Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY412861 Inspection date 18/11/2011 Inspector Joanne Williams

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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 2010. She lives with her husband, mother and four year old son in the Cheadle area of Stockport, close to shops, schools and public transport links. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding, with the exception of two of the bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four 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 one child in the early years age range. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder speaks fluent Spanish and English. She collects children from local schools and takes children to the local toddler groups and the park. The childminder holds an early years qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

The childminder has a sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and uses this knowledge to plan effectively for individual children. However, systems for tracking children's progress are not in place. Procedures to keep children safe allow the childminder to sufficiently protect children and written documentation that underpins her practice is well-maintained. She has formed good relationships with parents and carers to support children's learning but needs to develop links with other professionals and groups within the community. The childminder is committed to improving and developing her service, however, the monitoring and evaluation of provision are still in their infancy.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a process of self-evaluation to help them continuously think about how to create, maintain and improve the setting  develop further the partnership with other settings, professionals and with individuals and groups in the community to support children's development and progress  develop a system for summarising children's learning so that their progress can be tracked. 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 and well protected because the childminder has a clear policy which explains her responsibilities. She has completed safeguarding training and is aware of her responsibility to refer any concerns she may have about children's welfare. Children are safe and secure because the childminder is vigilant and supervises children well. A satisfactory risk assessment has been carried out on all parts of the property including the garden. This means that children are able to move safely and freely around the home. Children are further protected because the childminder keeps good records including accident, medication and attendance records. There is a comprehensive set of policies, which are shared with parents, who sign to agree their content and to show that they have understood her procedures.

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the early years provision

Children make good progress in relation to their starting points as the childminder has a sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children access an adequate range of resources which are rotated to ensure that children are provided with stimulating experiences which cover all areas of learning. Resources are stored at a low level to support children's independence. The childminder provides an inclusive environment and ensures that her provision reflects the background and culture of the children she cares for. For example, the childminder uses the internet to find online resources such as stories for a child who speaks Spanish. This means that children feel included and valued and make good progress in their learning and development.

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the early years provision

Formal systems for evaluating planning and provision are not fully in place. This means that the childminder finds it difficult to identify areas for improvement. However, her practice has improved since becoming registered through accessing a variety of training courses provided by the local authority and seeking advice from a childminding advisor. The childminder is beginning to develop links with external agencies and services, but needs to improve partnerships with other providers to ensure children receive continuity of learning and care when they attend another setting.

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the early years provision

The childminder forms close working relationships with parents and carers. She obtains useful information about each child such as their likes and dislikes as well as their dietary and personal care needs. This means that parents' wishes and children's individual needs are effectively met. The childminder regularly shares information about children's learning with the parents and records parents' views on a feedback sheet. This means that parents become involved in their child's learning and each child is well supported in making progress towards the early learning goals. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The children benefit from a warm, homely atmosphere, where they can enjoy a lot of individual attention. This means that each child's interests and care needs can be catered for. The good quality interactions and well organised routines help children to become secure and confident in the setting. The childminder helps children understand about safety through providing clear explanations about appropriate behaviour and regularly involving children in fire drills, so they learn how to respond appropriately in an emergency situation. Children demonstrate how to keep themselves safe during their play, for example they talk about pans being hot whilst playing with role-play kitchen equipment.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is promoted effectively by the childminder. Children are starting to make good choices in food because they are provided with nutritious home- cooked meals and snacks. Children are also involved in growing their own fruit and vegetables in the garden. Children are encouraged to explore fruit and vegetables with all their senses and use this to support their learning, for example exploring potatoes which have sprouted.

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and outcomes for children

They are able to get out into the fresh air most days and enjoy visits to the local park, where they access larger scale equipment, to develop their climbing and balancing skills. The childminder also provides opportunities within the home for physical play such as dancing and playing with balloons and balls.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy learning because the childminder plans activities around individual development needs. The childminder regularly evaluates activities but systems are not in place for tracking children's progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are confident and actively involved in the variety of activities planned by the childminder. The childminder encourages conversation throughout the daily routine and is skilled in playing alongside children, asking questions and extending their play ideas. As a result, children are engaged and challenged. Children develop vocabulary and counting skills through playing matching games and sharing books and they are given regular opportunities to develop early writing and creative skills, using a ruler and pens to draw lines and pictures on the whiteboard, while counting the numbers they see. Children gain good skills in using technology as they are encouraged to use equipment, such as a digital

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and outcomes for children

camera, to record their achievements and have access to electronic toys such as keyboards and push button toys. This means that children are developing good skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder places great importance on supporting children's self-esteem as she offers lots of praise and encouragement as children play and achieve new skills. Children enjoy learning about their own and other cultures and beliefs because they celebrate festivals and listen and dance to music in their home language. This helps them feel valued and respected. 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 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 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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