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 EY304205 Inspection date 26/03/2009 Inspector Sylvia Cornock

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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 2005. She lives with her partner and four children aged 13, seven, five and two years in Crewe, Cheshire. The whole of the ground floor and upstairs bathroom of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a secured garden for outdoor play.

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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 three children at any one time and currently minds two children in the early years group, two children on the compulsory and two children on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register all on a part time basis each week. The family have a dog and a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder liaises with local schools and nurseries. She has completed the recognised local authority course. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She visits local toddler and carer groups.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder is committed to each individual, understanding their home backgrounds and individual needs well. She gives them excellent opportunities to learn and develop through a wealth of experiences and play choices. A stimulating, welcoming and inclusive environment supports children's good progress. Good liaison with parents, nurseries and schools supports and promotes consistent care for the children. The childminder has addressed the recommendations from her previous inspection appropriately. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards her ongoing professional development. She recognises that her systems for using the observations and assessments undertaken, to plan for individual children's next steps in their learning, is an area for development in order to bring about improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the observations and assessments to promote the next steps of children's learning and development.

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provision

Children's safety is promoted well as the childminder is proactive in ensuring required checks are carried out to ensure members of her household are suitable. All of the required documentation is in place to safeguard and ensure the welfare of all children. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and sufficient knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of an This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 allegation of abuse being made whilst a child is in her care.

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provision

The childminder is focused on helping all children make very good progress in their learning and development, whilst promoting their welfare. The childminder offers a fully inclusive environment where all children are respected. Daily routines and play resources are organised effectively, enabling children to help themselves to whatever they want to play with. Safety and security are excellent and promoted well as children are reminded to collect some of the toys from the floor to enable freedom of movement in safety. She has completed written risk assessments for the home and for outings to local play facilities and places of interest. She promotes children's understanding of safety when walking to and from school through explanations and observations.

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provision

The childminder has developed a system for observing and assessing individual children's development and interests, through recording the observations in prepared individual folders. However, these are in the early stages of completion and is an area for further development to ensure they are used to plan for the next steps of children's learning. The use of photographs of children's involvement and interests adds another dimension to the observations which are linked to the areas of learning. These records are shared with parents, enabling them to work together to monitor each child's enjoyment, behaviour and abilities. The childminder is aware of and makes good use of resources available to promote inclusion and diversity. She is aware of her strengths and any areas needing improvement.

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provision

The childminder encourages parents to share their knowledge of their children's characters, preferences and interests so she can plan appropriate activities and outings. Any transitions to nursery and school are managed well through discussions between the parents, the childminder and the teachers. A file of written policies and procedures and displays on walls inform and reassure parents of the childminder's commitment to good practice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a very good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Children are making excellent progress towards the early learning goals and have easy access to good quality resources to meet their developing needs. The childminder recognises the importance of play and provides a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a wide range of stimulating play activities and outings each day, in order to promote the learning and enjoyment for children of all ages. The daily routine includes outdoor play or an outing to visit places of interest and walks into the community. In this way children enjoy social contact with other adults and children and learn something of their local community and the wider world. Activities are based on the childminder's observations of what children like to do, with appropriate comments or guidance to help them understand and improve their skills. For example, helping children to grow cress and other salad items, enabling them to make their own snacks from the produce. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are encouraged to develop their self help skills by selecting toys and equipment of their choice. The childminder incorporates learning into everyday

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

activities so children begin to recognise objects, colours and numbers. They love making objects from play dough chatting about what they have made, using good language to describe what it feels like. They have opportunities to access a wide variety of books, listen to stories and engage in songs and rhymes to include number recognition and use language well. Children enjoy and benefit from close, warm relationships with the childminder. Constant explanations from the childminder help the younger children develop their vocabulary.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and welfare requirements are met very well. Children benefit from nutritious foods to promote their growth and development. They enjoy fresh fruit and healthy snacks. Excellent hygiene routines are encouraged and the childminder places good emphasis on maintaining a safe environment and has a range of safety measures in place across her home. The childminder has a procedure for evacuating the premises, which is practised on a regular basis with the children and they are able to recite the procedure. Their understanding of safety has been reinforced by a visit from the fire service, with their engine, which children were able to explore. Appropriate praise and attention from the childminder ensures children behave well and they learn to respect each other and the environment. All children are included in all games and activities, according to their age and abilities, and each individual is made to feel special and their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

qualities encouraged. Children learn about nature and about the world around them. Ample space and easy access to safe and suitable toys and equipment enables children to choose what they want to play with and enjoy freedom of movement around the home. 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? 2 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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted.

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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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