Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 306965 Inspection date 21/01/2011 Inspector Jacqueline Nation

p.1

Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

p.1

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.3

Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

p.3

Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

p.3

Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1997. She lives with her three children aged 12, nine and eight years, in the Heaton Mersey area of Stockport. The whole ground floor of the property is used for childminding, this includes access to toilet facilities. First floor rooms are not used. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. Local amenities such as shops, parks and schools are within walking distance. The family have a pet dog. The premises are easily accessible.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently four children on roll, two of whom are within the early years age range. Children attend on various days. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and nurseries.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy and relaxed as they learn through play in this welcoming family home. The childminder plans and provides many good opportunities for children to learn and develop in the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring they make good progress in all areas of learning. Effective partnerships with parents support children's welfare and ensure their individual needs are met. The childminder shows a capacity to maintain continuous improvement by reflecting on her practice, although the system for self-evaluation is in the early stages. Most of the required documentation is in place.

p.4

further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 obtain information from parents in advance of a child being admitted to the provision, regarding who has legal contact with the child and who has parental responsibility for the child (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 04/02/2011

p.4

further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

p.4

further?

 update the risk assessment record to include assessments for each specific outing  develop the self-evaluation process further to identify the strengths and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

p.4

the early years provision

Safeguarding is given good attention as the childminder is fully aware of her duty to protect children in her care. She has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. The childminder shares her written safeguarding policy with parents. Children play safely within the welcoming environment because the childminder has given consideration to potential risks in the home and has taken appropriate action to minimise these. Risk assessments are in place, and the childminder is vigilant and supervises the children well. Whilst children are kept safe on outings and generic risk assessments are in place, the childminder has yet to devise risk assessments for each outing undertaken with the children. The childminder maintains organised and effective recording systems with regard to the children's attendance, medication and accidents to ensure children's welfare is promoted. However, the childminder has not obtained information from parents

p.5

the early years provision

about who has legal contact with the child, and who has parental responsibility for the child. This is a specific legal requirement of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder has a comprehensive range of written policies that underpin her practice and are shared with parents. All records are stored to maintain confidentiality.

p.5

the early years provision

Good quality interaction and well-established routines help children to become secure and confident in the childminder's home. It is evident that the childminder clearly enjoys the children's company and they approach her with ease to ask questions and make their needs known. The childminder makes good use of the available space and children are able to choose resources and direct their own play. Informative posters and displays of children's work help to create a child- centred and interesting play space. Good attention is given to making sure children play with toys that are safe, clean and in good condition. The childminder is committed to ensuring the provision is inclusive for all families. All children are welcomed and supported by the childminder who appreciates their unique characteristics and personalities.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnership with parents and carers is good. The childminder works closely with parents from the outset gathering information about children's routines, care needs and parents' preferences. The childminder makes sure parents are kept informed about their child's daily routine, well-being and achievements. The childminder seeks the views of parents about the provision through the use of a questionnaire. Feedback is very positive and it is evident parents are happy with the care provided for their children. The childminder recognises the importance of working with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage and she works closely with the local school and nursery. This helps support children's continuity of care and learning. The childminder helps children to understand about the society in which they live through a wide range of outings, activities and the use of resources that represent a diverse society.

p.5

the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is enthusiastic about what she does and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing improvement to ensure the best possible outcomes for children. The childminder has started to complete the self-evaluation form and is able to identify her strengths and areas for development. The childminder is taking positive steps to ensure resources and the environment is sustainable. She makes good use of local amenities and children learn to recycle household materials and food waste.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children achieve well and make good progress towards the early learning goals because the childminder plans a wide range of activities and outings which children enjoy. Individual observation books show children's achievement across all areas of learning, and a delightful photographic record illustrates their enjoyment. The childminder uses the information gained from observations to plan and identify children's next steps in learning to ensure they move forward at a pace suitable to their individual needs.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and this ensures she responds spontaneously to children's needs. Children's personal, social and emotional development is fostered well. They have time and space to develop their own interests and a positive disposition to learn. The childminder helps children to develop independence by encouraging them to put their own coats and shoes on. Children have lovely manners, they are confident and show that they feel very comfortable in the childminder's home. Children's language and communication skills are well supported. The childminder spends time talking to and playing with the children at their level, and asks children questions to encourage their thinking and problem solving skills. Good resources are available for children to develop their mark-making skills and practise writing their name, which they enjoy. The childminder introduces children to initial letter sounds, and children talk about 'm'

p.6

and outcomes for children

for 'mummy'. Children's problem solving, reasoning and numeracy skills are fostered well in a broad range of contexts. Discussions about numbers, shapes and colours are introduced as children play, and through counting games and number puzzles. Children take part in a wide range of activities to develop their creative and imaginative skills. They enjoy painting, sticking activities and role play with tea sets, confidently making cups of tea for the childminder and visitor. Children like to build and construct, using an assortment of cardboard boxes and tubes, which they stick together with tape to make a truck. Children's knowledge and understanding of the world is developing well, they take part in activities and learn about different festivals and celebrations such as Diwali and Chinese New Year. They explore the local environment with visits to playgroups, local shops and parks. Good attention is given to children's physical development. The childminder

p.6

and outcomes for children

takes a range of resources to the park and children play parachute games, cricket, and ride on bikes and scooters. Children enjoy feeding the ducks at the park and are encouraged to observe birds and squirrels at the bird feeder in the garden. Overall, children have good opportunities to develop skills to support their future learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's behaviour is thoughtfully managed. The childminder has a calm and consistent approach, and she gives children praise and encouragement to help support their self-esteem and confidence. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as they discuss how to cross the road safely while on outings and the importance of staying close to the childminder at all times. Children's welfare needs are supported effectively. The childminder has appropriate parental consents in place, for example, to enable her to seek emergency medical advice or

p.6

and outcomes for children

treatment. She has completed first aid training and a first aid box is easily accessible. Children's good health and well-being is effectively assured as positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection. Good attention is given to keeping the home clean and children adopt good personal hygiene routines by washing their hands before meals and after using the bathroom. Children's dietary needs are met as the childminder ascertains relevant information relating to their individual needs and parents' preferences. Children learn about the benefits of healthy eating and the childminder provides nutritious meals, snacks and fresh fruit each day. Children's drinks are within easy reach to ensure they have regular drinks during the day and remain hydrated. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.8

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.8

Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9