Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 307095 Inspection date 07 September 2005 Inspector Angela Cuffe

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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 1998. She lives with her son aged 9 in the south of Manchester. The children have access to the lounge, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. There are six children on register who attend on a part time basis. The childminder also cares for children who are over 8 after school and two children overnight occasionally. The children are taken out to parks, shops, libraries and other places of interest.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association and is a quality first mentor for new childminders with Sure Start.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They are aware of their own needs for example during potty training they confidently tell the childminder when they would like to use the toilet. They talk about the need to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating to prevent the spread of germs. The baby's equipment and changing area are kept clean as well as the worktops in the kitchen and eating area. The children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. They do not have use of the garden but are taken out on a daily basis to socialise with other children and benefit from fresh air and exercise. The childminder understands the issues surrounding safe storage and administration of medication. However some information in the permission to administer medication has been omitted. The childminder does not

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Helping children to be healthy

have written permission to seek emergency advice or treatment. Children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet from the choice of meals and snacks available to them. These include fresh fruit and vegetables and a choice of healthy drinks. All meals and snacks are provided by the childminder and are varied and nutritious. The childminder is aware of the need to consider parents wishes when providing food for the children in her care. Children's individual needs are discussed on induction and parents are provided with a menu to keep them informed of what their children are eating and the nutritional value. Children are continually offered drinks throughout the day and know to ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

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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, homely environment where their work is displayed and the toys and equipment are set out in an accessible and pleasing way. The childminder prioritises safety by ensuring all potential risks to children are minimised. The childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure in place, which is practised with the children. This ensures they know and understand what to do in the event of a fire. The children are beginning to learn about how to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about dangers within the home and outdoors. There is an extensive range of resources available to meet the needs of the children. Toys and equipment are clean, well maintained and comply with safety standards. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments of the equipment and premises. Resources are effectively organised to promote choice and independence, which

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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 The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection, in line with the Local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home. The sharing of experiences as they talk and laugh together helps develop warm and caring relationships with the childminder and each other. They are given appropriate attention as the childminder is aware of their needs. She gives them support when needed as she sits on the floor joining in with their games and then watches as they happily play together. Children are motivated and interested in the broad range of challenging age appropriate play activities. The children do not have access to the garden for outdoor play but are taken out on a regular basis where they socialise with other children. Children develop independence as they freely make choices about how they wish to spend their time. They enjoy each other's company and form strong friendships. They enjoy playing with the shop and are cooking with a pan, wooden spoon and plastic

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

fruit and vegetables as they discuss what they are making for their tea. Later one of the children learns about size and space as she is playing with the dolls house. She uses her imagination as she moves the doll around the different pieces of furniture and is very disappointed when she realises she can not fit in the house. Children have fun and make up their own games. They develop good negotiating skills as they discuss the rules of the game and take turns. Children are happy and secure they talk about the toys and how they work. They confidently ask the childminder which button to press to make the book talk and then discuss how many crayons are in the box.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children value each other as individuals. They learn about different cultures through the activities provided and the equipment available to them. They are made aware of the wider world through regular outings and information in books and displays. Children express their needs naturally to enable the childminder to gain a better understanding and build routines. As a consequence the children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Good behaviour, children's efforts and achievements are acknowledged, recognised and praised appropriately. Consequently children are confident and have high self esteem. The childminder speaks positively to the children. She supports and helps them to understand simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. As a result, the children behave well. They interact with each other in a positive manner. They understand their boundaries and respond well to discussions and occasional

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Helping children make a positive contribution

reminders from the childminder. Information about the children's progress is shared

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 with the parents verbally on a daily basis and in a detailed daily diary.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's organisation. The daily routine offers a good balance of adult led activities, free play and quiet times. The childminder ensures children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort. She organises play materials to promote children's independence and encourage choices about their play and learning. Children are at home in the comfortable and welcoming surroundings and have settled in well. The majority of records, documentation, policies and procedures are in place. This contributes to the continuity of care of the children. The childminder attends relevant training on a regular basis. She has an National Vocational Qualification in Childcare and Education and keeps her first aid up to date. As a result children's safety, security and partnership with parents is enhanced. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop the use of her garden to support children's needs. This recommendation has not been addressed and the garden is now excluded from registration. The childminder also agreed to improve fire safety precautions by providing a smoke alarm on the lower ground floor. There is a smoke alarm fitted to each level of the childminder's property which are tested on a regular basis. This enhances children's safety.

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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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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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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and obtain written permission before administering medication.

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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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