Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 306779 Inspection date 28 November 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 satisfactory. 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 1991. She lives with her two children. They live in a quasi-detached house, which is in Stockport and is close to shops, parks and the library. The family have a pet dog. Children have access to the playroom and the main bedroom on the first floor, which is used for children to sleep. The bathroom facilities are also on the first floor. A rear garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder currently cares for two children.

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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 and the Borough of Stockport Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is adequately maintained as they are cared for in a clean and tidy environment with plenty of space to move freely from activity to activity. They benefit from fresh air and exercise daily through walking to and from school and playing in the park and garden. They are sufficiently protected from cross infection through hygiene routines such as hand washing, tidying and cleaning, and a verbal sick child policy. Children have medication at the parents' request and with signed consent. The recording of medication given ensures children do not have an incorrect dosage. They are developing appropriate personal hygiene routines as they tidy up their toys and books and wash their hands. Children are kept adequately hydrated throughout the day through the provision of sufficient drinks, which are available at all times. Children eat a lunch prepared by their parents and the childminder maintains their health as the lunches are stored

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Helping children to be healthy

appropriately. They learn how to feed themselves using appropriate equipment and this promotes their development. They learn that meal times are social occasions and sit with the childminder and other children when they eat.

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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 sufficiently resourced play area where they can participate in free choice activities like craft or small world. The children are encouraged to tidy up when they have finished playing and therefore the area does not become cluttered and this promotes free movement. They are kept safe through adequate supervision and careful monitoring. Children are stimulated through a variety of looked after toys that are stored in accessible places around the room. Their safety around toys and equipment is maintained as the childminder makes sure that everything complies with British safety standards. Children are encouraged to choose and explore from the choices available. Children's safety inside the home is maintained through the use of appropriate equipment, such as smoke alarms and restraints. However, children are put at risk as some socket covers are missing. They are suitably protected out of the home through

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the childminder's supervision at all times. The children are protected appropriately through the childminder's knowledge of child protection issues and 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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well and are confident to make themselves at home in the warm and friendly environment. Their independence is sufficiently fostered as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. They have the benefit of informal activities, such as drawing, outdoor play times and group activities. They enjoy trips to the park, library and to local attractions. This helps to foster children's emotional, intellectual, physical and social capabilities. The children have the benefit of spontaneous play with the toys and this adequately develops their independence. Children spend their time engaged and enjoy an adequate range of experiences which contribute to their imagination such as small world, role play, art and craft and physical activities. Communication skills are sufficiently supported through good adult-child interactions. Children's communication is valued and reinforced

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

appropriately as the childminder listens and responds to their speech. Intellectual capabilities are sufficiently developed within the setting through the childminder's questioning skills to challenge and support the children during their play. For example, during the garage activity the children are asked, 'Will the car fit?' Children develop through the childminder's suitable explanation skills to ensure children know what is happening and why.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to appropriate resources that reflect positive images of society, like figures, books and jigsaws. They learn to value the experiences and ways of life of others through suitable discussion. 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 sufficiently promotes their understanding of equal opportunities. Children behave well as the childminder uses appropriate praise, assurance and encouragement to promote good behaviour. Any challenging behaviour, such as tantrums, are dealt with according to the child's age and stage of development and the parents' wishes. This increases children’s self-esteem. They increase their self-confidence as their achievements are acknowledged. Children know that they

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Helping children make a positive contribution

are valued as the childminder gives them full attention when they speak and responds promptly to their questions reinforcing the convention of turn taking. Consequently, children learn to value others when they speak and can sufficiently 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.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a suitably qualified carer as the childminder holds relevant qualifications in first aid and childminding practice. Care is provided for children in required ratios during the day and this ensures the children are kept safe and make adequate progress in all areas. The children follow a relaxed routine through the week including outdoor and indoor activities and this ensures that each area of development is sufficiently promoted. Policies and procedures are adequately used to promote the care of the children. They are shared with parents to keep them well informed of the service provided by the childminder. Information is generally recorded well, although some consents are missing from the children's records. 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 develop opportunities for messy play, develop natural materials, minimise hazards around emergency evacuation (the keys were inaccessible), cords on the blinds and trailing wires and ensure documentation is retained for a suitable period. The childminder has increased her resources to include natural materials and equipment for messy play. This provides children with a variety of opportunities for development. She has ensured that there is an emergency evacuation procedure (and keys are accessible) and that the cords on the blinds and trailing wires are inaccessible. This helps to maintain the safety of the children. Documentation is retained for a suitable period.

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure all plug sockets are covered to maintain the children's safety • ensure all parental consents are in place to ensure the welfare and care of the children (consent for emergency medical treatment).

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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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