Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 306810 Inspection date 29 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 a registered childminder since 1990. She is registered to care for six children and currently has three on roll. She lives with her husband and two daughters in the Edgeley area of Stockport. Areas used for childminding include the living room, dining room, the upstairs bathroom and the rear garden. The childminder takes the children to many local groups and facilities.

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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 She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 clean. Children are well hydrated though the day and have free access to water at all times. The parents provide a packed lunch for their child. Children learn the importance of healthy meals through discussion about what they have brought to eat. 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

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Helping children to be healthy

equipment and this promotes their development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have the benefit of a well resourced room where they can participate in structured activities or free play activities. Children are encouraged to tidy up as they have finished with an activity to prevent the area becoming too cluttered. 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. Children are adequately protected through the childminder's knowledge of child protection issues and procedures. Written policies and procedures outline the action

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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

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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 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 art and craft. Children spend their time purposefully and enjoy a good range of experiences which contribute to their imagination such as dressing up, cars and home corner activities. Communication skills are well supported through good adult-child interactions and children's communication is encouraged and reinforced as the childminder listens and responds to their speech. Children feel valued as the childminder makes sure she gets down to their level and communicates with them face to face. Intellectual capabilities are developed within the setting through the childminder's questioning

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills to challenge the children during their play and through the sharing of books at story time. Children enthusiastically count and learn about shape and colour together through the use of 'lift the flap' books, colouring and going up and down the stairs. The childminder has received training in the Birth to Three Matters framework and feels secure in her knowledge to offer a child under three appropriate stimulation and care. She demonstrates a good understanding of child development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to some resources that reflect positive images of society like figures and books. 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 their understanding of 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 cutting out by herself is encouraged and commended for her determination. Children know that they are valued as the childminder gives them full attention when they speak and converses with them all the time. Consequently, children learn to value others when they speak and can effectively articulate their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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. Parental feedback in the childminder's portfolio is extremely positive and the parents 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 includes nursery and toddler group visits and this ensures that each area of development is promoted. Policies and procedures are used very 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. Full parental consent information is missing from the some of the children's contracts. This 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): • ensure all parental consents are in place to ensure the protection of all children

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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