Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY332423 Inspection date 27/09/2011 Inspector Kay Armstrong

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged 15, 11 and five years. The family live in the Heaton Chapel area of Stockport close to shops, parks and the library. The children have access to the lounge, dining area and kitchen. Bathroom facilities are on the first floor. Outdoor play is provided in the enclosed rear garden. The family have a pet cat and bearded dragon

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. Currently there are seven children on roll, of these three are in the early years age group. The childminder who is a member of the National Childminding Association and gains support from the local authority.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a homely and inclusive environment. They make sound progress towards the early learning goals as the childminder provides a range of suitable activities and resources. She has an adequate understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has a sound knowledge and understanding of the children she cares for. However, the systems used to observe and plan for individual children has yet to be fully developed and resources which reflect diversity are limited. Positive relationships with parents, carers and others ensure continuity for the children as meaningful information is shared. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory capacity to improve overall, as systems to monitor and evaluate the service are in place which recognise areas for further development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the systems to make observations and assessment of each child's achievements, interests and learning styles  use the information gained from the observations to indentify learning priorities and plan relevant learning experiences for each child, which link into the early learning goals  develop further the range of resources which reflect postive images of diversity, in particular disabilities. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance. She is also confident of the action to take should she have any child protection concerns regarding a child. All adults in the home have been vetted and this includes a Criminal Records Bureau check. Comprehensive risk assessments are in place and daily checks of the play areas ensure children can play in a safe environment. The childminder has all the necessary safety procedures and equipment in place such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms. All records and documentation required for the safe and efficient management of the provision and to meet children's individual needs are in place and appropriately maintained. For example, she has written consents from parents for the administration of medication and to seek any emergency medical advice or treatment.

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the early years provision

Children benefit as the childminder demonstrates a commitment to developing her childcare practice. She has accessed training to develop her knowledge and to keep up-to-date with relevant information. She has made links with the local play groups and welcomes support from the local authority. The childminder is reflective of her practice and recognises her strengths and some areas which she could develop further. She has successfully met the majority of the recommendations raised at the last inspection. This demonstrates a satisfactory capacity to promote continuous improvement of the provision and outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established positive relationships with parents. They are valued as partners and are informed about the service provided through a range of policies and procedures. The verbal exchange of information ensures both parents and the childminder recognise children's changing and individual needs. Links with other providers are currently being developed.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy,secure and enjoy their time in the childminder's care. She has created a calm, welcoming and child-centred environment where children are supported and encouraged to learn and develop. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child development and promotes learning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder knows the children well. However, the system used to make sensitive observations is not yet fully developed. The information gathered from these observations is not always used to inform the planning of activities to further support children's learning and does not link into the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy visits to local play groups, the library and trips to the park. This supports their knowledge and understanding of the local environment and the different people within their community. They have some opportunities to express This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 themselves creatively as they use paints, sand and glue, dress up and play imaginatively. They develop their physical skills as they play in the park or in the garden on large equipment. The refine their fine motor skills as they draw and mark make with pencils and play with interlocking bricks and shapes. Children problem solve as they complete jigsaw puzzles and build models and towers from blocks. They giggle and laugh as they knock down the towers which the childminder has built. Their mathematical understanding is further fostered as they fill and empty the different sized containers in sand. They learn about shape, size

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and outcomes for children

and colour as they play with different resources.

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and outcomes for children

Children have adequate opportunities to develop skills for the future as they explore a suitable range of programmable resources and equipment and are becoming confident communicators. Some resources reflect our diverse society, however, these do not include positive images of children and adults with physical disabilities. Children's independence is promoted as they self-select toys according to their own interests. Children's communication language and literacy skills are appropriately supported as the childminder engages them in conversations. They enjoy looking at pictures in books, listening to stories, pointing to and naming simple objects in the books.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to understand about being safe through their daily routines and activities. For example, children participate in regular emergency evacuation procedures ensuring they know and understand what to do in the event of a fire. Healthy lifestyles are promoted as children are supported to develop appropriate hygiene habits with support from the childminder. For example, they wash their hands and use individual towels to minimise cross-infection. Children's behaviour is managed in a positive manner which supports their understanding of what is right and wrong. They learn about rules and boundaries through gentle reminders. Children have developed positive relationships with the childminder. They are secure and have a sense of belonging in her care and home. They play with a purpose as they explore and investigate their environment and resources freely. The childminder is sensitive to the children's individual needs ensuring equal

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and outcomes for children

access to all aspects of the provision. 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 3 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 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 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 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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