Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY311440 Inspection date 08 March 2006 Inspector Julie Wright

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two adult sons in the Heaton Chapel area of Stockport. The rooms registered for childminding are the conservatory, dining room, kitchen and the first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six at any one time. There is currently one child on roll. The childminder attends carer and toddler groups on a regular basis and is a member

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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 of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from the risk of illness and infection through the clear sickness policy. The childminder has effective health and hygiene procedures which promote the welfare of children. Good hygiene practice prevents cross infection and children become familiar with simple routines, such as regular hand cleaning. The childminder promotes the physical development of children through play. Babies enjoy exercise songs and action rhymes as they become aware of their limbs and movement. Resources are used well to encourage children in their physical development and co-ordination skills. There is a satisfactory range of outdoor play materials for children. Children benefit from the arrangements made to provide food and drink. Their dietary requirements are met well as the childminder works closely with parents to ensure consistent care. For example, weaning is discussed and a daily record of meals

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Helping children to be healthy

maintained. The childminder has sample menus which show a nutritional and balanced diet for children. She encourages children to try new tastes and textures which extends their diet and promotes good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are happy and well cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. The house is secure and areas used are well maintained clean and safe. Space is used well to provide varied activities which promote children's development. Children are familiar with the setting and take interest in their surroundings. The childminder is attentive to detail and ensures that they are consistently stimulated. For example, she places pictures on the skirting board to interest babies when they are lying down. Resources are varied and maintained in good condition to suit children aged from birth to 8 years. Children are safe and secure in the home as the childminder takes all reasonable measures to minimise hazards. She has a good understanding of safety issues and effectively reduces the risk of children having accidents. The childminder is vigilant in her supervision of children and constantly ensures their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The welfare of the children is safeguarded. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures. Relevant information is accessible and up to date. The childminder provides a written policy statement for parents which informs them of her responsibilities to protect 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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are settled, happy and very well stimulated in the childminder's home. They make very good progress in the care of the skilled and qualified childminder. She has a thorough understanding of child development and the Birth to three matters framework. Children benefit from the excellent range of planned activities which promote all areas of development to their full potential. Sensory play is imaginative and resourceful. Children relish the excellent variety of opportunities to explore different textures, tastes, sights and sounds. Language development is consistently encouraged and the childminder is attentive at all times. Children respond very well as they recognise familiar songs and enjoy the different sounds of musical instruments. Activities are changed frequently to ensure that children remain interested, occupied and contented. Children develop very warm and affectionate relationships with the childminder which

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

makes them secure. The routines are carefully planned to meet the individual needs of the children. The childminder knows the children very well and responds promptly to their personal needs. She keeps a detailed record of their activities and routines which is shared with parents. Children's achievements and progress are meticulously documented in their personal development file. The childminder records observations as children play and uses the information to plan for their next stage of development. Children thrive in the care of the childminder and her motivated, enthusiastic approach to childcare.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities. Children have equal access to a variety of resources which reflect diversity. The childminder promotes positive attitudes in children as they are encouraged to share and be aware of others. Their individual needs are known and met well by the childminder. All children are welcomed which promotes inclusion and the childminder has a sound awareness of special needs issues. Children are happy and respond well to the consistent approach in behaviour management. Babies feel secure as they are nurtured by the childminder. Achievements are recorded and praised which develops self-esteem. The behaviour policy is clear and implemented well in practice. The childminder promotes good working relationships with parents. Procedures to introduce and settle children are effective. Regular discussions with parents ensure that the individual needs of children are carefully met. Most written policies and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

procedures are in place and have sufficient detail to promote the welfare of children. The childminder keeps a daily diary to inform parents of general routines and activities. Parents contribute to their child's record of development with photos and notes of progress at home. Effective partnerships between parents and the

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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 childminder ensure consistent care of children.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from enhanced care and the meticulous organisation of the childminder. The premises are very well organised and used effectively to meet all individual needs of children. Play opportunities are maximised and children enjoy a wide range of activities. Clearly detailed records and documentation are maintained to a high standard which contribute to the good health and welfare of children. Children receive consistent, high quality care from a qualified, skilled childminder. She continues to ensure good practice through attendance on courses to update her knowledge. Ideas are introduced into her practice which further enhances the care of children. The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of the National Standards. She uses the guidance well to assure good practice and meet all childminding requirements. Overall, the good quality of the provision means that the

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Organisation

childminder clearly meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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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 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):

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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 • develop the procedure to keep a record of complaints • further develop the range of resources for outdoor play.

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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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