Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 303933 Inspection date 07 September 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 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 1985. She lives with her two children, an adult and a 7 year old child. The family live on the outskirts of Northwich, Cheshire. The whole of the ground floor and upstairs bathroom are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and she is currently minding three children under 5 years, on a full time basis. She drives to school to take and collect children and she attends local toddler and childminding groups on a regular basis. The family have a cat.

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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.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is well promoted, as they are cared for in a healthy environment where effective hygiene practices and procedures are implemented to keep them safe and healthy. The childminder follows clear procedures when children are ill so that any risk of cross infection is reduced. She actively encourages handwashing and children have access to individual towels for drying their hands. This helps to minimise the spread of infection. Children's dietary needs are well catered for because the childminder liaises with parents about their individual requirements and provides a good range of healthy meals and snacks. Drinks are offered on request and the childminder ensures that babies have drinks of water at frequent intervals to help keep them hydrated. Children participate in a wide range of physical activities and benefit from regular access to fresh air and exercise. They visit the local park, play actively in the garden

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Helping children to be healthy

and enjoy dancing to music, which contributes positively to their physical development and general wellbeing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe on the premises and outside because the childminder implements good safety measures and follows effective procedures to promote their safety. She closely supervises children and ensures that they are protected from persons not vetted, such as the workman carrying out maintenance work during the inspection. As a result, children are cared for in a safe, secure and welcoming environment. Children develop good awareness of how to keep themselves safe because the childminder gives clear explanations about dangers, such as explaining why toys with small parts must be kept away from the baby. There is a wide range of resources and equipment readily accessible to children, which are safe, well maintained and rotated regularly to keep them stimulated and interested. The childminder has a clear understanding of her role in keeping children safe from harm, which means that their welfare is fully safeguarded. Her training in child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection and access to reference material regarding child protection procedures helps to ensure children are protected from abuse.

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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 The provision is good. Children develop positive relationships with the childminder, which enables them to feel happy, relaxed and settled in her care. She is caring and responsive to the children's needs and they develop a strong bond with her. This enhances their sense of belonging and helps them to enjoy what they do, be confident in their play and develop well. Children participate well in an extensive and varied range of activities to promote their learning and enjoyment. They benefit from attending different toddler and childminding groups on a daily basis, where they engage in a wide variety of experiences to promote their development. Afternoons are less structured, where children can choose to play or relax, according to their needs. Children are well occupied as they take part in stimulating activities such as painting,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

drawing, reading stories and completing jigsaws. They enjoy singing nursery rhymes and listening to music tapes. Older children learn to be caring and gentle, particularly towards the baby, for example, as she wakes from her sleep and receives a warm greeting from another child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and as a result they learn to be respectful towards others. They have their needs addressed because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure all children receive good care and support. Children become aware of their community as they make good use of local amenities such as toddler groups, parks, shops and the library. They learn about the wider world as they access a range of resources, activities and first-hand experiences to help them understand and appreciate diversity. Children behave very well towards each other and adults because the childminder implements a positive approach to behaviour management. She has high expectations of children's behaviour and sets clear boundaries so that they learn to distinguish between right and wrong. Children receive a good level of praise and encouragement which reinforces positive behaviour and enhances their levels of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

confidence and self-esteem. Children benefit from the strong relationships the childminder establishes with parents. She keeps them well informed about all aspects relating to the children's care and works closely with them to ensure children's needs are met. Feedback from parents is very positive about the caring environment, the childminder's qualities and how children enjoy spending their time with her.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has cared for children for several years and her experience is

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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 reflected in the overall good standard of care that she provides. She has attended a range of additional training such as child protection, behaviour management, food hygiene and the Birth to three matters framework. This means that children benefit from her experience and learning as new ideas are implemented in practice. Adult-child ratios positively support children's care, learning and enjoyment. They receive a good level of individual attention and are cared for in an environment where they can feel relaxed and at home. Childminding arrangements are generally well organised, although some confusion regarding Ofsted clearance procedures has resulted in full checks not being carried out on a household member. All legal documentation which contributes to children's care and welfare is well maintained

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Organisation

and stored securely, but parental consent for emergency treatment has not been obtained. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was required to address one issue which related to the provision of resources and activities to promote children's understanding of diversity. This has been appropriately addressed, as they have access to a wide range of positive references to cultural diversity and disability.

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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): • obtain parental consent for emergency treatment for all children.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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