Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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304349 Unique Reference Number 06 June 2006 Inspection date Sue Anslow Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and three adult children in Holmes Chapel. The whole ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding, comprising of a kitchen, dining room, hallway, lounge and playroom-cum-study. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding 12 children, all on a part time basis. The childminder walks to and from the local school and attends local play facilities. The family have two guinea pigs and a tortoise, kept in hutches outside.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds an early years qualification and supports children with learning difficulties.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy and learn about good hygiene practices through every day routines, such as washing hands before meals and after using the toilet. Liquid soap and accessible paper towels promote children's independence and further promote good hygiene practices in not sharing the same towel. The childminder follows correct procedures should a child be unwell or injured and excludes any infectious conditions to ensure the health of the other children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a broad range of physical activities which contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Walks to and from the local school and frequent visits to the park are included in the weekly routine, as are visits to local play facilities, outings to places of interest and lots of garden play. Indoors children move freely between a number of rooms and use large and small toys and equipment which promotes their physical dexterity.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual health and dietary needs are met because the childminder works closely with the parents, respecting their wishes and requirements. Children are kept nourished throughout the day with regular snacks and small meals. Fresh fruit is available on request and drinks of milk or juice are on hand whilst children are playing, ensuring that they never get thirsty. However, children's awareness of healthy eating is not actively promoted which limits their understanding in this area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can reach all the toys and equipment easily as they move freely around the home. This promotes their independence and choice of activity. A range of toys and equipment suitable to different age groups promotes children's all-round development and activities and games are changed regularly to suit individual needs and interests. All play equipment is kept clean and checked regularly, enhancing children's health and safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where the risk of accidental injury is minimised. The childminder has a high level of awareness of children's safety and skilfully teaches children to keep themselves safe through explanations and reminders. Children practise road safety procedures on the way to and from school and regularly participate in fire drills. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has sound knowledge of child protection procedures, should she have any concerns. She is clear about her role and responsibilities as a childcare provider and has attended a training course in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy their time spent at the childminder's and benefit from the range of activities provided. Children acquire new knowledge and skills and the childminder responds to the children's individual needs by providing appropriate ideas and suggestions to encourage

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 their imagination and curiosity. Creative play using water and paintbrushes outside is a great favourite, allowing children to use their 'artistic skills' to the full.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's needs are well met. They are able to choose their own activities from boxes on the floor and low shelving, with appropriate intervention by the childminder. For example, a child who picked out a car and a train from the toy box was encouraged to see how far she could push them and which one would win the race. All efforts are congratulated enthusiastically, which promotes children's self-esteem and self-confidence. Creative development is promoted through the use of different media, such as paint, water, glue and dough.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make good progress in their learning and development because the childminder encourages learning in a fun way. Children are introduced to letters, numbers and shapes during their everyday activities. The childminder encourages children to think for themselves by predicting whether the star shape will fit through the square hole or whether the train will go faster than the car. Children enjoy looking at books and talk about what colour the fish are and what the flowers smell like as they look at the pictures. This promotes children's curiosity and understanding, leading to their development in all areas of learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a warm and caring relationship with the childminder and social contact with other children and adults is promoted by attending local facilities. Visits to places of interest enhance children's knowledge of the world around them and activities are balanced throughout the day providing for quiet or more active play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met very well. Children develop a positive attitude to others and gain a good understanding of the world around them through contact with extended members of the childminder's family. For example, they call on the childminder's elderly mother and ask if there is any shopping they can get for her. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder consults closely with parents and others on particular requirements or issues of concern. Children feel supported and well cared for as they cuddle up with comforters brought from home or have their personal needs met in comfort and privacy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and the childminder promotes positive behaviour and self-esteem by praising achievements, helpfulness and kindness to others. Effective working relationships with parents results in good understanding of children's needs. For example, agreeing methods of managing the occasional tantrum consistently so children understand what is expected of them by all adults. Information is exchanged verbally each day and parents' wishes and requirements are respected. The care of the children is well supported through written contracts and appropriate consent forms and new families are given ample time to settle in and get used to the childminder's household.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive a warm welcome in this well organised and friendly learning environment. The good organisation of toys and play equipment allows children to make choices and become independent. The ease of movement around the many rooms in this bright, clean and safe home environment, as well as plenty of outings, provides children with a good balance of activities.

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Organisation

The children's quality of care is enhanced by the childminder's commitment to improve her knowledge and skills in the childcare field. She has completed an early years qualification as well as several one day workshops in areas such as, child protection, computing for children, food hygiene, music, books and various craft activities. Continuity of care is assured through regular information sharing with parents and care is taken to liaise with class teachers when required. Children's health, safety and welfare is protected and promoted through good routines and the keeping of written records as required. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to provide working smoke alarms on every level of the house, which she has done. This action serves to protect the children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • encourage children's awareness of healthy eating.

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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