Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY227525 Inspection date 25 November 2005 Inspector Shirley Leigh Monks-Meagher

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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 November 2002. She lives with her husband and 8 year old son in the Edgeley area of Stockport. Their house is within walking distance of shops and a park. Children have access to the dining room and morning room on the ground floor and there are two further playrooms and toilet and washing facilities in the basement. The fully enclosed garden is accessed via the basement. The family have a pet dog. At the time of inspection there were 11 children on role. The majority of these children attend on a part time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from

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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 various nurseries and playgroups and provides before and after school care for children attending the local primary school. She attends various toddler groups and facilities such as the library, local park and play centre. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained home where they learn about the importance of good hygiene and personal care. A simple hand washing song helps the children to clean their hands thoroughly and individual towels minimise cross infection. Routines and stories such as 'Wash your Hands' strengthen their understanding of why hand washing is important and they know it "gets rid of the bugs and germs that make us poorly". Children's good health is further maintained because an effective sick child policy excludes children if they are infectious. Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's ability to maintain clear documentation relating to the safe administration of medication and recording of accidents. Children gain a good awareness of a healthy lifestyle through routines and activities. The provision of healthy snacks and balanced nutritious meals and topics such as

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy Eating and Me and My Body enable them to make informed choices and develop a positive attitude towards exercise. Children drink water to keep themselves refreshed and hydrated. They recognise the importance of vegetables and fruit in a healthy diet and know the five a day rule. Children spend much of their time on physical play. They enjoy regular trips to the park and Rumble in the Jungle where they practice their ball skills, manoeuvre wheeled vehicles, climb and balance, developing their strength and co-ordination. Babies experience a range of activities which stimulate their mobility, physical skills and control of their growing bodies. Children's emotional wellbeing is fostered because the childminder is affectionate and attentive, sensitive to their needs and follows their individual routines as discussed with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder takes precautions to minimise the risk of accidental injury to children. Her home provides children with a safe, child friendly environment where they are happy and secure. The play areas within the home are effectively organised to make the best use of the available space. Children move freely and confidently between the indoor rooms and outdoors. They are able to safely help themselves to high quality toys, equipment and resources. As a result they develop independence and initiative and are able to lead and extend their own play. Children learn to keep themselves safe. They are clear about safety procedures

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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 when on outings such as holding hands, walking together and using the Green Cross Code for crossing the road. They know how to quickly evacuate the childminder's house in the event of an emergency because they regularly practice the procedure. They comply with house rules designed to teach them how to play safely and not endanger others, for example, when using the stairs to the basement play rooms. Children are protected from harm or neglect because the childminder is knowledgeable about her role and responsibilities relating to Child Protection. She is therefore able to safeguard children's welfare in the event of a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children make choices, take responsibility for, lead and extend their own play. Their learning and enjoyment are well supported by the childminder in all areas of their development. She plans interesting activities which allow children to make progress and lead them into their next steps of learning. Children benefit from the considerable attention they each get from the childminder who spends her time playing with and talking to them, showing an interest in what they are doing and responding spontaneously to their interests. Children are content and settled in the childminder's home. The childminder is aware of and quickly responds to children's needs; comforting them if they become upset, helping them to deal with frustration and providing them with further stimulation if they become restless. Close, warm relationships are formed. The childminder and children sit close together, sharing the joy and wonder of the book Baby Bright when they feel

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the different textures and hear the varying sounds. Children enjoy the freedom to fully explore the wealth of resources and experiences on offer. They pursue their own interests. For example, a child independently helps herself to crayons, paper and an animal template from the drawer. She is totally engrossed drawing carefully, adding features such as eyes and ears. Once finished, she is eager to join in the singing and is clearly familiar with the song 'the wheels on the bus' when the red bus is drawn from the song bag.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs discussed with parents. All children are able to participate in activities and opportunities which meet their needs and abilities because the childminder provides appropriate equipment. Children develop a strong understanding of the local community and the wider world. They visit community facilities, celebrate a variety of festivals and are able to taste foods from other cultures, such as Chinese. The world map is used to identify where the children come from and they can identify some common words in Hebrew, Italian, Zimbabwean and Philippine. Books, puzzles and play materials help children develop a positive attitude to differences.

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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 Children behave well. They have a good understanding of acceptable behaviour due to clear boundaries and expectations which help them learn right from wrong. The children display their own set of rules on their 'Do Not', a large home made poster which clearly demonstrates their understanding that a rule has purpose. For example, to keep them safe or to respect others. Children develop a positive self-image and confidence because their efforts and achievements are encouraged and rewarded with positive praise from the childminder. Children's care is enhanced by successful partnerships with parents. Warm and friendly relationships are formed where parent's views are clearly valued and respected. The childminder shares information daily about children and activities using individual communication books. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's learning. For example, they provide key words in their own language for the world map activity. Children enjoy continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The care and welfare of the children is enhanced through the detailed and effective documentation which is shared with parents. Most legally required documentation is in place, meticulously maintained and very well organised with the exception of the newly introduced complaints record. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's home and participate in an extensive range of activities due to the effective organisation of space and resources. The childminder is well organised to provide children within consistent routines. She organises regular visits out to places of interest and where children have fun. As a result, children are happy and secure. They learn to mix with other adults and children through community based facilities. Overall, they benefit from a good balance of activities in the childminder's home and within the community, and the well placed adult support which fosters their confidence.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

It was recommended at the previous inspection that parents acknowledge entries in the medication records and written parental consent to transport children in a named vehicle is obtained. The childminder has obtained written parental consent to transport children in her car and these are all filed securely with children's records. National Childminding Association publications are used to record medication administered and parental consents and these are fully maintained. As a result of the childminder's actions children's welfare and safety are safeguarded.

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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 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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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): • Set-up a system to record any complaints, action taken and outcome and make it available to parents upon request.

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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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