Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 306708 Inspection date 09 March 2006 Inspector Angela Cuffe

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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 1990. She lives with her two adult sons in the south of Manchester. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding one child full-time and two on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect the children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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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.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They talk about the need to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating to prevent the spread of germs. The babies' equipment and changing area are kept clean, as well as the worktops in the kitchen and eating area. The children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. They have use of the garden and are taken out on a daily basis to socialise with other children and benefit from fresh air and exercise. The childminder understands the issues surrounding the safe storage and administration of medication. However, children's safety is compromised because the childminder does not have written permission to administer medication or seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet from the choice of meals

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Helping children to be healthy

and snacks available to them. These include fresh fruit and vegetables and a choice of healthy drinks. Some meals are provided by the childminder as well as snacks. The childminder is aware of the need to consider parents' wishes when providing food for the children in her care. Children's individual needs are discussed on induction. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks. They either help themselves or ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the ability to move around and freely choose from the toys and activities available. There is a satisfactory range of toys and equipment, which are well organised and stored within easy reach. The children have sufficient space to play comfortably indoors and access to a safe, enclosed garden for outdoor play. The risk of accidental injury is minimised by the regular checking of play materials and risk assessments of the premises. However, children's safety is compromised because the bathroom lock is within their reach. Children enjoy outdoor play in the garden. They are taken out on a regular basis to local parks, playgroup and libraries where they socialise with other children. The childminder uses strict routines to ensure safety whilst on outings. Discussions about road safety, stranger danger and regular fire drills, give the children a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

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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 Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home. The sharing of experiences as they talk and laugh together helps develop warm and caring relationships with the childminder and each other. They are given appropriate attention as the childminder is aware of their needs. She gives them support when needed as she sits on the floor joining in with their games and then watches as they happily play together. Children are motivated and interested in the range of age appropriate indoor and outdoor play activities. However, the limited use of natural materials impacts on younger children's stimulation. The children have access to the garden for outdoor play and are taken out on a regular basis where they socialise with other children. Children develop independence as they freely make choices about how they wish to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

spend their time. They enjoy each other's company and form strong friendships. They enjoy the toys available to them and explore the environment confidently. They pick out their favourite toys and interact well with the childminder as she talks cheerfully to them. The children are playing with various baby toys and pressing the correct buttons to make them work. The children are reading books and choosing stories for the childminder to read to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children value each other as individuals. They are made aware of the local community through regular outings. However, the lack of toys, equipment and books to reflect a diverse society limits the children's awareness and understanding of different cultures and the wider world. Children express their needs naturally to enable the childminder to gain a better understanding and build routines. As a consequence, the children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Good behaviour, children's efforts and achievements are acknowledged, recognised and praised appropriately. Consequently, children are confident and have high self-esteem. The childminder speaks positively to the children. She supports and helps them to understand simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. As a result, the children behave well. They interact with each other in a positive manner.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

They understand their boundaries and respond well to discussions and occasional reminders from the childminder. Information about the children's progress is shared with the parents verbally on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's needs are met through generally effective organisation. The daily routine offers a balance of adult led activities, free play and quiet times. The childminder ensures children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort. She organises play materials to promote children's independence and encourages choice about their play and learning. Children are at home in the comfortable and welcoming surroundings and have settled in well.

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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 majority of records and documentation are in place. This contributes to the continuity of care of the children. First aid and other relevant training is kept up to date. As a result, children's safety, security and the childminder's partnership with parents is enhanced. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to: inform Ofsted of significant changes; ensure daily attendance register includes the times of drop off and collection; obtain written permission for children to be transported in the car and provide further resources for older children. The childminder has informed Ofsted of significant changes and understands the need to do this. She now uses the National Childminding Association records, which are kept up to date. She has written permission to transport children in her car and has developed a range of toys, equipment and games for older children. This ensures safety of the children and provides stimulation and encouragement to all children cared for.

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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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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): • obtain written permission to administer medication and seek emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure safety of bathroom lock

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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 • provide toys, equipment and activities to promote equality of opportunities • improve children's access to natural materials in line with the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) framework Birth to three matters.

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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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