Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY304643 Inspection date 29 November 2005 Inspector Sue Anslow

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 satisfactory. 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 lives with her partner and nine year old son in Tytherington, outside Macclesfield. The whole house is used for childminding. The garden is currently unsafe for children to use but there are plenty of parks and open spaces nearby. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding one child aged under 5, part time. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have a cat and a rabbit and the childminder's son keeps a toad and a gecko in tanks in his bedroom.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends the local childminder's support group regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy and are learning about good hygiene practices through everyday routines. Nappies are changed hygienically and toys cleaned with antibacterial spray. The childminder holds a first aid certificate and follows correct procedures when a child is unwell or injured. Health records are completed as required and the childminder ensures children are warm enough. When a door was inadvertently left open the childminder put an extra blanket on the sleeping baby to protect him from any draughts. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle. They walk to and from school, visit the local park and toddler group and the childminder plays actively with the baby on the floor. Signs of tiredness are responded to with comfortable naps in the buggy. Children's individual health and dietary needs are met because the childminder works closely with the parents, respecting their wishes and requirements. The childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

serves the meals and snacks for the baby that are provided by the parent and all children benefit from the regular provision of drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a good sense of welcome and belonging within the setting because the childminder has a warm and caring relationship with them. Children are able to move round freely in the safe, clean, open-plan home. A wide range of toys and equipment promotes children's all round development and the toys and games are rotated to suit children's individual ages and requirements. All play equipment is kept clean, especially for young children who put everything in their mouths. All equipment is checked regularly for sharp edges or broken bits, which enhances children's health and safety. Toys are well organised in different boxes on the floor, allowing for freedom of choice and independence. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where the risk of accidental injury is minimised. Harnesses are used in the buggy, high chair and car seat and a safety gate is in place at the bottom of the stairs to ensure little ones cannot climb up.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a high level of awareness of children's safety. For example she waits until the baby is safely strapped in his buggy before preparing any hot drinks and ensures all equipment used by younger children is suitable for their use. Children are protected from the risk of fire because the childminder has fire prevention equipment installed. However she has not practiced emergency evacuation procedures which compromises children's safety, should an emergency situation arise.

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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 Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder is knowledgeable about child protection procedures, should she have any concerns. She is clear about her role and responsibilities as a child care provider and knows who to contact for advice and support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a warm and caring relationship with the childminder as she plays on the floor with them and chats about what they are doing. They develop their listening skills because the childminder mimics the sounds and gestures the babies make. Babies are encouraged to explore their environment and their learning is supported by the childminder who helps children find out how things work. For example banging the toy drum with a hammer and hitting the coloured balls with their hands produces different sounds. Children are given lots of praise and encouragement which enhances their confidence and self-esteem. When the child hit the drum with the hammer he was congratulated and made a fuss of, which made him smile and giggle. Children begin to learn social skills because they regularly attend local toddler groups, meeting other children and adults. Children learn something of the world around them through visits

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to the park to feed the ducks and watching the tropical fish swim around their tank whilst they are having their nappies changed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met well. This helps children feel a sense of belonging and develops a trusting relationship with the childminder. Children develop a positive attitude to others and gain a good understanding of the world around them through visits to different play facilities and contact with the family's pets. However, no toys or play materials reflect people who are different, which hampers children's awareness of society. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder consults closely with parents and others on particular requirements or issues of concern. Children behave well and the childminder promotes positive behaviour and self-esteem by praising achievements. Effective working relationships with parents results in good understanding of children's needs. Information is exchanged every day and parents' wishes and requirements are respected. The care of the children is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

supported through written contracts and consent forms. However, some forms have not been completed appropriately or signed by both parties. This compromises children's care when disputes arise. New families are given ample time to settle in and get used to the childminder's household, through short visits before starting full time.

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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 satisfactory. Children feel at ease and at home in this well organised and friendly environment. The organisation of toys and play equipment allows good access to children of all ages. The ease of movement round the warm and welcoming home provides children with a balance of activities and play areas. The children's quality of care is enhanced by the childminder's commitment to improve her knowledge and skills in the child care field by accessing further courses. Continuity of care is assured through regular information sharing with parents. Children's health, safety and welfare is protected and promoted through good routines and keeping most written records as required. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • devise and practice emergency escape procedures • provide a range of toys which reflect diversity

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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 • ensure contracts and consent forms are completed as appropriate and signed by all parties

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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