Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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304586 Unique Reference Number 18 October 2007 Inspection date Sue Anslow 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 outstanding. 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 1997. She lives with her husband and 10 year old child in Macclesfield. The whole house, with the exception of the loft conversion, is used for childminding, with the main play areas being downstairs. 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 four children under five and three school age children, all on a part time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and attends a variety of play facilities during the week.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification and is a member of the local childminder's group.

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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 outstanding. Children stay extremely healthy and learn about good hygiene practices through every day routines, such as washing hands at appropriate times and flushing the toilet after use. Nappies are changed regularly and hygienically and all surfaces are kept clean, especially in the kitchen. Parents are aware of the exclusion of any child with an infectious condition, for the protection of children and members of the household, because the childminder has a clearly written policy for them to read. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and follows correct procedures should a child be unwell or injured. Records of any accidents or medications given are in place as required and kept confidentially in each child's file. Separate forms for recording any head injuries are given to parents, to advise on possible side effects. Children thoroughly enjoy a broad range of activities which promote their physical development and contribute to

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Helping children to be healthy

a good healthy lifestyle. Occasional walks to and from school, visits to local parks and plenty of garden play are included in the weekly routine. Weekly trips to local toddler groups, soft play and sensory centres enhance children's physical development and promote lots of social contact with other children and adults. Indoors, children climb up and down stairs to the bathroom and handle a wide variety of large and small play materials with increasing dexterity.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual health and dietary needs are met very well because the childminder works closely with the parents, respecting their wishes and requirements. Children enjoy and benefit tremendously from a wide variety of healthy snacks, freshly prepared each day. The childminder holds a food hygiene certificate and ensures food storage and preparation is exemplary. Parents provide their children's packed lunches and are happy to limit the sweets and crisps, at the childminder's request. Children thoroughly enjoy picking tomatoes and cress to use in their snacks and they often help to cut up the apples or bananas ready to eat. These activities, together with making lists of food to buy on their shopping trips, helps children understand something of where fresh, healthy food comes from.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy ample space to play in the dedicated playroom conservatory, the lounge and kitchen. Toys and play equipment are easily accessible from low level drawer and shelf units, so children can help themselves to whatever they want to play with. Art and craft work is displayed along with brightly coloured posters, which gives children a wonderful sense of welcome and belonging. An excellent range of toys and play equipment promotes the children's all round development and new activities and resources are introduced regularly. This enables individual needs and abilities to be met well and thoroughly enhances the children's interests and enjoyment. The large selection of fixed climbing, sliding and swing units in the garden are a great favourite and enhance children's physical development and coordination superbly. Play equipment is well organised and tidy and all items are kept clean and regularly checked for

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safety, which benefits children's health and welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where the risk of accidental injury is minimised. The childminder has a high level of awareness of children's safety and skilfully teaches children how to keep themselves safe through explanations and reminders. For example, children know they must hold on to the banister rail when walking up and down stairs and sit properly on their chairs in case they 'topple' over. All play areas, both indoors and outside, are

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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 regularly checked for any hazards and spongy matting is used under the climbing units in the garden to cushion any falls. Risk of fire is minimised through the use of smoke alarms on each floor and a fire blanket in the kitchen. The childminder discusses appropriate escape procedures and children practise them regularly. They also practise road safety procedures when out, and the older children use small two way radios, when they go to the park, so they can keep in touch with the childminder at all times. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has an excellent knowledge of child protection procedures, should she have any concerns. She is very clear about her role and responsibilities as a childcare provider and has devised a written policy for parents information, outlining what actions would be taken if she had concerns. The

