Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 306902 Inspection date 19/01/2011 Inspector Jennie Lenton

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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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband in Marple, an area on the outskirts of Stockport in Cheshire. The playroom, kitchen and toilet facilities of the childminder's bungalow are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a pet dog and two horses.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of six children under eight years may attend at any one time. There are currently ten children on roll, of whom six are under eight years. Of these, four are within the early years age range. Children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to and from local schools, childcare groups and childminder groups.

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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

Children are happy and content in the childminder's welcoming home. They are well supported as the childminder works positively with parents, getting to know each child's requirements and individual character. Children's learning and development is successfully promoted as there is a wide range of engaging activities based on their interests. Most policies and procedures are in place to safeguard children. Self-evaluation is not fully developed to show plans for the future.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 02/02/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 match children's achievements to the expectations of the early learning goals develop a system for self evaluation to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the provision and promote continual development.

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the early years provision

The childminder is clear about her role and responsibility in relation to safeguarding. A clear written policy is in place which includes all relevant details to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensure prompt referral to relevant agencies if required. Full risk assessments are in place to protect children as they play in the home or as they go on outings. This reduces the risk of accidental harm as the childminder effectively reduces any identified hazards. Children also learn how to keep themselves safe. They know how to behave sensibly around the horses and follow instruction to play safetly on the garden swing.

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the early years provision

The childminder displays a high level of commitment to her role and takes a professional approach to childcare. She has attended all required courses and is well organised, keeping abreast of any changes in legislation. Consequently, most policies and procedures are in place as required. However, while medication records are maintained to show what has been administered to children, and parents have given verbal consent for medication to be given, the childminder does not obtain written consent prior to each administration. The childminder has an inclusive approach, meeting each child's individual needs. She works effectively with parents to find out about their child and builds positive relationships to ensure any issues can be promptly discussed. Parents report that they are very happy with the care provided. They state that their children 'love to come' as the childminder 'genuinely cares' for them.

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the early years provision

There is a positive approach to developing the setting further. Recommendatins from the last inspection have been met. For instance, the pet food and water bowls have been moved to ensure children's safety. The childminder reviews her procedures to meet current legislation and collates parents views of the setting. However, she has not identified plans for future improvement or developed a system to regularly assess the strengths and weaknesses of the setting.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress as they are provided with a wide range of activities and resources that meet their learning and development needs. They have plenty of opportunities to engage in free play, selecting books, cars and small world sets. They also enjoy a range of adult-led activities, such as, a trip to Manchester and regular outings to local toddler groups. The childminder is skilled at developing learning through play as she gently questions them, asking about the colours of the cars they select or the number of items in the books they read. Consequently, children are given plenty of opportunities to show what they know. They are encouraged to develop their skills as the childminder takes the time to support them as they develop their writing skills or learn to count up to 20. Their achievements are recorded and show that they are all making good progress throughout the six areas of learning. Their achievements are not matched to the

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and outcomes for children

expectations of the early learning goals, however, so gaps in development are not easily identified.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave well. They show respect for each other and for the home as the childminder provides clear boundaries and expectations. Children help to tidy up after an activity and wait patiently as the childminder gets ready to take them This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 outside to play. Their health is generally well promoted as the childminder excludes children with infectious illnesses in order to protect the well-being of others. Clear hand washing routines, before meals and after visiting the toilet, help children understand how to take care of their own health. The consistency of such routines means that children remind the childminder, 'it's handwashing time', after their nappies are changed. Children are provided with healthy choices at snack and mealtimes. They happily tuck into the sandwiches they bring from home and are offered snacks of fruit and yogurt to compliment this. There is daily access to the

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and outcomes for children

outside area where they have fun going up and down in push along cars or sitting on the swing. They also enjoy regular visits to the farm where they are able to pet the childminder's horses. They have fun mixing the animals feed and helping to groom them. As a result of the wide range of activities, children are constantly engaged and happy in the childminder's care. 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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