Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY304237 Inspection date 09 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 parents and works with her mother who is also registered as a childminder. The house is in the Edgeley area of Stockport, within walking distance of shops, parks, toddler groups, playgroups and schools. The rooms used for childminding are the lounge, kitchen and first floor bathroom. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. When working with her mother a total of five children may be present, four of whom may be under 5 years. There is currently one child on roll.

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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 attends carer and toddler groups on a regular basis and is a member 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 a clear sickness policy. They learn good hygiene routines such as regular hand washing, made fun with a novelty soap dispenser. Suitable, hygienic nappy changing practice prevents the risk of cross-infection and protects the health of children. The childminder has a clear awareness of health issues and childhood illnesses. Accident and medication details are accurately maintained which safeguard the welfare of children. Emergency contact numbers and parent consents are accessible at all times to protect the welfare of children in the event of an emergency. Children enjoy sociable meal times and their dietary requirements are met well. Individual needs are carefully discussed and recorded to ensure a suitable diet. The childminder has attended a course on healthy eating and has a good awareness of healthy options for children. She introduces new tastes and textures to them in food

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Helping children to be healthy

which promotes their health. Children are taken on frequent outings and benefit from playing out in the garden as often as possible. They have regular opportunities to develop physical skills and coordination at the park or at toddler groups. The fresh air and activities contribute to the general good health of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. They are comfortable in the setting and move around with confidence. The play area is made attractive to children with posters and accessible toys. Children have sufficient space to explore and play in areas which are maintained in a safe and suitable condition. The childminder creates a relaxing atmosphere with lullaby music as children go to sleep. Children are safe in the home, with all reasonable measures in place to minimise hazards and prevent accidents. These include fire safety equipment and a suitable emergency evacuation plan to protect children. However, fire safety is compromised as the evacuation procedure is not practiced. Suitable arrangements are in place for outings which ensure that children are secure and safe. Supervision of the children is good with two childminders present for the majority of time that children attend.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and the procedures. She uses a child protection statement and discusses her responsibilities with parents to safeguard the welfare of 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 good. Children develop warm and affectionate relationships with the childminder. They are happy and well stimulated in the setting. The childminder has work experience from a pre-school group and introduces interesting ideas to help children progress. Babies respond with excitement at their reflection in a carefully placed mirror. Children learn to name facial features as they draw heads and faces. They are interested in the activities and learn through play. The childminder interacts well with the children as she sits on the floor with them to ensure good eye contact. Language development is encouraged as the childminder reads stories, sings and talks to the children. They develop confidence as they are reassured and praised for their efforts. The childminder develops tactile play opportunities so that children explore a variety of textures and objects, such as accessible mobiles. A balloon tied to string

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encourages a baby to reach and kick which helps physical development and coordination. Creative activities are planned and link to themes or events, for example, children make cards and plant bulbs for Mothers Day. The childminder has a clear understanding of the stages of child development and plans consistent routines to meet their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are discussed, recorded and met well. The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities and the policy is effective in practice. Children develop positive attitudes as they learn to share and become aware of others. They have varied resources which reflect diversity and help children become aware of similarity and difference. The childminder has some experience as a special needs assistant and has a clear understanding of related issues. She welcomes all children and aims to promote inclusion. Children respond well to the positive methods used to manage behaviour. Children are happily occupied so they behave well and are cooperative. They have a close relationship with the childminder and understand expectations of behaviour. Self-esteem develops as they are praised and encouraged in their play. Behaviour

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Helping children make a positive contribution

management is discussed with parents to ensure a consistent approach for children. The childminder promotes positive working relationships with parents. An effective arrangement to settle children in ensures that they feel secure. Information for parents is generally good and includes a leaflet about the setting. Written policies and procedures are in place, however, there are limited details in the complaints procedure. Regular discussions and appropriate record keeping contribute to the continuity of care for children.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and well cared for in the home. The childminder organises her time and space effectively to meet the needs of the children present. Consistent routines are planned and take account of the individual requirements of children. Good supervision and support from two adults working together benefits the children in their safety and development. Records and documentation are maintained in good order which contribute to the health, safety and welfare of children. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the National Standards and meets all regulatory requirements. She is developing knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework to further enhance the quality of care. The childminder regularly reviews her practice and actively seeks the views of parents on the care given. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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): • practice the emergency escape plan to improve fire safety procedures for children

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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 information on the complaints procedure for parents.

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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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