Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY310629 Inspection date 20 January 2006 Inspector Susan Magaret Lyon

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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 lives with her husband and daughter in a detached house in Oldham. She was registered in 2005 to care for five children. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the lounge, dining room, kitchen, upstairs bathroom, bedroom and back garden. There is a pet cat in the household. The childminder provides an out of school service for children from local primary schools. There are currently four children on roll.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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 to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn the importance of personnel hygiene through daily routines, such as washing hands after toileting and before food. Children stay healthy through the childminder preventing the spread of infection by excluding children who may be infectious and informing new parents of this policy. The home is clean and hygienic maintaining a healthy environment for children. The childminder provides nourishing meals and snacks for children, for example fresh fruit and sandwiches. Children begin to learn the importance of healthy eating through being involved in discussions about foods that are good for them. Children's health and dietary needs are met through discussions with parents thus promoting their health and well being. Children's good health is promoted through daily walks to and from school, visits to the local park and playing in the garden with a range of equipment such as bikes and

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Helping children to be healthy

slides. Children rest or sleep according to their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a mainly safe and secure environment. The childminder takes several precautions to minimise hazards. However, hazards have been identified in the garden which puts children at risk of accidents. The play areas are organised to provide space for children to move around freely and safely. Children use suitable and safe toys and equipment. They are kept safe on outings because the childminder has put safety measures in place, such as use of wrist straps and double buggies. They learn to keep themselves safe through discussions about road safety and playing with toys appropriately. The childminder gives regard to children's safety through close supervision. Her awareness of fire precautions contribute to children's safety whilst on the premises. Children are protected because the childminder has an understanding of her role in child protection and appropriate procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the childminder giving them lots of praise. They engage in a range of manufactured toys and games that foster their all round development. Children acquire new skills and knowledge from time spent with the childminder helping them to learn about numbers and colours. Children are encouraged to make positive relationships through sharing and taking turns. They freely make choices in their play and pursue their interests, such as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 selecting a favourite toy. Through a range of art and craft materials children develop their imagination and creativity, thus promoting their sense of achievement and enjoyment. Young children develop their senses and enjoy exploring textures of natural materials, such as pasta, feathers, water and sand. Children are happy and settled because the childminder provides close supervision and individual care and attention.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. They are made to feel important through being given praise and their art work being valued and displayed. The childminder ensures all the children are included in the life of the setting through changing and adapting the way play is provided. However, children's understanding and awareness of the wider world is limited due to lack of resources reflecting equal opportunities. Children are cared for by a childminder who works with parents to meet children's individual needs. Their care is enhanced through the daily exchange of information regarding their progress and welfare. Children behave well and begin to understand responsible behaviour through clear boundaries and explanations.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are safe and protected through the childminder's awareness of the vetting of household members. She maintains adequate ratios, thus improving the safety of children. The childminder organises time, space and resources to meet children's needs. Children benefit from visits to facilities in the local community, such as parks, the library and play groups. Children's care and well being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training, for example child protection and introduction to the Birth to 3 framework. All required documentation is up to date, shared with parents and kept confidential. 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 record of complaints made by parents which they can see on request. The complaints record

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • ensure the garden is free of hazards and play equipment is provided safely • develop children's awareness of the wider world through play resources reflecting equal opportunities.

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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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