Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY306930 Inspection date 24 November 2005 Inspector Julie Wright

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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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 9 years. They live in a house in an area of Stockport within walking distance of schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor which includes the lounge, kitchen and conservatory is used for childminding. The first floor bathroom and bedrooms are included in the registration. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are currently three children on roll who 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 takes children on outings on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from the risk of illness and infection through the clear sickness policy. The written policy is shared with parents and promotes the health and welfare of children. The childminder has effective health and hygiene procedures to reduce the risk of cross-infection. The children are familiar with the routines and wash their hands at appropriate times. They use a dispenser and talk about the scent of soap as they become aware of personal hygiene. Children also begin to understand about germs and things that may not be suitable to touch. There are procedures in place to keep accident and medication details, to safeguard the welfare of the children. Children benefit from regular physical play in the garden, park or at activity groups. They also enjoy swimming and going for a walk. Children develop physical skills and co-ordination through the varied activities. The childminder is aware of the benefits of

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Helping children to be healthy

fresh air and exercise, which promote children's development and wellbeing. Arrangements for meals and snacks are made in consultation with parents to meet individual requirements. The children have a nutritious range of foods to promote their growth and development. Sample menus are available for parents and individual dietary needs are discussed and recorded. The childminder is aware of children's preferences and meets their needs well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and settled in the warm and welcoming environment. There is sufficient space for them to play in the house and the garden. Rooms are used effectively to meet the needs of the children. Suitable arrangements are made for daytime rest if required. The children are familiar with the setting and move around with confidence. They can access a suitable range of toys which are age-appropriate and well maintained. Toys are rotated and the toy library is used on a regular basis to promote interest. Children are safe and secure in the home and are supervised well by the childminder. She demonstrates a clear understanding of safety issues and has suitable measures in place to ensure that hazards are minimised. She is conscientious in her practice, such as making sure children are protected from choking hazards. The greenhouse is fenced off from the play area and the garden is made safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and procedures. Relevant information is accessible and up to date. The childminder discusses her responsibilities with parents and provides a written policy statement for them. The

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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 welfare of the children is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop warm and affectionate relationships with the childminder. They are familiar with the setting and other family members. The childminder interacts well with the children to promote learning and development. Children experience a variety of activities and enjoy the opportunities to bake cakes, collect leaves and make collage pictures. They develop confidence and independence as they learn simple self-care skills and make choices. Children benefit from the consistent routines which meet their needs. They feel safe and secure and make sound progress with the childminder. She has a good understanding of child development and plans a varied range of activities. Children are supported in their stages of development with positive attention from the childminder and suitable resources. Language development is promoted during play and children socialise well; they also enjoy music and dancing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities. Children are able to make choices and their requests are responded to promptly. They can access a satisfactory range of resources, some of which reflect diversity. The toy library is used on a regular basis and the childminder promotes positive attitudes in children. Their individual needs are known and met well by the childminder. Inclusion is promoted and the childminder has a sound awareness of special needs issues. The children are happy and respond well to the consistent approach in behaviour management. They have good relationships with the childminder who promotes their self-esteem. Children are praised and encouraged in their play and they are aware of simple boundaries and expectations. The written policy is clear and shared with parents. The childminder promotes good working relationships with parents. She provides an

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Helping children make a positive contribution

information file on policies, procedures and practice and has regular discussions with parents, to ensure that the needs of children are met. Most of the procedures to provide information maintain confidentiality. Reference letters from parents provide positive feedback on the care given.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are stimulated and well cared for in the home, as the childminder organises her time and space effectively to meet their needs. There are opportunities

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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 for individual attention and also for socialisation. Children develop confidence and feel secure. Records and documentation are suitably organised and maintained, which promote consistent care for children. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of her responsibilities as a childminder. She is aware of the National Standards and meets the regulatory requirements. The childminder has relevant childcare experience and commenced childminding in September 2005. She identifies areas of development for her provision and is committed to improve the quality of care she provides for children. The childminder is attending appropriate training to ensure a suitable qualification in first aid. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a list of complaints made by the 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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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): • develop the range of resources and play materials to support learning and development of children • improve the procedures to ensure confidentiality for parents and children.

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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 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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