Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY338814 Unique Reference Number 23 March 2007 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 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged nine, eight and three years in Sandbach, Cheshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five and four children over five, before and after school. Two of these children only attend occasionally. The childminder does not work during school holidays.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder drives and occasionally walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local toddler groups and other play facilities during the week. The family have two rabbits. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy and are protected from infection through everyday routines, such as good nappy changing and hand washing procedures. Accidents and illnesses are managed well and

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 a well written policy informs parents of the need to exclude anyone with an infectious condition. Children enjoy a range of physical activities and plenty of fresh air, which contributes to a healthy lifestyle. They play in the large garden at every opportunity and attend local toddler groups regularly, where the extra space encourages plenty of physical activity. Indoors, children move freely around the ground floor space and use the full range of play equipment, which promotes their hand eye co-ordination and physical dexterity.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual health and dietary needs are met well because the childminder works closely with the parents, respecting their wishes and requirements. A varied and healthy diet is provided, with plenty of fruit, vegetables and salad items included in the day's menu. Drinks are served with all meals and snacks as well as being on hand whilst children are playing, to ensure children never get thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can reach the toys and equipment easily and move round freely in a home that is dedicated to their needs. Displays of the children's art and craft work, as well as letter and number posters, enhance the children's sense of welcome and belonging. A wide range of toys and equipment promotes children's all-round development and excellent use is made of natural play materials, such as sand, water and cardboard boxes, which enhance children's play experiences and enjoyment. Activities and games are changed regularly to suit children's individual interests. All play equipment is kept clean and is safety checked regularly, enhancing the children's general welfare.

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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 teaches children to keep themselves safe through explanations and reminders. For example, she encourages children to tidy away some of the toys before getting more out and teaches them to look both ways before crossing the road. First aid boxes are to hand, both inside and outside the home, and the childminder ensures she has the parent's contact numbers on her person at all times. Risk of fire is minimised through the use of smoke alarms, a fire blanket and clearly written evacuation procedures. However, the children have not practised evacuation procedures yet, which compromises their safety in an emergency. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has sound knowledge of child protection procedures should she have any

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

concerns. She is clear about her role and responsibilities as a childcare provider and provides parents with a written statement for their information.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time spent in the childminder's care and benefit from the range of activities provided. They acquire new knowledge and skills and the childminder responds to the children's individual needs by providing appropriate ideas and suggestions to encourage their imaginations and curiosity. Children's needs are well met, they build up the beakers to make tall towers, find all the dinosaurs in the box of animals and push the doll round in the buggy. Children are able to choose their own toys or books from boxes on the floor or large drawers under the bench-seat. Children enjoy a warm, close relationship with the childminder as they read stories together, snuggled up on her knee. Children can express themselves freely, as a wide variety of creative play is promoted. They can paint, draw, mould and roll the play dough, bake cookies and cakes

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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 or plant some bulbs in the garden. Children develop self-esteem and self-confidence because the childminder values what each child says and does. Behaviour and achievements are praised and children are encouraged to help with little jobs, such as putting the toys away.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make good progress in all areas of development because the childminder encourages learning in a fun way. Children are introduced to numbers, letters and colours during their everyday activities, for example, they count the number of beakers in the tower and discuss which colour comes next. They make appropriate animal noises as they lift animal toys out of the box. They study the different leaves that they find on their walks, comparing colours and sizes. Children benefit from contact with other children and adults at local toddler groups, enhancing their social and emotional development. Lots of outdoor play on the equipment in the garden, country walks and the use of small tools when rolling the play dough, promotes children's physical development and hand eye coordination. Children's individual needs are met well as the childminder observes the children's interests and moods and provides an

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

appropriate balance of quiet and 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. They develop a positive attitude to others and gain a good understanding of the world around them through different play experiences. Books and dolls reflect images of people who are different and children have access to similar resources at the toddler groups. A large map of the world is displayed so children can see places they have visited or heard of. They celebrate Mothers' Day and festivals such as Chinese New Year. They benefit greatly from being cared for by a French childminder who enjoys introducing her language and some typical French food to the children. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder consults closely with parents on particular requirements or issues of concern. The childminder responds to each child's character and preferences and all children are encouraged to participate in all games and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

activities, to the best of their ability.

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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. Children respond well to the childminder's handling of sensitive situations and liaison with parents ensures continuity and consistency. Effective working relationships with parents results in a good understanding of the children's needs and information is exchanged each day. 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. A brochure outlining the service offered, policies governing the childcare practice and an introduction to the childminder's family, is given out to parents at the start of their contract.

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Organisation

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

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Organisation

The quality of care is enhanced by the childminder's completion of the first childminding course and an appropriate first aid course. Continuity of care is assured through the regular sharing

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 of information with parents. Children's health, safety and welfare is protected and promoted through good routines and keeping written records as required. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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. 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): • practise emergency evacuation procedures with minded children regularly

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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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