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 304014 Inspection date 07/05/2009 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 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 1988. She lives with her husband and one adult child in Macclesfield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five, all on a part time basis. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends several local play facilities during the week and is a member of a neighbourhood network of childminders. She also belongs to the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder's knowledge of each child and her high level of commitment to them ensures that their welfare and learning are well supported. The uniqueness of each child is valued and the childminder works closely with parents to promote consistent and appropriate care and management. Children are introduced to the wider world around them through diverse play experiences and an inclusive and welcoming service is provided. The childminder evaluates her day to day practice, building on her strengths and highlighting areas for improvement. In this way, the children's welfare and development are consistently prioritised.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to build links with other providers or agencies involved with each child's learning and welfare.

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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 playroom is decorated with children's artwork and posters, which enhance the warm and supportive environment and boosts children's self-esteem. Toys and play equipment are organised well in clear plastic labelled boxes on shelving around the room. This enables children to choose what they would like to play with and therefore promote early independence and initiative. Children are kept safe and secure in the clean, well maintained home and outside play space. They learn how to cross roads safely and evacuate the house quickly, through regular practices with the childminder. Written check lists remind the childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to check doors and windows are locked appropriately and such things as smoke

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provision

alarms are tested regularly. Equipment is cleaned and checked at regular intervals and good procedures are in place to keep children safe on outings.

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provision

The childminder takes effective steps to continuously improve her practice following inspections and has successfully implemented the recommendation made at the last inspection. She continues to access relevant training courses to update her knowledge and skills and meets regularly with other childminders and the Sure Start advisor for information and support. A full set of written policies and procedures governing the childcare practice is shared with parents and any concerns are dealt with immediately. The childminder takes time at the end of each day to consider how things went and what she could do to make them better. She has completed a detailed self-evaluation form in order to highlight her strengths and record any areas for improvement.

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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. The childminder observes children's development closely and records any notable achievements or comments made by children as they play. In this way the childminder is able to demonstrate what children are learning through the various activities and keep parents informed of their children's progress and development. Parents are consulted, both verbally and through questionnaires, about all aspects of their child's care and routine and the childminder aims to involve parents as much as possible in their children's learning and development. Currently, links with other professionals involved in the children's care and education is gained through

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provision

discussion with parents rather than first hand. The childminder has highlighted this as an area for improvement.

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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 very good 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 tidy up ready for snack time. The childminder chats constantly to all the minded children to encourage conversation. She asks appropriate questions to make them think, for example, 'who is that in the photograph with you' and 'where do we usually go on a Thursday'. As a result, children are making very good progress in their communication and language and are 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 local toddler groups and other play facilities. In this way children develop their social interaction with other adults and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children, as well as enhancing their physical skills in larger play spaces. Children learn about the local community as well as the wider world around them, through watching the changing seasons during visits to parks and farms and collecting leaves and feathers to make pictures with. They marvel at the fast growing cress seeds they plant and make funny shaped ice cubes by experimenting with different containers. Children learn how things work by using a variety of programmable toys such as calculators, cameras and torches. They also learn the importance of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

turning these things off when they have finished playing and about recycling our rubbish in order to keep everywhere 'clean and green'. Creative development is promoted very well, with a range of different materials to enhance children's experiences. They enjoy creating pictures and models with paint, glue, sand, shaving foam and coloured rice. A wide variety of small world toys such as dolls, cars, animals and dressing up clothes provide rich ideas to enhance children's imaginations and curiosity. Singing and dancing are included in the daily routine and children thoroughly enjoy playing the musical instruments or singing along with music tapes, at home and in the car. The provision of these interesting and informative activities promotes children's development in all areas, resulting in enthusiastic, creative and well behaved children who play together very 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 snacks are provided each day, complementing the packed lunches children bring with them. Drinks of milk or water are on hand throughout the day for children to help themselves to whenever they wish. Physical development is promoted through freedom of movement around the home, outdoor activities in the garden and visits to local groups and play areas. They enjoy social interaction with others and are praised for sharing and playing cooperatively. The childminder helps children understand what is happening and why. They discuss feelings and worries and in this way build trusting and confident relationships. Appropriate activities for each age group are planned and provided, according to each child's interests and abilities. This balance

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

of activities in the daily routine, both indoors and outdoors, 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? 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

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