Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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304805 Unique Reference Number 20 October 2006 Inspection date Sylvia Cornock 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 1999. She lives with her husband and one nine-year-old child in Leighton, Crewe. The whole of the ground floor and one upstairs bedroom of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years, one full-time and two on a part-time basis. She also minds four children before and after school, of whom two are under eight years of age.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local parent/toddler group. The family has a rabbit and guinea pig.

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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 learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Older children have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet, outdoor play and before meal time. Children's medical health needs are managed consistently. There are written procedures in place for the administration of medication and protecting children from the spread of infection. The records of accidents and medication administered are clearly well maintained. The childminder has a current first aid certificate. This helps to meet children's needs in the event of an accident or emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children follow effective procedures to promote their physical, nutritional and health needs. They enjoy a range of physical activities, including visits to the local parent and toddler group where they have opportunities to use large apparatus and appropriate indoor equipment. However, equipment for outdoor play at the childminding setting is limited. The childminder has a good understanding about the appropriate types of activities and level of support for all ages of children she cares for.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy their meals and snacks provided by the childminder with drinks available at all times. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents and children's choices, to provide nutritious meals and snacks to meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming child friendly environment where safety is high priority. This means that children move around freely, independently and safely. The childminder discusses with children how to keep themselves safe, including their understanding on maintaining safety outside the home. For example, as they walk to school each morning they are reminded of road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder ensures toys are safe and appropriate for their age. She has procedures in place in relation to promoting children's welfare and safety as she completes daily risk assessments. The childminder ensures that all children are aware of the procedures for evacuating the premises and these are practised on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety and well-being is a promoted, as the childminder has an understanding of how to report any concerns with regards to child protection and on the procedure in the event of an allegation being made against her or others. This enhances children's welfare and safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They achieve well because the childminder is motivated and uses her understanding of how young children learn and achieve, to provided quality care and education.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well settled, relaxed and happy at the childminders house. Younger children play exceptionally well together and with other children they meet through visits to local parent-toddler groups and nursery sessions. Children show independence as they choose between a variety of activities which appeal to them and are suitable for their ages and stages of development. They relate well to each other, adults and the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They show excitement and enthusiasm as they share when completing jigsaws. They have opportunities to use books and play games, helping them make progress in their development and learning . Skilful intervention from the childminder encourages children to develop an understanding of mathematics, for example, she helps them count in everyday activities and asks them to sort the jig saws into the correct boxes. Older school aged children are able to choose toys and activities suitable for their age and development, they ensure the younger children are unable to access these to safeguard their well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are welcomed into the family home where they experience a sense of belonging. The childminder has a good understanding of each child's stage of development. This means the youngest children are confident to try out new skills, ask for help when needed. For example, a child asked for a story to be read and followed the pictures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy talking about their families and home life, creating lots of language. The childminder extends their interests, responds to their questions and challenges their ability as they sort the toys and equipment into the various storage boxes; promoting their thinking and physical skills. This has a positive effect on the quality of children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain an awareness of their local environment and the diversity of the wider world through a good selection of resources and activities that promote positive images. All children are valued and respected as individuals, they are included in the activities provided and their individual needs are well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play well together; they share and take turns, showing respect and concern for each other and they behave very well. The childminder is highly motivated in meeting children's needs and in particular to behaviour management. A clear and consistent approach is adopted which takes into account children's different stages of development. Children respond well and as a result show a growing awareness of right and wrong. They are settled and make themselves at home; showing confidence as they choose activities and independently select their drinks.

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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 Children benefit from a very positive and good partnership with parents. They are cared for in accordance with their parent's wishes. Daily discussion with parents ensures that they are kept well informed about their child's day, including activities and outings. This contributes to continuity in the children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home in the welcoming atmosphere and at ease because the childminder is well organised. She plans the daily and weekly activities according to the days of the children's attendance. This means that children feel secure and confident in their surroundings, initiating and extending their own play and learning. The good use of indoor and outside space maximises play opportunities for children. Good risk assessments and planning of activities and routines help to keep children safe and enables them to make good progress in all areas of their development. Children benefit from the varied play experiences provided, which give them opportunities to extend their learning potential.

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Organisation

The childminder is very clear about her role and responsibility in providing a good quality service to the children and their family. Children access toys, equipment and activities which are well planned and prepared prior to the children arriving enabling children to feel confident and happy. Children initiate their own play and are involved in a range of interesting and age appropriate activities both within and away from the childminding setting. Older children's other commitments are considered by the childminder who carefully plans activities around these.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation and records relating to the minded children are retained, ensuring that the childminder is able to care for children in a safe and confident manner. The childminder holds a current first aid qualification helping to ensure that children are cared for safely and that any incidents or accidents are dealt with in an efficient and prompt manner. Children's individual needs and requirements are well known and discussed with parents and carers prior to their child starting ensuring their individual needs are well addressed and provided for. Children's safety and enjoyment is given a high priority, as the childminder obtains parental consent for several aspects of her care.

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Organisation

Observations relating to the child's minded day, development and general well-being are fed back to parents and carers informally, as they collect their children at the end of their minded day. Children benefit from the good communication between the childminder, parents and carers.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure that there are enough toys, games and materials to provide a balanced range of activities so that children of varying ages can be well occupied and interested. The childminder has purchased a selection of toys and equipment

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to ensure children have a variety of activities throughout the day. The introduction of the wider variety of experiences and activities enhance children's learning and development.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also asked to ensure she had an understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of an allegation of abuse being made against her or others. The childminder has obtained written information on all aspects of child protection and would follow these if she had concerns. These measures promote children's safety and well-being.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 then 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): • provide resources in the outdoor play area which further develop children's physical skills.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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