Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299835 Inspection date 11 October 2005 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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her partner and two children aged 6 years and 7 months old, in Congleton. The whole house is available for childminding, the main play areas being the living room and kitchen-diner. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under 5 and two children over 5, all part time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local toddler group and the childminders' drop in.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about simple good health and hygiene practices as part of the day's routine. The childminder encourages hand washing after using the toilet or potty and takes antibacterial gel for use outside the home. Children's physical health is promoted through walks to and from school and occasional visits to the park. The garden is available for use although only children over 5 may use the raised grass area. Children benefit from being able to rest or sleep according to their needs on the settees downstairs or in the travel cot upstairs. Children are nourished through the provision of snacks mid-morning and after school. However, children do not develop healthy eating habits because fresh, nutritious produce is not used and the choice of snacks and drinks is limited. Drinks are offered at appropriate times throughout the day as required, so children don't go thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are respected in consultation with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move around the home with confidence, having access to different play areas to suit their needs. Garden play is now available, with older children able to use the raised grassed area, helping to meet the children's need for fresh air and exercise. The range of toys and play equipment enhances children's development in most areas and children's health and safety is protected by equipment being kept clean and in a good state of repair. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimized by the childminder keeping children safe both inside and outside the home. Guards protect fires and heaters, dangerous objects and substances are inaccessible to children and blank covers protect exposed electrical sockets. Children are protected from the danger of fire because the childminder has smoke detectors in place and a fire blanket in the kitchen. However, children's safety is compromised because the childminder has not

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

practiced emergency evacuation procedures with the children. Safety is also compromised because young children do not have anything to hold on to as they climb up and down the stairs. Children are protected from abuse or neglect because the childminder is clear about her role and responsibilities, should she have any concerns. Leaflets and relevant telephone numbers are to hand for advice with regard to child protection.

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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 satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. They engage in their self chosen activities or relax and watch TV after a busy day at school. Children play happily and cooperatively together. Children enjoy a friendly, informal relationship with the childminder. Older school age children have their questions answered, guidance with homework if required and freedom to play with the toys and games as they wish. Younger children are given the opportunity to explore different play materials and equipment, with guidance and support from the childminder. Children are not given sufficient opportunities to express themselves imaginatively through a variety of media, as resources available for creative play are very limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and have their individual needs met. This helps children feel a sense of belonging and develops a trusting relationship with the childminder. Children learn something of the wider society we live in and people who look different from themselves, through pictures in some of the childminder's books and the Rosie and Jim dolls. All children are valued and fully included in all games and activities. Children behave well. They respond to praise and encouragement from the childminder, which promotes their self-esteem and self confidence, and they play well together. Children are learning right from wrong and to take responsibility for their actions. For example if a child was hurt by another child the childminder would explain the consequences of their actions and ask the child to say sorry. Children benefit from the good relationship between the childminder and their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents. Continuity of care is promoted by the regular exchange of information at the beginning and end of each day and respect for parents' wishes. The children's care and routine is managed well because relevant documentation, such as contracts and consent forms, are in place. However parents are not informed of the contact details of the regulator, should they be required.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at ease in the childminder's household as a familiar daily routine is followed. Freedom of movement around the home and easy access to all toys and equipment promotes the relaxed, informal routine where children have the choice of games and activities.

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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 Children's health, safety and wellbeing is protected by correct record keeping and written consents are obtained from parents as required. Continuity of care is assured through the daily exchange of information with parents. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure children are provided with a healthy, nutritious diet • devise and practice emergency escape procedures with all minded children • provide parents with Ofsted's contact details.

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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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