Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 304151 Inspection date 10 August 2005 Inspector Steven Anthony Urry

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1990. She lives with her husband and three children in Weaverham. This is within a short distance of both Wallerscote School and St. Bedes. The childminder makes use of all areas on the ground floor of the property. Children also have access to other rooms for sleeping, and the toilet facilities upstairs. There is an enclosed garden area for outdoor play. The childminder is registered for five children.

p.2

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 supported by the early years team in Cheshire.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Their good health is well promoted because the childminder follows effective hygiene practices and procedures to prevent the spread of infection. They display a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after playing outside. Children show a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe and healthy, for example, a child with a cold is encouraged to use tissues to wipe her nose and it is explained to her that this will help to remove the 'germs'. Children are well protected by the childminder following the correct procedures. Children's dietary needs are well met as all meals and snacks provided by parents are healthy. The childminder provides additional healthy and nutritious snacks which are freely available, such as fresh fruit. The children are able to rest and be active according to their needs. Outdoor play and regular outings are regular features and

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

children benefit from good opportunities for vigorous outdoor play. Children's good health is protected by the childminder being able to act in an emergency, having updated her first aid training recently.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming family home, where any risks to their safety are minimised due to the childminder's attention to detail, for example, regular risk assessments are carried out. This ensures that children are comfortable in their surroundings and move around freely and safely. The fire blanket in the kitchen, however, is not stored so that it is readily accessible for effective use in case of a fire. The childminder ensures children are well protected from harm by attending relevant child protection training and development opportunities. The good use of the documentation assists her to respond quickly should concerns arise. Good quality toys, equipment and resources are provided to promote children's learning and development. These are safe and in good condition, so that children are able to handle and explore them, demonstrating a healthy independence. Resources

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are stored within easy reach of the children, allowing them to choose what to play with and promoting their self help skills and independence. Children learn how to keep themselves safe, because the childminder provides close supervision and consistently raises children's awareness of potential hazards and dangers.

p.3

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 thrive in the setting as they are made to feel valued. The childminder has good relationships with them and responds promptly to their individual needs. Children's development is well supported through a wide range of appropriate resources and well planned activities. Art work is displayed in the kitchen to reinforce children’s learning and promote a sense of achievement. The childminder builds on children's natural curiosity and as they explore and investigate, she offers encouragement. She helps them to develop early communication skills, in a stimulating environment that is rich in language. Children are happy to be given opportunities to freely explore different environments on a regular basis, for example, frequent outings to local places of interest enable children

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to experience activities based on fun that are planned for their enjoyment. As a child brings a large wheeled vehicle from the outdoor play area into the house, she is fully encouraged to do so, promoting her sense of self and potential for independent learning. Children enjoy being close to the childminder, as she supports their language development and encourages them to learn new words. She uses some prepared work sheets with children who are interested in learning early writing skills. All children are effective communicators as they expressing their feelings and share their ideas. All children are extremely confident in their relationship with the childminder, such as asking to play outdoors or for their favourite toys. The childminder uses a range of experiences, which enable the children to explore their immediate environment and to make greater use of their senses and creative abilities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from a wide range of resources that are freely available, promoting a positive view of different lifestyles, disability and the wider world. Children enjoy celebrating different festivals that are planned as part of the childminder's regular practice. There is a range of interesting, age appropriate books for the children to enjoy. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the children’s needs well. They follow their normal daily routines as discussed and agreed with their parents on admission. The children show care and concern for each other. They play games both indoors and outside and interact well together. Their behaviour is good at all times. They make themselves at home, confidently deciding what they should do with their time. The children enjoy taking their art and craft work home on a frequent basis. This enables them to feel a sense of pride and ownership

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

of their work. They are then able and encouraged to share their daily activities with their parents. Partnership with parents is afforded priority and they are made welcome in the childminder's home.

p.4

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 organisation is good. The childminder shows a strong commitment to the children. It is very evident that she enjoys caring for them and knows them well. This has a positive impact on the good standard of care that children receive. Documentation is well organised and the childminder limits the number of children so that they benefit from being in a smaller group. This means children can feel relaxed, at home and are very well supported in a safe and homely environment. They receive very good individual attention and personal care. All aspects of the provision are shared readily with parents. Written policies and procedures are used to enhance the information that is accessible to parents. Children benefit from the very effective partnership with parents. This approach

p.4

Organisation

ensures children's needs are well met. All documentation which contributes to children's care and welfare is organised, accurate and is well maintained. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • improve fire safety equipment by ensuring the fire blanket is readily accessible.

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6