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder updates her knowledge of correct procedures regularly by attending relevant courses.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in this relaxed, happy, learning environment as the childminder organises appropriate experiences for children of all ages and abilities. A sound awareness of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage curriculum ensures children progress in all areas of development. Activities and outings are often linked together by monthly themes, in order to enhance each child's interest and enjoyment. Written activity plans and regular observations of children's behaviour and abilities ensure that appropriate activities are offered to enhance their interests and learning. Children thoroughly enjoy their time spent with the childminder and benefit tremendously from the range of activities provided. They acquire new knowledge and skills and the childminder responds to the children's individual needs by providing appropriate ideas and suggestions to encourage their imaginations and curiosity. For example,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they collect leaves whilst out walking and make leaf prints with paint or copy the leaf shapes on to 'trees' they make with their hand prints. They talk about weather conditions, pointing to pictures of clouds or umbrella's on the poster and decide whether they will need to wear their wellingtons that day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's needs are extremely well met. They are able to choose their own activities from accessible toys and play materials and the different resources provided by the childminder. Creative and imaginative development is promoted very positively through a wide variety of activities, such as painting dry pasta shapes and threading them on string to make necklaces, rolling and cutting shapes in play dough and playing 'shops' with the cash till and play food. Children develop self-esteem and self confidence because the childminder values what each child says and does. Young children are praised enthusiastically for guessing what they wear to keep their neck warm or what is making the noise in the sky as it flies over the house. They eagerly tell the childminder what happens to leaves in the autumn and who is wearing pink today.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Outings to local places of interest, such as parks and farms and regular attendance at toddler groups and activity centres promotes the children's social development and an appreciation of nature. Outdoor play in the garden is a great favourite, with children enhancing their physical skills on a wide variety of climbing, swinging, sliding and riding equipment. Young children climb up and down stairs to the bathroom and use small tools, play materials and the computer with increasing dexterity. Children enjoy an extremely warm and caring relationship with each other and the childminder. They politely ask their friends if they may join in with their games and happily pick up the baby's rattle when it is dropped. They enjoy reading stories and playing board games together, as they learn to share and take turns with others. Activities are balanced

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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 throughout the day, to provide for quiet or more active play and close observations of children's interests and abilities ensures the activities meet each child's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children develop an extremely positive attitude to others and gain an excellent understanding of the world around them, through different play experiences using resources reflecting cultures, genders and disabilities. Wonderful picture books about different religions and cultures, posters in different languages and a beautiful set of ethnic dolls, help children understand about different people in the world and how they live. All children are treated with equal concern and have their individual needs met extremely well. General welfare and consistency of routine is promoted because the childminder consults closely with parents and others on individual requirements or issues of concern. The childminder responds appropriately to each child's character and preferences and all children are encouraged to participate in all games and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave extremely well and the childminder promotes positive behaviour and self-esteem by praising achievements, helpfulness and kindness to others. For example, children are praised for asking if they can join in another child's game and not just barging in and when an older child picked up the baby's rattle for her. A written behaviour management policy informs parents of the good strategies the childminder uses to encourage children to show respect for each other by sharing and taking turns. Effective working relationships with parents results in an excellent understanding of children's needs. Information is exchanged verbally each day and each child has a 'communications' book, which goes home with the children each night. The childminder records the events and activities of the day, adding routines such as eating and sleeping if required. A file of written policies and procedures is available for parents to read

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Helping children make a positive contribution

when they first start and at any time afterwards. Prominent displays in the play room reassure parents of the childminder's compliance with registration and insurance requirements, her qualification certificates and how she will monitor the stages of the children's development and progress. The care of children is very well supported through written contracts and appropriate consent forms and new families are given ample time to settle in and get used to the childminder's household. Parents are extremely appreciative of the care and service offered, especially when they receive an album or compact disc of photographs of their children at Christmas time.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children receive a very warm welcome in this lively, friendly, learning environment. The availability of a superb range of toys and play equipment allows children to make choices and become independent. The ease of movement around the clean, safe home, good access to the extremely well equipped garden and plenty of visits to local play facilities, provides children with an exemplary range and balance of activities.

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Organisation

Children's quality of care and their developmental progress is enhanced superbly well by a very experienced and well qualified childminder who keeps up to date with all current legislation and guidance. Having completed all three of the childminding courses, the childminder gained the Open University certificate in Early Years Practice in December 2006 and is now attending a degree course in childhood and youth studies. Continuity of care is thoroughly assured by

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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 regular information sharing with parents, both written and verbal. A file of well written policies and procedures supports the good management of children's care. Children's health, safety and welfare is protected and promoted extremely well through good routines and keeping written records as required. 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

The childminder was asked to review the arrangements for cleaning toys and equipment and extending the range of toys for older school age children. Both these recommendations have been fully complied with and serve to enhance the children's health and stimulation.

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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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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