Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 501367 Inspection date 24 January 2006 Inspector Christine Myerscough

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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 was registered in 1989. She lives with her husband and two children, one of whom is an adult and the other is aged 13 years. They live in a house in Stockport. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding except for the rear lounge. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding 11 children who attend on either a full or part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends toddler groups and takes children to parks and the library.

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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 (NCMA) and the Borough of Stockport Childminding Association (BOSCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Established daily routines encourage and reinforce appropriate hygiene practices. For example, younger children wear bibs at mealtimes and put on aprons during creative play. Older children become independent in their self-care skills and wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. There are good standards of cleanliness around the home to maintain children's health. Comfortable furnishings provide for children's relaxation so they can rest and unwind their bodies to ensure their wellbeing. Children are well nourished. They enjoy healthy snacks and homemade cooked meals with fresh fruit and vegetables on offer daily. This helps to promote their growth and development. The childminder has a good understanding of children's likes and dislikes and takes these into account when preparing and serving meals. Alternative foods are offered, if needed. Mealtimes are a relaxed occasion. Children

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Helping children to be healthy

sit at the table, chat with the childminder and develop their independence skills as they learn to feed themselves. They have ready access to drinks to keep them well refreshed. Children benefit from a good amount of exercise. Every day they keep fit as they walk to and from school. A wide range of equipment in the childminder's garden promotes their physical development and skills as they ride bikes and play on the trampoline. Regular trips to toddler groups and parks help to build children's muscular strength and coordination. They have space to play, run about and kick footballs. A weekly visit to an activity based centre provides challenging experiences for children to explore their physical capabilities and develop their confidence. For example, they jump into ball pools and learn to negotiate climbing apparatus.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. A homely, bright and well-maintained environment helps children to feel totally at ease in their surroundings. Space and equipment are organised effectively so they can move freely and safely between the play areas. A good range of quality toys and equipment stimulates children's interest and supports their learning well. Positive steps are taken by the childminder to ensure there are appropriate safety precautions and suitable security arrangements to minimise risks to children. For example, there are covers on low level sockets and harmful substances are placed out of children's reach. Main doors are kept locked to prevent unwanted entry and ensure children cannot leave the home unsupervised. Suitable fire safety precautions, such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket, are in place to ensure children

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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 do not come to harm. Children develop a good sense of road safety. They follow the childminder's instructions, act sensibly and know where to stop before it is safe to cross the roads. Older children walk in front of the childminder in pairs so they are always in her sight. Younger ones are transported in their buggy or ride on the buggy board. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to safeguard children's welfare and parents are informed about her role. However, she does not have a clear understanding of the procedures to follow in line with Area Child Protection Committee guidelines to ensure children are sufficiently protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and well cared for. The relaxed atmosphere and the childminder's caring approach enable them to settle in quickly. Children are well nurtured through cuddles and soothing words contributing to their sense of wellbeing. As a result, they form trusting relationships with the childminder and feel secure. Their needs are successfully met as the childminder gets to know children and their families very well and is in tune with their differing personalities. Children make good progress in their overall development. Planned activities capture their imagination and interest, motivating them to learn. Good emphasis is placed on encouraging the children's creativity through a varied range of craft materials. Children eagerly participate and find learning fun. Their feelings and ideas are represented in a variety of ways as they make Elmer the Elephant and create their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

collage. They develop good concentration levels and spend considerable periods of time engrossed in their activity, producing detailed work. The childminder uses these opportunities to develop children's mathematical thinking as they discuss different shapes and learn to count. Her enthusiastic approach gives children confidence to try new experiences as they experiment with mark making and attempt to write their name on their pictures. Children are confident communicators. They develop a wide vocabulary as the childminder establishes a good rapport and consistently talks to them to engage them as they play. Children feel at ease to ask for help and support and skilful questions help them to think and make connections. They love listening to stories and join in with endings. Visits to the library and toddler groups provide children with different learning experiences and they widen their social circle as they meet new

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

friends. This extends their learning and encourages them to become sociable and make friendships. Older children make choices about how they wish to spend their time after school. They enjoy playing together and interact well.

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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 feel valued as the childminder treats them as part of her family. Their photographs are on display which helps them to feel important. Children develop a sense of pride as they take their creative work home to share with their family. Sensitivity is shown towards children's individual needs so they feel well supported and comfortable in expressing themselves. The childminder has a positive attitude towards providing an inclusive service and recognises the importance of working alongside parents to meet children's specific requirements. She talks to children about similarities and differences and encourages them to respect others. Awareness of their local environment is developed through trips within the community, for example, to parks and the library. The stimulating day has a positive impact on children's behaviour. They behave well

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and respond to distraction techniques and the consistent boundaries set by the childminder. They organise and play games together and older children enjoy looking after the younger ones. Good use of praise supports children's efforts and boosts their self-esteem. Open and trusting relationships with parents contribute to an effective partnership to meet children's needs successfully. Information is shared daily and children are cared for alongside their siblings so they can play and be together as a family. This provides consistency and continuity of care for children. Parents are appreciative of the childminder's service and value her flexible approach. However, the childminder is not yet secure in her knowledge of how to record complaints with parents in line with revisions to the National Standards.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from an experienced childminder who makes good use of her time, planning experiences to foster children's confidence and learning. Children receive a good amount of attention and support as the childminder dedicates her time to playing and interacting with them. This has a positive effect on their wellbeing and successfully promotes their enjoyment and achievement. Space and resources are organised effectively so children can freely express themselves, initiate their own play and participate in a range of activities. As a consequence children feel at home and play in a confident and secure manner. The childminder keeps Ofsted informed of any relevant matters to meet with the requirements of her registration. Membership of the National Childminding Association and the Borough of Stockport Childminding Association contributes to her keeping abreast of current issues in child care so children benefit from up-to-date

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Organisation

practices. Records and documentation are accessible and very well organised to maintain a safe and efficient service to contribute to children's safety and well-being. The childminder holds a certificate in first aid so is in a position to administer treatment if necessary, to protect children's health. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended that the childminder develop sensory experiences for babies, keep consent forms with parents and provide a wider range of play opportunities to promote equality of opportunity. The childminder has a put together a feely box so babies can explore a range of different textures and materials to develop their senses. Consent forms are now in place to ensure that children are cared for according to parents' wishes. A selection of resources, such as multicultural books help children to increase their awareness of diversity and gain some understanding of the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A concern was received regarding National Standard 1: Suitable Person in October 2004. An investigation was carried out. The childminder remains qualified for registration. The childminder 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of Area Child Protection Committee procedures • ensure a record of complaints is maintained in line with revisions to the National Standards.

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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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