Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY245690 Inspection date 06 July 2005 Inspector Janice Linsdell

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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 outstanding. 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 November 2002. He works with his wife who is also a registered childminder. He lives with his wife and adult son in Hartford, Cheshire. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years. When working with his wife, both childminders are registered to care for twelve children under eight, although planning approval is in place to accommodate up to a maximum of sixteen children in total. There are currently thirty one children on

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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 roll, of whom nineteen are under eight years. All children attend on a full and part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from school and attends local toddler groups. The family have a pet dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's good health is extremely well promoted because the childminder implements highly effective practices and procedures so that all children can enjoy a healthy lifestyle. High standards of hygiene are maintained and children understand the importance of hand washing routines. Clear written health policies ensure that children remain healthy and protected from illness or infection. Children are well nourished and understand the importance of a healthy and nutritious diet. They are actively involved in planning well balanced menu's and make healthy choices about what foods they would like to eat. Children indicate that they have meals which are good for them and keep them healthy. Children relish in physical activity and benefit greatly from the wide variety of opportunities to experience fresh air, exercise and active play on a daily basis. The childminder has attended Active Club training to promote and enhance children's

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Helping children to be healthy

fitness and as a result children have excellent opportunities to practice and develop their physical skills as they engage in a wide range of stimulating group games. Children thoroughly enjoy outdoor play in the spacious, well-equipped garden and participate in regular trips to local parks, indoor play areas and walks through the woods. This has a significant contribution to their physical health and general well being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a safe, secure and welcoming environment, where excellent safety measures are taken to reduce risks to children's safety. Children learn how to keep themselves safe because they are effectively reminded about potential hazards and safe practices. They move safely and confidently between rooms and have free access to an extensive range of safe, stimulating and high quality resources. Excellent systems are in place to ensure that children are kept safe on the premises and outside. Any hazards to children's safety are significantly reduced because the childminder is trained in risk assessment and gives high priority to the safety needs of children at all times. He is highly skilled in keeping children safe and for example, checks the garden thoroughly each day to ensure children can play safely outside. Children's welfare is fully safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates an

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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 excellent understanding of child protection issues. He has access to detailed information regarding child protection procedures and would liaise closely with his wife to ensure that prompt action is taken to protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care and thoroughly enjoy attending. They take an active role in an excellent range of quality activities and play experiences on offer and as a result their learning and development is very well promoted. Children participate enthusiastically in a wide variety of activities such as baking, gardening, crafts and group games. They are highly confident and self-assured and are able to express their needs, select resources and choose where to play. Children's playrooms are extremely well-resourced with an extensive range of toys and equipment that fully support their play and learning. Highly effective and well organised daily routines help children to feel secure, at home and very confident in the childminder's care. Children are involved in purposeful play and develop new knowledge as they share books with the childminder and for example, discuss the differences between garden insects. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

benefit greatly from attending a number of outside groups, such as toddler and childminding groups, where they engage in new experiences and socialise with other children of similar age. The exceptional standard of care and attention shown towards children ensures that secure and trusting relationships are well established and children's confidence is very well developed. The childminder knows all the children extremely well and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of their individual needs, which has a positive impact on their care, learning and enjoyment. Children keep individual folders of their work, so they can feel proud of their achievements. They have lots of fun with the childminder and they enjoy each other's company.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are valued and respected as individuals and are actively involved in making decisions. They participate fully in all aspects of the provision and for example contributed to the inspection by providing written feedback about the childminder's practice. This ensures that children's views are listened to and they feel their opinions matter. Children learn to appreciate diversity through the use of cultural resources, activities and discussions that help them gain a positive awareness and understanding of the wider world. Children's behaviour is excellent and is consistently well managed so that children develop a clear understanding of expectations and boundaries within the setting. They are encouraged to be responsible, to think for themselves and make choices about what they would like to do. For example, older children assist and support

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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 younger children in their play and all children enjoy learning to respect nature and taking care of animals in the garden. Children receive high levels of praise, support and encouragement which significantly increases their confidence and self-esteem. Children benefit greatly from the exceptional partnership established with parents. The childminder involves parents in all aspects of the children's care, which promotes consistency and ensures children's needs are fully addressed. Parents receive daily feedback about their child's day and a detailed policy document keeps them well informed of the childminder's practice and procedures. Parents and children are given every opportunity to contribute to the setting and provide positive written feedback to describe the childminder's qualities, high standards and professional

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The organisation and management of childcare is exceptional. The highly effective team work between the childminder and his wife has a significant contribution to the children's care and well being, which enables all children to thrive. The childminder has attended some additional training and also benefits from the extensive training attended by his wife. All learning is shared and fully implemented in practice and as a result, children are healthy, safe and developing well. The childminder's dedication and commitment to the children contributes to the high quality care that they receive. The childminder works closely with his wife to carefully plan and organise childminding arrangements so that the needs of all children are fully addressed. All childminding documentation, detailed written policies and information to promote children's welfare are extremely well organised and maintained to a high standard.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 outstanding. 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

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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The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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