Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 304003 Inspection date 25 November 2005 Inspector Debra Elizabeth Jean Dahlstrom

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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 has been registered since 1986. She is registered to look after six children and on occasions works with an assistant. She lives with her husband and three children, adult sons and daughters both over 8 years, in a detached house in Rainow. The house is set in a rural location and is within walking distance of the local playgroup and primary school. A total of 20 children are on the register, of whom all apart from one child are part time. Minded children have access to all of the downstairs areas, including toilet and hand washing facilities, and to one bedroom for sleeping. There is also access to an

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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 enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family keep guinea pigs, two dogs and an iguana (kept in a bedroom) as family pets. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. They are able to appreciate the countryside as they visit a local farm. Outdoor play, walking to and from preschool, improves children's physical skills. As they play outdoors children can use an excellent range of equipment which provides sufficient challenge. These include a slide, climbing frame, bikes and other sit and ride toys. Children are welcomed into a home which is warm, comfortable and clean. Effective procedures are in place to protect children from illness and infection. Younger children are beginning to learn why they need to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children are well hydrated and are provided with drinks on a regular basis. The childminder where possible buys her meat and vegetables from local producers and avoids processed foods to benefit children. She actively promotes healthy eating,

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Helping children to be healthy

providing children with a range of meals and snacks which are well balanced and nutritious. This positive approach encourages children to try a variety of healthy foods to improve their good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, child friendly environment. They confidently move around the setting and enjoy the ample space provided for their comfort and play. Children use mainly the playroom, which is bright, airy and safe. There are robust systems in place to promote children's safety, as the childminder gives priority to helping children learn how to keep themselves safe. In maintaining children’s safety outside the home there are clear rules to be adhered to when walking on public footpaths or playing in the garden. Children independently select activities from a wide range of high quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder ensures toys are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has a commitment to protect children from abuse, She clearly understood the procedures to follow if she had concerns. However, she was less

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

sure of the procedure to follow if any allegations were made against members of the household. Therefore children are not fully protected.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder shares a very strong bond with the children she cares for and spends time talking and playing with them. She offers appropriate contact by means of cuddles and speaks to them in gentle tones and using lots of smiles. As a result children are happy, extremely confident and self assured in her care. Children learn about caring for pets and wildlife in the garden, as a result they are developing a sense of responsibility. They show consideration and derive great pleasure from undertaking simple tasks such as feeding or changing the water bowls. Children are offered a wealth of interesting activities and experiences which challenge their thinking and promote their learning in all areas. They design and construct models using huge cardboard boxes, weigh out ingredients, handling equipment such as sieves and scales when baking. The childminder cleverly asks questions of the children to extend their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder inspires children. She supports and encourages, her innovative teaching highly motivates them. As such, children are extremely confident and enthusiastic learners, who make very good progress. They ask questions, show curiosity as to how things work, they take the initiative and respond well to challenges. For example a laptop computer which was new to the children was very quickly appropriated by them and they produced on the screen a series of symbols and letters. They were delighted when they recognised that some letters make up part of their names.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern as the childminder effectively responds to their individual needs. The childminder knows the children well, has a good understanding of child development and appreciates each child's individuality. Children's efforts and achievements are celebrated, therefore promoting their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder speaks positively to the children, she is skilful in her use of praise, explanation and distraction to manage their behaviour well. Her calm and patient approach helps children to learn about turn taking and understanding some of the consequences of their own behaviour. Children benefit from the positive relationships between the parents and childminder. There is good feedback shared to ensure those caring for the children are kept well informed as to their needs, routines etc.

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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 The organisation is outstanding. The children benefit from the childminder's committed approach to their care and wellbeing. She has further developed her childcare knowledge through appropriate training. Certificates are framed and maintained on the wall. She keeps well organised records and policies and shares these appropriately with parents, thus contributing to safeguarding the children. Children's care is significantly enhanced by excellent organisation. Children are confident and happy in the well organised, stimulating play environment. They have superb opportunities to play, rest and explore their surroundings both in and out of doors. Children benefit from the outstanding range of stimulating activities provided and use the available space well. The childminder is extremely skilled in the care of

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Organisation

children, as a consequence children are highly motivated and enthusiastic in their learning and play. Children play a dynamic part in the setting and are able to organise their own play, moving resources and materials to suit their needs and ideas. They freely access all of the equipment that is available and use this to adapt materials using their imagination to extend play. Children's self-esteem is developed through opportunities to make choices and share decisions about purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities and care. Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has devised and practiced an evacuation procedure with children. Therefore in the event of an emergency children's safety is enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been 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.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • familiarise yourself with the child protection procedures

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The quality and standards of the care

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

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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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