Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 306646 Inspection date 21 June 2005 Inspector Sarah Taylor

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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 1995 and is currently caring for three children. The childminder lives with her husband and two daughters. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder also takes the children to park and local groups. Local amenities include shops, local transport, schools and library. The registration does not include overnight care.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of cleanliness through enthusiastic participation in effective tidying and cleaning routines. Personal hygiene habits are part of the daily routine and children wash their hands at appropriate times. They are well protected from cross infection by the childminder's effective sick child policy, which is shared with parents. They are shielded from contamination as the childminder ensures that the toys, equipment, food preparation and play areas are cleaned regularly with antibacterial cleaner. Children are well hydrated though the day and have free access to milk and water at all times. Children attend who have sensitivity to additives. Drinks are provided that ensure the allergy is not aggravated therefore protecting the child from ill health. The parents provide a packed lunch for their child. Children learn the importance of healthy meals through discussion with them about what they have brought to eat.

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Helping children to be healthy

They are making healthy choices of fruit and other wholesome alternatives as a snack provided by the childminder. They learn how to feed themselves using appropriate cutlery promoting their development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have the benefit of a well resourced, dedicated play room where they can participate in structured activities, like baking, or free play activities. Sometimes, however, their play is hindered as they do not tidy toys away when they have finished with them and the area becomes cluttered and hard for younger children to negotiate. Children are stimulated through a good choice of well looked after toys stored in boxes around the room and on open shelving. Their safety around toys and equipment is maintained as the childminder makes sure that everything complies with British safety standards. The safety of the children inside the home is sustained through the use of appropriate safety equipment like smoke alarms, restraints and stair gates. Close supervision of the children at all times ensures their protection within the home. Outside the home, children's safety is compromised as the ground has some cracked

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and raised paving stones and the rear gate is not adequately locked. Children are adequately protected through the childminder's knowledge of child protection issues and procedures. Written policies and procedures outline the action the childminder would take in this area.

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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 The provision is good. Children settle well and are confident to make themselves at home. They develop social skills and relate very well to each other and with children outside the setting through attendance at local toddler groups. Children's independence is well fostered as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. They have the benefit of informally planned activities which foster emotional, intellectual, physical and social capabilities such as story times, park and outdoor play times and group activities like cooking. Younger children's learning and development is promoted through the implementation of the Birth to Three Matters framework. They spend their time purposefully and enjoy a good range of experiences which contribute to their imagination such as dressing up, animals and home corner activities. Early

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

communication skills are well supported through good adult-child interactions. Children's communication is valued and reinforced skilfully as the childminder listens and responds to their early speech patterns. Intellectual capabilities are developed within the setting through the childminder's questioning skills to challenge the children during their play and through the sharing of books at story time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to resources that reflect positive images of society like figures, books and jigsaws. They learn to value others experiences and ways of life as they talk about a child's visit to Jamaica and similarities and differences in culture. This promotes their understanding of the wider world and exposes all children to images of race and culture. They are encouraged to play with all toys and participate in all activities regardless of their gender. This promotes equal opportunities. Children behave very well as the childminder uses praise, assurance and encouragement to promote good behaviour. This increases children’s self esteem. They increase their self confidence as their achievements are acknowledged, for example, the toddler learning to use the toilet is encouraged and praised and further challenge and opportunities to achieve are given. Children know that they are valued

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Helping children make a positive contribution

as the childminder gives them full attention when they speak. Consequently, children learn to value others when they speak and can effectively articulate their thoughts and desires. Children benefit from continuity of care as there are systems in place for the regular exchange of information between the childminder and parents. The parental feedback is extremely positive and the parents spoken to greatly value the care that is offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a suitably qualified carer as the childminder holds relevant

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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 qualifications in first aid and childminding practice. Care is provided for children in required ratios and this ensures the children are kept safe and make adequate progress in all areas. The children follow a routine through the week, which ensures that each area of development is promoted. Most policies and procedures are used well to promote the care of the children. They are shared with parents to keep them well informed of the service provided by the childminder. Some detail is missing from the children's contracts, which may compromise the care of the child. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to increase resources to promote equal opportunities. The childminder has purchased books and dolls and jigsaws and continues to build up resources in this area. This ensures that children are exposed to images of the wider world and therefore increases children's awareness of diversity and understanding of others.

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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): • update contracts to include all necessary information for the provision of safe care • ensure outdoor area is made fully secure so that children's safety is maintained

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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 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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