Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

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 EY302660 Inspection date 03/08/2009 Inspector Gillian Sutherland

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and eight years old, in Little Sutton, Cheshire. All areas of the ground floor are used for childminding plus all rooms on the first floor with the exception of the main bedroom. There is a secure fully enclosed garden for children's outdoor play. The family have a small dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding eight children in this age range, the majority of whom attend on a part time basis. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes and collects children from a local school and pre-schools and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the early year’s provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a welcoming environment for all children and their families. Children are happy, settled and respond well to her caring and attentive approach. The childminder’s partnership with parents, her knowledge of each child’s individual needs, plus the provision of appropriate resources, ensures that children make progress in their learning and development. The childminder is developing her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and has begun to record children's progress. Children are safeguarded, as the childminder has appropriate policies and practices most of which comply with current guidance and legislation.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop your understanding of the six areas of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, to assist you in planning activities for children and when carrying out observations and assessment of children's progress  review the accident and medication procedure to ensure it fully complies with current guidance and that written consent re the seeking of emergency treatment or advice is obtained for all children cared for.

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provision

The childminder organises her home in such a way that enables children in the different age groups to freely self select the toys they want to play with and which activities they want to participate in. She is very often guided by the wishes of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children regarding the planning and implementing of the daily activity programme.

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provision

The childminder satisfactorily addressed the three recommendations made at the last inspection, thus improving the welfare of children. Most of the regulatory documentation is in place and daily checks to the premises are effective in identifying and eliminating risk, and although written risk assessments are in place the childminder is currently in the process of extending them to cover the different venues she visits with the children. The childminder has detailed written policies and procedures in place and these are shared effectively with parents. Appropriate systems are in place to ensure children are collected by appropriate persons and the childminder records all accidents to children and ensures that parents are informed when they collect their children. Prior to care commencing the childminder obtains and records information about the parent’s contact details and children’s dietary and medical needs. However, the documentation held does not

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provision

contain parental consent for the childminder to seek emergency treatment or advice for all the children currently being cared for.

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provision

The childminder is proactive in communicating with parents through newsletters and parents evenings, sharing any general issues with them. For example, when the childminder was considering getting a dog she consulted with all the parents and sought their views in writing. The childminder clearly identified how she is waiting to access relevant training to improve her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, to help her support children's development and progress more effectively.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are settled and content in this homely environment where they respond positively to the childminder’s interaction and ideas for activities. They have fun playing with the toys and resources and their good health and safety is ensured through effective practices and procedures. For example, children are never left unsupervised with the dog, and good hygiene routines introduced from an early age, helps minimise the risk of cross infection. On arrival each day the children selects the colour of the towel they want to use for that day and the cloakroom has equipment to promote children’s independent skills. For example, a child-size step ensures that even the younger children can with supervision, reach the basin. The childminder provides children with a varied range of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals and drinks including water are always freely accessible to them. The childminder has a sample menu which she shows to and discusses with

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

parents prior to care commencing. This ensures that the wishes of the individual dietary needs of each child are met and the wishes of their parents adhered to.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from regular outdoor play either in the childminder’s fully enclosed garden which is equipped with a varied range of outdoor toys and resources. For the younger children, a visit to local toddler groups gives them the opportunity to socialise with other children and adults. Children regularly go on outings to the local parks and woods or to other places of interest a little further a field. Whilst on such outings with the childminder they learn to keep safe as they talk and learn about walking safely, road safety and stranger danger. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's communication, mathematic and literacy skills are promoted through counting activities and games, for example the shopping list game and the alphabet bingo. The childminder is aware that participating in such games encourages children to share, play nicely and take turns. The childminder plans

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

activities in line with children's needs and interests and they in turn respond extremely well to her as she sits with them at their level and follows their lead to ensure they are learning whilst having fun. She and the younger children sit comfortably on the floor as she encourages them to move the small cars around. Observations and assessments are beginning to be used to show children's progress. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint and ensure that a record of any complaints received is maintained (CR7) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 21/08/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified above in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report (CR7) 21/08/2009

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