Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 304014 Inspection date 19 April 2006 Inspector Sue Anslow

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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 1988. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Macclesfield. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with the main play areas being the breakfast room and play room. An enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 5 and 3 children over 5, outside school hours. The childminder attends local play facilities regularly and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children stay healthy and learn about good hygiene practices through every day routines, such as washing hands before meals and after using the toilet. The childminder encourages hand washing by making games of creating bubbles with the soap. She also helps children understand the importance of drying their hands properly. The childminder holds a first aid certificate and follows correct procedures should a child be unwell or injured. A written policy for parents provides information about the exclusion of any infectious conditions for the protection of the minded children. Children enjoy a broad range of physical activities, which contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Walks to local shops and parks are included in the weekly routine, as are visits to local play facilities and outings to places of interest. Indoors, children move freely between a number of rooms, enjoy dancing to music tapes and use large and

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Helping children to be healthy

small toys and equipment which promotes their physical dexterity. Children's individual health and dietary needs are met well because the childminder works closely with the parents, respecting their wishes and requirements. Children bring their own packed lunches and are kept nourished throughout the day with regular snacks of fresh fruit, provided by the childminder. After school the older children choose what they want to eat with their fruit, for example, toast or crumpets. Drinks of water or diluted juice are on hand whilst children are playing, ensuring that they never get thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can reach all the toys and equipment easily and move round freely in a home that is dedicated to their needs. Examples of the children's art work are displayed on the play room wall which gives children a sense of welcome and belonging. A wide range of toys and equipment promotes children's all-round development. Activities and games are changed regularly to suit children's individual needs and interests. All play equipment is kept clean and safety checked regularly, enhancing children's health and safety. Children enjoy helping to wash the toys in warm soapy water as the childminder explains about keeping things clean. Equipment is well organised in different boxes on shelving in the play room, allowing for freedom of choice and independence. Boxes are labelled and made of clear plastic so contents can be seen easily. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where the risk of accidental

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

injury is minimised. The childminder has a high level of awareness of children's safety and skilfully teaches children to keep themselves safe through explanations and reminders. When children play with dressing up items the childminder reminds them to walk slowly in the high heeled shoes. Necklaces are not used for safety

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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 reasons. Risk of fire is minimised through the use of smoke alarms and there are written escape procedures. However, the childminder has not practised a fire drill with the currently minded children, which compromises their safety in this area. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has sound knowledge of child protection procedures, should she have any concerns. She is clear about her role and responsibilities as a childcare provider and provides parents with a written policy for their information.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy their time spent at the childminder's and benefit from the range of activities provided. Children 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. Pushing a doll around in a buggy led to choosing a set of clothes for her to go to a party and later making everyone something to eat using the feeding bottles and some pretend food. Children's needs are well met. They are able to choose their own activities from boxes on low shelves and different activities are suggested by the childminder. For example, making pictures with a printing and stencil set, exploring and experiencing the feel of coloured dry rice in a large box on the floor and singing along to nursery rhymes on a music tape. Creative development is promoted through the use of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

different media, such as paint, water, glue and dough. Children develop self-esteem and self-confidence because the childminder values what each child says and does. Behaviour and achievements are praised and children are encouraged to help with little jobs, such as putting the toys away. Children make good progress in their learning and development because the childminder encourages learning in a fun way. Children are introduced to letters, numbers and shapes during their everyday activities. For example, by counting how many grapes there are in the bowl at snack time or how many cars of each colour they have lined up in the garage. The childminder encourages children to think for themselves by predicting whether the rice will go through the holes in the watering can or the sieve and who will make the most bubbles with the soap when washing their hands. Children enjoy a warm and caring relationship with the childminder and social contact

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with other children and adults is promoted by attending local groups and play sessions. Visits to places of interest enhance children's knowledge of the world around them and activities are balanced throughout the day providing for quiet and more active play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met very well.

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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 Children develop a positive attitude to others and gain a good understanding of the world around them through different play experiences using resources reflecting cultures, genders and disabilities. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder consults closely with parents and others on particular requirements or issues of concern. A written policy assures parents of the equal and individual treatment of all children. The childminder responds to each child's character and preferences and all children are encouraged to participate in all games and activities. Children behave well and the childminder promotes positive behaviour and self-esteem by praising achievements, helpfulness and kindness to others. Children respond well to the childminder's handling of sensitive situations and a well written

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Helping children make a positive contribution

policy informs parents of the strategies regarding behaviour management. Effective working relationships with parents results in good understanding of children's needs. For example, when a child was angry and upset on arrival in the mornings, the childminder and parent worked together to discuss possible reasons and manage the situation more effectively. Information is exchanged each day and parent's wishes and requirements are respected. A child due to go swimming after collection from the childminder's is given a more substantial tea, at the parent's request. The care of the children is 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. A brochure explaining the service offered, information about the childminder's family and courses she has undertaken is also available for information.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive a warm welcome in this well organised and friendly learning environment. The good organisation of toys and play equipment allows children to make choices and become independent. The ease of movement round the bright, clean, safe home as well as plenty of visits to local play facilities, provides children with a good balance of activities. The children's quality of care is enhanced by the childminder's commitment to improve her knowledge and skills in the childcare field. She has completed three childminding courses and several one day workshops in areas such as child protection, disability discrimination and Birth to three matters. The childminder is also actively involved in the local childminder's toddler group. Continuity of care is assured through regular information sharing with parents and the provision of written policies outlining the care that the children receive. Children's health, safety and welfare is

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Organisation

protected and promoted through good routines and keeping written records as required. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

One action and two recommendations were raised at the last inspection which the childminder has readily complied with. Ofsted were notified when the childminder had

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Improvements 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 an extension built on to the breakfast room, which benefited the children by enlarging their play area. A fire blanket has now been fixed to the kitchen wall and toys and equipment are cleaned regularly. Both these actions enhance the children's health and safety.

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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.

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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): • practise emergency evacuation procedures with all minded children.

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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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