Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 304349 Inspection date 15/12/2009 Inspector Sue Anslow

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 1993. She lives with her husband and three adult children in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. The whole of the ground floor is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The home is within walking distance of local schools, shops and other amenities. The family has two guinea pigs and a tortoise.

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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, no more than three of which may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding six children in this age group, all on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds an early years qualification.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

An excellent knowledge of each child's individual needs ensures that the childminder successfully promotes children's welfare and learning. Children are safe and secure and respond to the childminder's warm, friendly personality. All children are included in all games and activities, which promotes an environment of inclusion and equality. Partnerships with parents and other professionals in the community are effective and serve to provide a consistent approach to the childcare practice. The childminder has an understanding of her strengths and weaknesses and has devised a system for evaluating her childcare practice as a whole.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 maintain an up to date record of all safety checks, both in the home and on outings. (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 29/12/2009

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further?

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

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further?

 improve hygiene standards when serving snacks  include parents and children in the self evaluation process, ensuring their views and ideas are taken into account. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

All aspects of children's safety are promoted well. The childminder keeps up to date with current child protection procedures and provides parents with a written safeguarding policy outlining her responsibilities should she have any concerns. The childminder's home is clean, warm and safe for children to play in and any potential hazards are removed. Toys and equipment are checked regularly and the childminder visually checks the environment, both indoors and on outings. Full risk assessments are not currently recorded, which hinders regular reviewing. Children learn to keep themselves safe through good routines and reminders from the childminder; for example, crossing the road safely, evacuating the house quickly, and not running too far ahead so the childminder cannot see them.

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the early years provision

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure their wishes are respected and home routines followed as appropriate. During the settling-in period the childminder gains knowledge about children's interests and preferences, which enables her to plan appropriate activities and outings to enhance and encourage their development. Daily discussions with parents ensure consistency of routine and parents are able to see their children's profiles at any time. A file of policies and procedures reassures parents of the childminder's commitment to providing good childcare, and most records are kept accurately and up to date. Good liaison with the local school and other play facilities provides continuity of support and enhances children's learning whilst in the care of the childminder.

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the early years provision

A wide range of resources for children of all ages ensure there is always something to interest the children and promote their learning and development. The childminder has exceptional knowledge of each child's backgrounds and needs and is highly effective at ensuring all children are well integrated in the setting. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification and attends a variety of courses and workshops to keep her knowledge and skills updated. She meets up with other childminders regularly for mutual advice and support. The childminder has completed the recommendation from the last inspection and is eager to further enhance her childcare practice through a system of self-evaluation. She is currently working on ways of involving parents and children in this process. Everyone is welcome into the childminder's warm and friendly home. Children are treated with equal respect and their unique requirements are met successfully.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals through the variety of activities and excellent support from the childminder. Activities are often linked together to enhance interest and excitement and all learning is done through play activities and outings; for example, counting the number of bricks in the tower and naming the colours they have used. Children learn about nature and the world around them through watching the changing seasons and growing fruit and vegetables in the garden. They watch the guinea pigs in their run and follow the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 tortoise around the garden, turning him round when he gets to the edge of the grass. They make good use of natural play materials as they invent lots of different ways of using cardboard boxes and make 'reindeer food' by mixing porridge oats with glitter.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from warm, close relationships with a childminder who encourages and reassures babies and young children to try things out for themselves. This builds their confidence and self-esteem and they gradually become more independent. Children of all ages thoroughly enjoy making up their own games with the toys and resources provided. They show care and respect for each other and enjoy individual attention and 'special treats' from time to time. The childminder promotes children's interest in books through regular visits to the library and lots of story telling at quiet times during the day. Constant chatting and asking of appropriate questions encourage children to communicate and link sounds and letters. For example, the childminder names each letter in the child's name as she writes it on their picture, counting the letters at the same time.

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and outcomes for children

Children's individual needs are met well and they learn about people who are different from themselves through resources, discussions and play activities. They sometimes visit the childminder's elderly grandmother and particularly enjoy playing with the childminder's family of adult sons when they are at home. They are thoroughly enjoying the Christmas festivities at the moment and the childminder takes the young toddlers to watch the plays and concerts in the local school. The childminder is fully aware of the six areas of learning and ensures all activities promote children's all-round development. She records her observations of children's achievements and uses these to plan further challenges to promote the next steps in their learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy healthy lifestyles as they get lots of fresh air and exercise during the week. They use the swing and ride bikes in the garden during the summer and walk to school and back every day. Children are provided with healthy meals and snacks during the day and have access to drinks as required. Good hygiene routines are followed with regard to hand washing and nappy changing; however, the use of plates at snack times as well as when serving meals would be beneficial. Any accidents or illnesses are managed well and children can rest or sleep in comfort according to their needs. Children are happy and settled in the relaxed, informal environment. They enjoy the childminder's company and are confident to ask questions and approach for hugs and cuddles. Lots of happy laughter and silly giggles are enjoyed during the time children spend with the childminder. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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