Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY272037 Unique Reference Number 01 May 2007 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and five years in Crewe, Cheshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding, except for the master bedroom and en suite bathroom. 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 two children under five years and two school aged children, all on a part time basis. The family have two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local parent/toddler groups and activity centres. The childminder is an active member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children show a good understanding of the importance of hygiene and personal care as the childminder ensures they routinely wash their hands after playing in the garden or using the toilet. The nappy changing routine is followed well by the childminder. These measures help to protect children's good health. They are protected well through good recording of accidents and medication administered and the procedure for sickness and emergencies. 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 are well nourished and are developing an awareness of the importance of healthy eating. They look forward to and enjoy their snacks and meals, which are nutritious and of healthy value. The wishes of parents and children are taken into account, ensuring that their individual dietary needs are promoted. They are offered regular drinks, further promoting their good health and development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted well. They look forward to and enjoy their visits to parent and toddler groups where they experience a variety of activities, including climbing and balancing equipment to develop their large physical skills. They learn to develop a healthy lifestyle through daily outdoor play and walks. Children join in activities enthusiastically because the childminder has a very good understanding of how young children learn and progress. Her wealth of experience enhances all aspects of the appropriate types of activities and levels of support given to children. She motivates them and gives them confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help.

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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 highly motivating environment where safety is a high priority. Excellent safety procedures are in place to protect children from hazards and dangers through completing risk assessments. Children move around freely, independently and safely. The childminder discusses with all children how to keep themselves safe, including their understanding of safety outside the home, as they take their daily outings and walks in the local community.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children show a high level of independence as they select toys and activities from a wide range of exceptional good quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards. The childminder is robust in her observations, and carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The welfare and safety of children is significantly enhanced and promoted as the childminder ensures that the required procedures and documents are in place. The childminder has a written policy on the procedures to follow in the event of evacuation of the premises and discusses the procedure with the children, this enhances children's safety. The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She has a written procedure which is clear and concise, however, parents have not been made aware of the procedure in the event of a child not being collected.

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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 outstanding. Children are very happy, settled and relaxed in the company of the childminder. They are motivated, eager and actively participate in and enjoy the activities and experiences offered to them. Children are extremely confident and self assured because of the excellent support and encouragement they receive from the childminder, for example, as they are involved in imaginary play activities including the childminder in their play. Children are confident and relate very well to each other. The childminder is enthusiastic and experienced; she uses her wealth of experience to plan an extensive range of opportunities and activities, which are organised around particular themes of interest. Children benefit from the childminder's highly skilled ability to balance her time interacting with children effectively and at appropriate moments, for example, leaving children to develop their own fun as they dress and undress the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

dolls and put them to sleep in the cot. Younger children benefit from the childminder's excellent understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. All children have well planned opportunities which extend their skills through the childminder's clear understanding of the how children learn and develop.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children access a wide range of stimulating activities and experiences both within and away from the childminding setting which support the growth of children's development across all areas. During the inspection, children were highly motivated and actively engrossed in imaginary play, playing with construction, cars, lorries and tractors. They use a variety of equipment, toys and different areas of the available space to create their town using roadways, buildings and play people. Access to a wide range of multi-cultural resources and themes help children understand diversity. Children are animated and excited when adults present take an interest and listen carefully to what they are saying and join in with them in developing their play. Access to very good resources and interaction from the childminder sustains children's interest and enables them to successfully develop their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are offered an extensive range of different play experiences and activities on a regular basis which enables them to learn new skills and consolidate existing ones. For example, children attend a variety of child-centred settings away from the childminding premises. These encourage the development of social skills and as some tend to be soft play centres they also encourage the development of a range of physical skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's behaviour is excellent. The childminder encourages children's behaviour and achievements through the use of positive praise and encouragement. This positive praise encourages children to persevere and practise skills. The childminder uses positive language to actively encourage children's enjoyment, pride in their achievements and confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop very good large and small physical skills through planned activities both within and away from the childminding setting. They practise climbing and balancing skills during outdoor play, movement and hand eye coordination skills during indoor activities, such as craft activities, using construction equipment and planting cress seeds to accompany the theme 'growth'. Children experience the wider community as they play outdoors, go for walks, visit local parks and other places of interest.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain an exceptionally good 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, are included in the activities provided and their individual needs are well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is exemplary. 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, they 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 and snacks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a good and very positive partnership with parents. They are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. Daily discussion about the day's routines are shared with parents, ensuring that they are kept well informed about their child's day, including activities and outings. The childminder provides parents with written information on her policies and procedures and arranges regular review meetings with parents to discuss their child's care and education. 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 skilfully plans the daily and weekly activities. 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

All relevant documentation, policies and procedures are good and used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. The childminder is very confident and her care and teaching is highly motivating through her enthusiasm and good practice which supports children's progress and development.

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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 written parental permission is obtained if children wish to play in front of the house, whilst under supervision, the childminder has obtained written permission. She was also asked to ensure that the procedure is known in the event of an allegation of abuse is made whilst the child is in your care. A comprehensive written policy document clearly outlines the procedure which is shared with parents. These measures enhance children's safety and well-being.

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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

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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): • ensure parents are aware of procedure in the event of a child not being collected.

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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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