Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 404556 Inspection date 20 June 2005 Inspector Zoe Smith

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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 2001. She lives in the Romiley district of Stockport with her two children who are aged seven and nine years. Children have access to all rooms on the ground floor except the utility room, and the bathroom which is on the first floor. The garden is not included in the registration, children are taken on walks and trips to local parks to provide outdoor and physical play activities. The childminder is registered to mind four children, she is minding two children on a combination of full and part-time places.

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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 family do not have any pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy participating in physical play activities and are starting to gain control and co-ordination over their bodies. Daily walks and visits to local parks provide children with plenty of fresh air and exercise. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home. The childminder implements good hygiene practices and routines. Children are learning about the importance of cleanliness and personal care. This reduces the risk of infection and illness and helps to keep children well. Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables. Dietary requirements are agreed with parents. Children’s preferences are well catered for. They receive drinks and food in sufficient quantities to meet their 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 generally safe and well maintained home. Most potential risks have been identified and safety precautions put in place to minimise risks. However the sofas are covered in plastic sheeting, cleaning fluids and sharp knives are stored in low level cupboards within the reach of children. These items may pose a risk of accident and injury to the children. Children adhere to simple rules to help keep them safe, such as not climbing on the furniture. Children choose what to play with from a wide variety of safe, good quality age appropriate toys and equipment. Children are well supervised and carefully monitored by the childminder. She makes sure they choose resources that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children’s safety and protection is of importance to the childminder. She has up to date knowledge of first aid practice and is aware of local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and her

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are content and happy at the childminder’s home. They quickly settle and make themselves at home. Children enjoy being with each other and are beginning to form friendships. They have lots of opportunities to socialise with other children, through attendance at toddler groups. Children have access to a good variety of age

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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 appropriate activities, toys and equipment, which are designed to stimulate their interest and development. Children love looking at books and listening to stories with the childminder. They delight in imaginative play, enthusiastically taking photographs of each other and talking to each other on toy phones. They have time to relax as well as to be active. The childminder does not use the Birth to three matters framework, use of it will enable her to further enhance the range of activities provided for younger children. Children are learning social skills, such as sharing. They respond to the childminder who interacts with them frequently throughout the day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to books and imaginative toys that provide positive images. They participate in some activities that help them learn about their own and the religious and cultural beliefs of others. This is helping them to understand others and is increasing their awareness of wider society. Children are developing a good sense of belonging and knowledge of their local community. Very good use is made of local amenities, children look forward to and enjoy visiting the library, parks and toddler groups. This provides them with a broad range of interesting and enjoyable learning experiences. Children respond to meaningful praise from the childminder. They know the boundaries that are in place and play harmoniously with each other.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in the well-organised environment. This promotes their confidence, so they feel at home and begin to explore their surroundings. Children respond to and enjoy receiving lots of encouragement and attention from the childminder. Children’s individual needs are well met and their welfare promoted, through good practice, policies and procedures. Children benefit from having continuity. Their care is agreed with parents, through regular discussions and written contacts. The childminder keeps parents well informed about their child's day, progress and any issues. Children are making progress in all areas of development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain written permissions from parents to administer medication and to transport children in the car. Written agreements are now in place and children are cared for and only participate in activities agreed by their parents.

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Improvements 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

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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): • improve safety precautions to prevent children being able to access plastic bags/sheeting, cleaning products and/or sharp knives • increase knowledge and understanding of the Birth to Three Matters Framework to further enhance the care provided for babies and young children

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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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