Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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304089 Unique Reference Number 14 December 2007 Inspection date Debra Elizabeth Jean Dahlstrom 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 was registered in 1988. She lives with her husband in a house in Sydney, on the outskirts of Crewe. The childminder is registered to care for four children and currently has four children on roll. Most facilities for young children are a short car ride away. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with access to a bathroom upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has sufficient knowledge to promote children's health, for example, she protects them from infectious diseases by ensuring parents understand that sick children cannot be cared for. She talks with children about germs so that they remember to wash their hands before meals. Hygiene standards are met overall, however a number of toys require cleaning to reduce the risks of cross infection.

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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 Children are provided with sufficient opportunities to exercise, as the childminder organises visits to local parks, or play in the garden, this means children learn to develop physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder records details of children's allergies, likes and dislikes to ensure their individual needs are met. Meals and snacks are varied to include both fresh and processed foods. The childminder ensures children can access drinks readily, as she makes sure they are placed within reach of children at all times. Children enjoy low sugar drinks or fresh drinking water to keep them hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Overall space is used effectively to meet children's different needs and ensure they are safe and comfortable. Children can generally access a varied range of toys and play equipment for both indoor and outdoor play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children from a young age learn about safety. The childminder places importance upon children learning why they need to follow clear rules she has established, so children can fully understand the potential hazards and consequences that their actions may have on themselves and others. She does this by showing children how to cross the road safely, as she ensures children hold hands and walk close by her when on outings and know why they must stay away from the kerb.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a commitment to protect children from abuse and is clear her responsibilities will be shared with parents. However, she is less familiar with the correct procedures to follow to safeguard children if she were to report any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy warm and supportive relationships with the childminder. She offers encouragement, uses smiles and speaks to the children in lively tones. The childminder is involved in children's activities. She spends time listening and talking to them. She sits next to them, for example, helps in their play or creative activities. They talk about colour and shape. As a result, children's confidence and learning is supported in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder encourages children's imaginative play, they pretend to pour drinks or make meals in the play kitchen. The children's language is supported as the childminder extends their learning as they talk or read about familiar things or their favourite stories.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children can move around freely, independently selecting play materials from stacked drawers which are attractively organised. However, those resources more suited for younger children in the toy boxes are difficult to access and not stored well, thus making them less attractive to younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled as the childminder works hard to meet their individual needs. She takes time to get to know them well and understand their likes and dislikes.

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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 The childminder places emphasis upon fairness, turn taking and good manners, encouraging children to behave well by using praise and encouragement. She talks quietly with children when their behaviour is not acceptable, so that they begin to understand right from wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has recently written a number of policies and procedures which she can share with parents so they are informed about the service she provides for children. Parents are pleased with the care their children are receiving and the information shared daily about their children's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home in the warm, friendly environment because the childminder spends time with them. She makes sure that through the day children can rest or be active, according to their needs.

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Organisation

The childminder has suitable arrangements in place to ensure children are protected from persons who are not vetted. She has also completed the necessary training for first aid and undertaken other training opportunities.

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Organisation

Most records and documentation are in order, however the system for recording of medication is not consistent, with some of the detail is missing. 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 provider agreed to six recommendations to improve practice. Those recommendations included record keeping, of which most changes are now completed, however further detail is required in the medication record. This recommendation will be carried forward at this inspection. The provider has increased her range of activities, toys and play equipment for children aged three to five years. The provider has purchased more resources, such as outdoor play equipment, toy garage and imaginative play equipment for children's enjoyment and learning.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Nappy change practice has changed to ensure that the childminder can readily access antibacterial liquid soap wash as soon as she has completed the nappy change. This will improve hygiene practices for children. The childminder has now written a behaviour management policy which includes positive methods and this is discussed and agreed with parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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Complaints 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

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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): • ensure all records of medication being administered are recorded • update knowledge of safeguarding children procedures • ensure all play equipment is clean • organise resources so that they are readily accessible to children and supports children's play and learning.

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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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