Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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304467 Unique Reference Number 03 October 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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and teenage daughter in Nantwich, Cheshire. The whole of the childminder’s house, except for the main bedroom, is used for childminding and 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five and one school aged child, all on three full days each week.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to the local school and nursery. She attends the local childminding group on a weekly basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for within a very well maintained and hygienic environment as good effective procedures are in place in relation to the personal hygiene and hand washing of the childminder

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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 and minded children. The childminder employs very effective and thorough hygiene routines and procedures, which ensure children are kept healthy at all times. Children understand the purpose and need to keep themselves healthy and are actively encouraged to wash their hands before meals, after using the toilet and after certain activities, for example, children know they need to wash their hands after playing outside or after messy activity. Older children independently carry out these tasks with little need to be reminded. Younger children are supported in these tasks by the childminder. A written sickness statement is shared with parents and carers, this ensures all children are cared for within a very safe environment which is free from infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Older children access drinks on a regular basis throughout the day and very young children and babies are offered regular drinks by the childminder. They enjoy a range of very healthy and nutritious snacks and drinks throughout their minded day. During the inspection children enjoy a snack of fresh fruit. The childminder liaises closely with parents and carers regarding meal provision, allergies, preferences or needs on religious grounds. The childminder provides nutritious meals, which are suitably stored and served.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive because their physical, nutritional and health needs are very well met as a result of effective procedures and practices employed by the childminder. Children enjoy a very good range of activities and experiences indoors and away from the childminding setting. They are developing competent physical skills and abilities which are particularly well promoted through access to good opportunities which actively contribute to their very good health and well-being. Regular opportunities are made available during indoor and outdoor play for children to develop and build upon their existing good skills and range of physical abilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop a range of small physical skills as they competently use a variety of construction equipment, programmable toys and art and craft materials. Children's art work is displayed on the kitchen wall showing a use of a variety of creative materials. This develops children's hand-eye coordination and finger control. Large physical activities are very well provided for and as a result children's physical skills and abilities are developing well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe environment where the childminder completes regular risk assessments, identifying possible risks or hazards. Identified hazards are dealt with promptly and effectively. This ensures children are cared for in a very safe, secure and supportive environment. She liaises closely with parents and carers discussing children's individual needs in terms of their safety, allowing them optimal challenge to develop new skills. The use of suitable safety equipment, such as safety gates to prevent accidents ensures children's safety and well-being is promoted. Children develop physical skills and skills of independence as they freely select activities and toys from the wide selection provided with constant supervision from the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are confident and enjoy their play as they select toys from the range set out for them, from various storage boxes and from those offered to them by the childminder. They are able to freely access the toys and equipment which are age appropriate, safe and hygienic. The regular checking of furniture, toys and equipment ensures that the children are kept very safe at all times.

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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 The childminder has an understanding of the symptoms of abuse in relation to child protection, However, she is unclear of who to contact and does not have the relevant telephone numbers accessible for social services or local police. She has an evacuation plan for emergencies, although these have not been practised with the children. This compromises children's safety and well-being. Parents and carers are made aware that the childminder's ultimate responsibility is the safety and welfare of the children she cares for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, settled and relaxed in the company of the childminder. They 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 motivated and actively engrossed in playing with programmable toys and building blocks. They use a variety of equipment, toys and different areas of the available space to create their play. Access to a range of multicultural resources and themes help children understand diversity. 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 confident and self-assured because of the very good support and encouragement they receive from the childminder. Children relate very well to each other, the childminder and other adults. The childminder is enthusiastic and experienced, she uses this to provide an extensive range of opportunities and activities, which are organised throughout the day. Younger children benefit from the childminder's understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are offered a very good 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 child-centred settings away from the childminding premises. These encourage the development of social skills as they meet and socialise with other children. They experience the wider community as they play outdoors, go for walks, visit local parks and other places of interest, such as feeding the ducks on the river.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder encourages children's behaviour and achievements through the use of positive praise and encouragement. She 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 visits to the park and other settings. Children show good movement and hand-eye coordination skills during indoor activities, such as craft activities and completing jigsaws with dexterity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and have equal access to all activities and experiences offered which are stimulating and age appropriate. Children access a range of resources that reflect multicultural and disability issues. Children's understanding of others is encouraged through well planned themes and spontaneous activities. Children play cooperatively together, sharing and taking turns and their natural curiosity and questions are dealt with in a sensitive and considerate manner. The childminder has an understanding and experience of working with

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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 children with additional needs and disabilities and would ensure that all children's individual needs are known. She would plan and adapt care accordingly to meet their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very happy and content in their play and their self-confidence is evident and is very well promoted as they receive lots of positive praise and encouragement from the childminder, resulting in their enjoyment and contentment. Children's behaviour is very good, which is a result of the childminder's support and encouragement. The childminder is clear about the need to promote children's positive behaviour and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit greatly from the very good partnership with parents and carers. Children's individual needs and requirements are discussed carefully and in detail with parents and carers prior to placement and on an ongoing basis as they develop new skills and achieve milestones in their development. Successful relationships with parents and carers support the children's development very well. Feedback on children's development and general well-being is given in an informal, verbal way on a daily basis. The childminder completes written daily information for babies and the very young children and this is given to parents at the end of each day. Parents and carers have access to information on what the childminder has to offer, information about Ofsted and records. They also have been given information on the procedure for complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for within a very well planned and organised environment. The childminder is very clear about her role and responsibility in providing a high quality service to the children and their families. Observations relating to the child's minded day, development and general well-being are fed back to parents and carers informally as they collect their children at the end of the day. Children benefit from the very good communication between the childminder, parents and carers.

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Organisation

Children access toys, equipment and activities which are well planned and prepared prior to them arriving, enabling children to feel welcome, confident and happy. Children confidently access and are involved in a range of interesting and age-appropriate activities both within and away from the childminding setting.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation and records relating to the minded children are retained, ensuring that the childminder is able to care for children in a safe and confident manner. The childminder holds a current first aid qualification, helping to ensure that children are cared for safely and that any incidents or accidents are dealt with in an efficient and prompt manner. Children's individual needs and requirements are well known and discussed with parents and carers prior to their child starting, ensuring their individual needs are well addressed and provided for. Children's safety and enjoyment is given a high priority as the childminder obtains parental consent for several aspects of her care.

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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 consistently follow good hygiene practices when preparing food and to ensure prior to placement methods of managing children's behaviour is discussed with parents. The childminder has reviewed hygiene practices in relation to food

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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 preparation and discusses with parents methods of behaviour management to ensure consistency before the child is cared for. These measures enhance children's safety and well-being.

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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 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): • devise and practise an emergency escape plan • ensure the telephone numbers for the local social services and police are known in relation to child protection.

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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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