Childminder in Stockport

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY429973 Inspection date 23/02/2012 Inspector Lisa Parkes

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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 2011. She resides in the Offerton area of Stockport with her partner and two children aged 17 and 12 years, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have two cats, two rabbits, gerbils and fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under eight years, and there are currently six children on roll.

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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 offered high levels of care and education, and make good progress in their learning and development. Effective arrangements exist to ensure children's safety and health and to encourage their involvement in the wider community. Practice is fully inclusive and strong links with parents help to involve them in their children's care and education. The childminder demonstrates a very positive approach towards continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 help children to learn about the food chain through planting, growing, gathering, preparing and using different foods  open up opportunities for parents to give their views on the care and education provided.

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the early years provision

The childminder holds invaluable and up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding children issues. A comprehensive written policy is in place and this is fully in line with local safeguarding children board guidelines and includes the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation against an adult. A meticulous risk assessment is conducted which includes all areas of the provision and anything with which a child may come into contact. The environment is safe, secure and supportive. The childminder demonstrates a very high level of commitment to promoting children's safety. Children are skilfully taught to become safety conscious.

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the early years provision

All documentation required for the smooth and efficient management of the provision is maintained and organisation is very strong. The childminder is motivated and embarks on regular training to further raise her skills. Children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 records are completed in detail and stored confidentially which contributes towards their health, safety and well-being. Outcomes are clearly attributed to excellent use of resources, including high quality interaction. Children make good progress and relationships are strong. The childminder takes all possible steps to ensure that resources and the environment are sustainable. Actions to improve the setting are well-chosen and carefully planned and self-evaluation is good.

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the early years provision

The learning environment, toys and equipment are easily accessible and available for all children. Children are valued, and the childminder recognises and praises effort as well as achievement. The childminder actively promotes positive attitudes to diversity and difference, and children and their families feel included, safe and valued. Children's involvement in the wider community is fully encouraged, and the childminder delivers personalised learning, development and care to help them get the best possible start in life. Children develop an awareness of communication systems as they learn to sign, and they thrive as a result of the setting they are in.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to working in partnership with others to promote optimum continuity of care. Strong links with local schools and nurseries enables the childminder to complement what children are learning and ensures that this is purposeful and progressive. Relationships with parents are well-established and the childminder is dedicated to ensuring that children are cared for appropriately for each family. The childminder intends to encourage parents to become involved in continuous quality improvement by enhancing opportunities for them to share their views. Parents are kept very well informed about their children's achievement.

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and outcomes for children

Children display a delightful sense of security and belonging within the setting. They are confident and demonstrate a high level of self-esteem. The environment is appealing and interesting and children explore their surroundings with curiosity and interest. The childminder is skilled at encouraging children's independence and children happily take out their plates, help to prepare sandwiches and tidy away their toys. The childminder acts as a very positive role model, and children's behaviour is exemplary. A wide variety of high quality toys are available, and children are keen to learn and gain a sense of satisfaction from their explorations.

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and outcomes for children

Children make strong progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning. A weekly plan of activities is devised, and the childminder strikes an effective balance of structured activities and child-initiated play. Children play and learn within a warm and homely atmosphere. Art and craft activities are popular and children use playdough, make greetings cards and create pictures with pens and chunky crayons. Children enjoy construction play, dressing up, reading books, delving into the treasure box and playing with toy trains. At playgroups, children experience ample opportunities to mix and make new friends, and they join in with singing, rhymes and imaginative play. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children learn the importance of healthy lifestyles through discussions and planned activities. They engage in baking sessions, learn about recycling, talk about foods

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and outcomes for children

that are good for the body and help to sweep up the leaves. The childminder wishes to extend children's interest in the world around them and help to consolidate their knowledge and understanding by incorporating planting and growing activities. Outside play is popular and children adore visiting the park, climbing on logs, feeding the ducks, trekking through the woods and playing in the stream. Children are content and settled because their health, physical and dietary needs are very well met.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel exceptionally safe at the setting, and high quality interaction and well-organised routines help them to become secure and confident. Outings are used as a valuable opportunity to teach children about road safety, and children know to wait for the 'little green man'. Safety messages are skilfully weaved into the daily routine and children understand that they must use implements, such as scissors and cutlery sensibly and climb carefully on the large-scale play apparatus at the local park. Children are supported to make choices and they respond wonderfully to the simple routine which adds pattern to their daily lives. 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 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 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 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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