Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY284430 Inspection date 17/01/2011 Inspector Sue Anslow

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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.

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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

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and three children, aged 10, eight and four years, in the Stockport area of Cheshire. The house is within walking distance of the park, library and shops. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a dog, two rabbits and two lizards.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. She is also registered by Ofsted on both parts of the Childcare Register to care for children over five.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and she attends a number of other play facilities during the week.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

A increasing knowledge of each child's individual needs ensures that the childminder successfully promotes children's welfare and supports them in making good progress in their learning. Children are safe and secure and respond to the childminder's friendly personality. All of the children are included in games, outings and activities, which promote an environment of inclusion and equality. Partnerships with parents and other professionals in the community are effective and serve to provide a consistent approach to the childcare practice. The childminder is aware of her many strengths and has an understanding of areas needing further development. An effective system of self-evaluation is in place.

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further?

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

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further?

 organise the written observations of children's achievements, to show all stages in their development.

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the early years provision

All aspects of children's safety are promoted well. The childminder keeps up-to- date with current child protection procedures and provides parents with a written safeguarding policy outlining her responsibilities should she have any concerns. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder's home is clean, warm and safe for children to play in and any potential hazards are removed. Toys and equipment are checked regularly and full risk assessments are carried out on the home and garden, as well as venues for outings. Children learn to keep themselves safe through good routines and reminders from the childminder, for example, crossing the road safely and practising evacuation procedures.

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the early years provision

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure their wishes are respected and home routines are followed as appropriate. During the settling-in period the childminder gains knowledge about children's interests and preferences, which enables her to plan appropriate activities and outings to enhance and encourage their development. Daily discussions with parents ensure consistency of routine and parents are able to look at the many photographs taken by the childminder. A file of comprehensive policies and procedures reassures parents of the childminder's commitment to providing good childcare and records are kept accurate and up-to-date. Good liaison with local schools and other play facilities provides continuity of support and enhances children's learning while in the care of the childminder.

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the early years provision

A range of resources for children of differing ages ensures there is something to interest all children and promotes their learning and development. Children can explore the contents of different baskets on the floor and help themselves to books or dressing up clothes as the mood takes them. The childminder is keen to increase her knowledge and skills by attending various courses and meeting up regularly with other childminders to exchange information. She evaluates her practice regularly and highlights areas she wants to develop further. The recommendation raised at the last inspection was put in place immediately to enhance children's play experiences. Everyone is welcomed into the childminder's warm and friendly home. Children are treated with equal respect and their unique requirements are met successfully.

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and outcomes for children

Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals through the variety of activities and effective support from the childminder. All learning is done through play, activities and outings. The childminder is always on hand to make suggestions or ask appropriate questions to encourage children to think for themselves. For example, playing 'shops' in the tent leads to interesting discussions about which items are fruit and which are vegetables. Children counted how many carrots they had to sell and what colour the different items were. The childminder promotes children's interest in books through visits to the library and listening to stories. Chatting, exchanging information and asking questions promotes good communication and extends children's vocabulary.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy and benefit from visiting local groups and play facilities during the week. They meet up with other children and adults, which promotes social This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 interaction. They learn about respect and sharing and these occasions generally widen their experiences of the local community. The childminder is aware of the six areas of learning contained in the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and ensures all activities fully promote children's all-round development. She records her observations of children's achievements in their individual profile books and keeps a separate album of photographs to show parents what they have been doing. As part of her self-evaluation process, the childminder is looking at ways of using the photographs to illustrate the children's actual achievements.

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and outcomes for children

Creative activities are a great favourite with the children as they paint pictures of butterflies, roll out the play dough and mix ingredients for a baking activity. Using lots of natural materials such as sand, soil and shredded paper extends children's experiences and excites their curiosity. They enjoy healthy lifestyles as they crawl through tunnels in the garden or use the climbing and sliding equipment in the indoor and outdoor playgrounds. They enjoy the healthy snacks provided by the childminder, which complement the packed lunches supplied by parents. Good hygiene routines are followed and children have access to drinks throughout the day. Any accidents or illnesses are managed well and children can rest or sleep in comfort according to their needs. Children are happy and settled in this relaxed, informal environment. They enjoy the childminder's company, copying the action songs, shaking the bells to accompany 'The Bicycle Song', or just snuggling up for

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and outcomes for children

a cuddle. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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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

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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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

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Stage

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

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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

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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

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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