Childminder in Cheshire East

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 304384 Inspection date 07/01/2009 Inspector Sue Anslow

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and two children, one of whom is an adult, in Cranage, just outside Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. The whole house, with the exception of one bedroom, is used for childminding and the main play areas are on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor activities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and currently minds three children in the early years age group and two children in the later years age group. All children attend part time.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes and collects children from Holmes Chapel primary school and attends a number of toddler groups and other play facilities during the week. She is actively involved in the local childminder's group and is chairperson and youth leader of Holmes Chapel youth club.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder's knowledge of each child and her high level of commitment to them ensures that each child's welfare and learning is very well supported. The uniqueness of each child is valued and the childminder works closely with parents and others involved in the child's life, to promote consistent and appropriate care and management. Children are introduced to the wider world around them through diverse play experiences and overall, an inclusive and welcoming service is provided. The childminder evaluates her day to day practice, building on her strengths and minimising any weaknesses. In this way the children's welfare and development is consistently prioritised.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 obtain parent's written permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment  record children's actual hours of attendance

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provision

The childminder organises her daily routines and play resources very effectively to include and safeguard each child. Space is available for children to play together or separately. The kitchen-cum-playroom, with children's art work and photographs displayed, provides a warm welcome for children and their families. Resources are organised well, around the home and in the shed outside, to enable children to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 make free choices. In this way the childminder very effectively promotes children's early independence, initiative and their ability to share and work together.

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provision

The childminder takes effective steps to continuously improve her practice following inspections and happily implemented the recommendation made at the last inspection straight away. She continues to access relevant training courses to update her knowledge and skills and is actively involved with the local childminder's group. A full set of written policies and procedures governing the childcare practice are shown to parents and from time to time the childminder asks parents to complete a questionnaire on their level of satisfaction and any concerns or queries they may have. The childminder has started to complete a self evaluation form in order to highlight her strengths and improve any weaknesses. Records are kept as required, in order to manage and support children's health and safety. However, written permission has not been obtained from parents for emergency medical treatment and the daily registers do not always show the exact

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provision

Links with parents are open, warm and successful in promoting the integrated care and education of the children attending. During settling-in times, the childminder explains about her childcare service and gains information from parents about their children's daily routines, likes and dislikes and any concerns they may have. Numerous photographs are taken of the children enjoying different activities and outings and many of these are mounted in albums for parents to take home. Captions are added by the childminder to demonstrate what children are learning through these activities and a short report is included to inform parents of their children's progress and development. The childminder liaises closely with parents and the school in order to familiarise herself with any topics or learning programmes being undertaken. This information ensures children are being cared for and nurtured in a consistent and meaningful way.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports children's learning and development with skill and commitment so that they are making excellent progress towards all the early learning goals. Children are happy, settled and eager to participate in the many and varied activities. Their independence is encouraged and fostered as they choose what they want to play with or help prepare their own lunchtime sandwiches. The childminder chats constantly to all the minded children to encourage conversation. She asks appropriate questions to make them think and introduces and explains any new words. As a result, children are making very good progress in their communication and language and beginning to work things out for themselves. These areas are key features that will contribute to their future economic well-being as well as their enjoyment and achievement at present.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a varied and stimulating play environment, and activities which are conducive to learning and enjoyment. Children enjoy a balance of indoor and outdoor play, along with outings to the local childminder's drop in and other play facilities. In this way children develop their social interaction with other adults and children, as well as enhancing their physical skills in the larger play spaces. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children learn about the local community as well as the wider world through watching the changing seasons in the surrounding countryside, planting flowers and vegetables in the garden and visiting places of interest during the holidays. They thoroughly enjoy watching workmen building an extension to a neighbour's house and help to place coins in the cement for good luck. Children love watching the animals in nearby fields and one such visit prompted an interesting discussion

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

about where milk comes from and how many drinks contain milk. Children learn about different countries in the world and how people celebrate their festivals. They particularly enjoy tasting different foods such as Chinese and Italian, but were not so keen on Mexican. The provision of an interesting and informative programme of activities helps promote children's personal and emotional development, resulting in well behaved children who work and play together extremely well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder assures children's safety and well-being because she is vigilant, attentive and talks to children about how to stay safe and healthy through the routines of the day. Freshly prepared, healthy meals and snacks are provided each day and children have constant access to drinks. Written risk assessments of the premises, toys and equipment, with regular checking for any potential hazards, ensures children's safety whilst playing. Children learn how to manage their own safety through helpful teaching by the childminder, as they practise fire drills and road safety procedures. Appropriate activities for each age group are planned and provided according to each child's interests and abilities. The childminder observes children closely, records their progress and together with discussions with parents, plans the next steps in their learning and development. Children have fun as they explore and experiment with different materials. They make music on the piano

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and keyboard and splash in puddles in their Wellingtons. They sing the action songs with gusto or spend quiet time constructing an intricate model or building. This balance of activities in the daily routine, both indoors and outside, ensures children progress towards the early learning goals with enthusiasm and enjoyment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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