Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 306666 Inspection date 26/03/2012 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 1994. She lives in the Woodsmoor district of Stockport with her husband and two adult children. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding and there is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor activities. The family has a pet dog.

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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 to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years any one time, three of whom may be in the early years age group. Currently, there are eight children on roll, of whom six are in the early years age range. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is working to become an accredited childminder.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children brim with enthusiasm as they play and learn in the childminder's warm and welcoming home. They access a fantastic range of activities and resources which are provided to meet their learning and development needs. The childminder works with parents to ensure each child's individual requirements are precisely met. Exemplary policies and procedures underpin superb practice. The childminder is professional and dedicated, with a clear focus on continually raising standards for children's care learning and play.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 increasing opportunities for children to interact with programmable toys and information technology in the home setting.

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the early years provision

The childminder effectively prioritises children's safety and well-being. She has a full understanding of safeguarding procedures and has accessed specialised training in this area. An excellent written policy is in place which includes all relevant details to ensure prompt referral to relevant agencies if required. Clear risk assessments are also in place to protect children throughout the home and when they go on outings. Children also develop their understanding of how to keep themselves safe as they complete their own risk assessments on how to behave on outings, stating that they will 'hold the childminder's hand'. This excellent practice enables them to show what they have learned in a meaningful way. They speak to the crossing patrol person on walks and understand why they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 should not cross the road between cars. They also take part in community safety

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the early years provision

events. Children meet the police and fire officers and have fun trying on the police helmets and using the water hose, encouraging them to learn in a fun and interactive way.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly knowledgeable and professional. She has completed a number of workshops and courses, provides training to others and also takes part in regional conferences where she learns new skills and shares good practice. Children benefit as she brings new ideas and techniques into the home. The childminder also evaluates her own practice and has an action plan in place to make improvements. These are focused on children's enjoyment; for instance, developing the garden to provide an area to grow vegetables.

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the early years provision

Excellent relationships have been forged with parents and carers. The childminder is keen to involve parents in their children's learning and development. She shares details of the activities she provides and gives ideas about how to extend this at home. Parents discuss their children on a daily basis and are kept informed of any changes or concerns. They have provided positive feedback on the childminder, stating that she is 'always prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty' and has 'a lot of knowledge and support for parents'. The childminder is able to offer support on a myriad of issues as a result of her dedication to her role, and seeks further training where necessary to ensure she is able to help all children develop to their full potential. Where children attend other settings, links are made with the child's key person and the childminder successfully works with them to ensure continuity of care. Similarly, she works in tandem with other professionals to

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the early years provision

deliver focussed input. All policies and procedures are in place as required. These are all written to a superior standard and are frequently reviewed to ensure they are up to date with current guidelines.

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and outcomes for children

Children are constantly engaged and enjoy their time in the childminder's care. Whether in the home or out attending one of the many activities on offer, they are stimulated and happy. They have plenty of opportunities to engage in free play, selecting books, craft activities, sand and water play and other resources. They also benefit from adult-led activities, such as trips into the community to take the dog to the grooming salon and outings to parks, rhyme time sessions and theatre classes. They develop a full range of skills as the childminder works alongside them, skilfully interacting and promoting their learning through play. There are limited opportunities to use information and communication technology in the home, but the childminder addresses this through the weekly visits to play and stay sessions where children are able to use programmable toys and the computer.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop knowledge and understanding of the world as they take part in cooking activities, making soup or pate from scratch. They weigh out ingredients, mix them together and see how they change as they are cooked. Their imagination is sparked as they make dens with sheets and pegs, design and make Chinese dragon masks and use their imaginations in the dark den, pretending to be lions in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 a cave. Basic mathematic and communication skills are developed as they play shops, count out their money and recognise that the price of items correspond to the coins they hold. They develop manual dexterity as they shape play dough, making snakes of different lengths or sculpting cakes and adding sparkly jewels and small pieces of straws for decoration. Children's personal, emotional and social skills are also well promoted. The childminder is sensitive to children's unique

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and outcomes for children

personalities and successfully works with them as individuals; for instance, recognising when children require quiet time and providing activities and an environment with less stimulation. Any additional needs are fully explored and plans put in place to ensure a high level of support.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder observes children as they play. She tracks their achievements and ensures that any gaps in development are followed up. This is effectively managed as planning takes account of individual levels of attainment. Activities are provided to challenge children and promote their development while being flexible enough to respond to children's changing wants and needs. This ensures children are always engaged in the activities on offer as their interests are positively responded to. Children behave extremely well. They show respect for each other and are aware of the rules of the home, which have been drawn up with their input. Children know they must have 'kind hands' and 'take turns'. They successfully solve small disputes on their own, agreeing to share the tub in the pasta play pit and working together to fill it. This growing maturity is a result of the childminder's effective strategies for dealing with behaviour. Children respond positively to the

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and outcomes for children

constant praise and encouragement they receive, which raises their self-esteem and sense of responsibility.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is well promoted as those with infectious illnesses are excluded 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. Children are provided with healthy choices at snack and mealtimes. They happily tuck into tuna pasta bake and enjoy fresh fruit at snack times. They enjoy free access to the garden and daily outings every morning where they are able to use larger play equipment or take part in dance and movement sessions. As a result, children's physical development is also flourishing. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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