared for in a warm, clean, home. Daily routines help to promote children's understanding of good hygiene practices, fostering their self-help skills. Children are taken to the bathroom, they are beginning to learn and understand why they wash their hands before they eat and after using the toilet as they are well supported by the childminder. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their physical growth and development. They regularly walk home from school. Visits to the park provide the opportunity for the children to run around, swing, climb and slide. Children are able to choose to play in the garden and they attend a gymnastics class each week. All these experiences help them to gain control of their bodies. The childminder discusses and agrees children's dietary requirements with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

She considers children's likes and dislikes when providing food and drink. The childminder provides children with a range of snacks which are nutritious and contribute to children's physical growth and development. The childminder actively encourages children to remain hydrated by offering regular drinks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children benefit from a well maintained, comfortable, welcoming, homely environment. Most safety features are in place to ensure children are kept safe. Consequently, children can move around freely and play in comfort. However, children's safety is compromised by the low level lock on the bathroom door. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe when out of the premises. They are beginning to understand road safety as the childminder teaches them how to cross roads safely using either the pelican or school crossings. There are a wide range of resources available to meet the needs of the children. Toys are clean, well maintained and comply with safety standards minimising risks to children. Resources are well organised and easily accessible to the children, which enhances their learning and promotes their choice and independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted through the childminder's understanding and knowledge of child protection issues. However, the childminder is uncertain about local Safeguarding Board procedures and does not have the 'What to do if you are concerned about a child' booklet, which compromises children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children's welfare is promoted and their individual needs are met through activities that include opportunities for social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Children are happy in the setting and have lots of support and attention from the childminder which increases their sense of wellbeing and security. The relaxed atmosphere enables them to settle quickly. They develop their social and language skills as they confidently chat with the childminder. Children show a keen interest in creative activities offered and are able to freely express themselves as they make a ladybird. They thread pipe-cleaner legs into holes and enjoy sprinkling glitter onto the glue they have spread to decorate the ladybird; developing hand-eye co-ordination and finer motor skills as they have fun. The childminder offers the children good support and encouragement. This contributes to children feeling valued and confident. By talking about size and colour

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and introducing new words to the children, the childminder extends their knowledge, language, understanding and mathematical concepts as they play. Regular visits to story time at the library, parks and groups provide social occasions and different play opportunities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are treated with equal regard and their differing needs are met well. Children have equal access to resources which promote positive images of our diverse society, such as books, play people and jigsaws. Consequently children are becoming aware of differences and developing a positive attitude and respect for others. Children have a sense of belonging because the childminder warmly welcomes them into her home. They are comfortable in expressing their needs, which the childminder recognises and meets appropriately. The childminder has an excellent relationship with the children. She speaks positively to them, using encouragement effectively to support their efforts and foster their independence. Good behaviour is acknowledged, celebrated and praised appropriately. Children's efforts and their creative work are valued. As a result the children are confident and have high self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships that the childminder has established with their parents. Informal discussions keep the childminder up to date with the children's routines and any changes that may have occurred.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a warm and homely environment. They benefit from routines and the warm and caring attention from the childminder which results in

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 children being happy and secure. The majority of records and documentation required by the regulator are in place. However, the children's welfare is compromised, as the childminder has not requested consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder cares for children within required ratios which ensure they are safe and she is able to support their learning. She ensures children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort. Play materials are organised appropriately to promote children's independence, encouraging them to make choices about their play and learning. The children enjoy some different play opportunities away from the home, such as visits to the library and the park. Overall, children are well cared for and their individual needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to; ensure all accidents to children were recorded, ensure cleaning fluid and products are stored safely and provide more resources that promote equality of opportunity. These recommendations have all been addressed. The childminder has an accident book in which she is able to record accidents to children. However, there are no records as the childminder states that the children have not had any accidents, whilst in her care. The risk to children's safety has been minimised as all dangerous substances are now stored appropriately, either in the cellar or in cupboards fitted with child proof locks. Children have access to resources which promote positive images of our diverse society, such as books, play people and jigsaws. Consequently they are becoming aware of differences and developing a positive attitude and respect for others.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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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.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

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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): • ensure children are unable to lock themselves in the bathroom • increase knowledge of local the Safeguarding Board procedures and obtain the 'What to do if you are concerned about a child' booklet • request consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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

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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

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