Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

Inspection report for early years provision

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304358 Unique Reference Number 16 August 2007 Inspection date Valerie Craven 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 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 has cared for children for 14 years. She operates her childminding practice from the family home, which is located in a popular residential area in Handbridge, close to all local amenities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her husband, four adult daughters and her young grandson. Areas used for childminding include the lounge, kitchen and downstairs toilet facilities. There is a paved area to the rear of the premises and the childminder makes good use of a nearby children's playground for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

At present there are 13 children on roll, mainly on a part time basis. The childminder provides after school care for a number of children. No children attend who have learning difficulties or disabilities, or who speak English as an additional language.

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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. Very positive relationships between the childminder and children foster emotional well being and children are happy and secure. Children are well cared for and the childminder has a positive impact on children's health. Children are protected from illness as the childminder has a good understanding of hygiene procedures. The childminder is vigilant in care routines and encourages hand washing or the use of wipes, at appropriate times. Children's individual needs are met as the childminder has a sound knowledge of individual requirements. Parental permission is gained for administration of medication although the childminder does not care for sick children, which reduces the risk of cross infection. Parents are informed of their child's well being at the end of the day, however, accident records are not appropriately maintained to fully promote children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a sound understanding of healthy foods and talks to children about what is good and bad for them. However, she is keen that they are happy, so offers snacks which children like, such as crisps and biscuits or fruit. Parents provide a packed lunch for children who attend for the full day, ensuring that their needs are appropriately met. Fresh water, low sugar squash and high juice are available throughout the day and on request. Walking to and from school and regular visits to the park, ensure that children participate in a range of physical activities promoting a healthy lifestyle. When they are tired, children are able to rest on comfortable sofas and toddlers are able to sleep in buggies or enjoy a cuddle as they share a story.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminders home provides a clean, warm and welcoming, secure environment. Children are safe in the childminders care because she supervises children attentively. Safety and well being are promoted as fireguards, stair gates and socket covers are in use where necessary. All low level glass is toughened or covered with protective film to prevent injuries. Children do not play in the kitchen area and use the dining area to eat their packed lunch or to play games. Children have access to a range of books and toys, which are appropriate for children's age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All areas are checked regularly for safety and cleanliness. The outdoor area is secure and accessible only with supervision. As the outdoor area is limited, the childminder makes very good use of local amenities, such as the park, ensuring that it is safe for use and alerting children to hazards when necessary. The childminder has appropriate first aid training, which enables her to attend to any minor injuries. Although safety conscious, the childminder has not devised a procedure to be followed in the case of an emergency, which does not fully promote children's safety in the case of a fire. Children learn about road safety, how to use a pedestrian crossing and stranger danger as they walk to and from school each day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are very settled and happy to attend the setting. The childminder has positive relationships with the children, some of whom have attended for a number of years. Toddlers

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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 are well occupied which contributes to their enjoyment, as they play with a variety of age and developmentally appropriate toys. The childminder is very experienced and offers gentle support and encouragement whilst playing with the children, which builds confidence and self esteem. Young children develop independence as they make choices about the things which they want to play with and tidy them away when they have finished.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to count as they play. They have opportunities to make marks as they use coloured pencils and stickers to make pictures. The childminder interacts well with children in imaginative play, as they make telephone calls and share pizza. Children learn about the local environment when they walk to the river to feed the ducks, visit the zoo or go to town. Regular use is made of the nearby park, where children are well supervised as they enjoy physical activities. After school, older children like to play with the younger ones, play games or rest and watch television. A balance of active and quiet times are used appropriately, as the childminder responds positively to children's requests.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder knows the children well and allows the children the freedom to make some choices about their play, which develops their independence. All children have equal access to toys and boys and girls like to brush up, or play with the toy vacuum cleaner. Children are treated with respect and care, but have little opportunity to learn about wider society. They do not have access to activities or resources to promote understanding of other cultures. The childminder does not feel that she could confidently meet the needs of children who have learning difficulties or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is usually good. They are encouraged through positive reinforcement and encouragement, to take turns and share when they are playing together. Children learn right from wrong through the childminders praise and sensitive explanations. Children feel confident and secure, because the childminder has consistent boundaries. However, the childminder adopts parental strategies for behaviour management, which means that different strategies are used to manage children's behaviour. No written policies and procedures are available to parents and the registration certificate is not displayed at all times, which means that parents may not be fully aware of the childminder's conditions of registration. The childminder talks to parents on a daily basis which means that children are cared for in accordance with their parents wishes, and provides continuity of routines for the children. Some children have attended

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the setting for a number of years and the childminder has good relationships with the children and their families.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has been registered for a number of years and is experienced in caring for children of all ages. She has satisfactory organisational skills on a daily basis to promote children's welfare, for example, a simple record is kept of children who attend. There are no written policies and procedures, however, information is shared verbally with parents at registration, ensuring that parents are aware of the childminders practices. Most regulatory documentation is in place and is appropriately maintained. However, accident records are not effectively maintained to promote children's well being and this is a breach in regulations. The organisation of resources, space and time is effective in providing an enjoyable experience, for

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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 the children who attend the setting. 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 required to develop her understanding of equal opportunities and to maintain records available for inspection, such as a children's attendance record. The first of these recommendations has been partially met, as children are treated equally in the childminder's home. However, there are still few opportunities for children to learn about other cultures and wider society, which remains a recommendation at this inspection. A record of children's attendance including times of arrivals and departures was available for inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection, 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 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): • consider offering snacks, to further promote children's understanding of healthy eating • ensure that the registration certificate is displayed and accident records are maintained • provide resources and activities to develop children's understanding of the wider world • ensure that children are aware of the procedures to follow in the case of an emergency.

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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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