Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY332871 Inspection date 07/06/2010 Inspector Jennie Lenton

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband and their three children, aged nine, 13 and 18 years, in Harriseahead, Staffordshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a rear garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of six children under eight years may attend at any one time. Currently there are eight children on roll who attend on a part-time basis. One child is within the early years age range.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children feel safe and content in the childminder's home. They make appropriate progress in their learning and development as they are provided with suitable activities and resources to help them learn through play. Their individual needs are adequately met as the childminder works effectively with parents to get to know each child's likes, dislikes and any special requirements. Most policies and procedures are in place to ensure that the welfare of all is promoted. The childminder has made improvements since the last inspection and has positive plans for the future of the setting.

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further?

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

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further?

 carry out a full risk assessment for each type of outing, which takes account of the nature of the outing. Review this assessment before embarking on each specific outing (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 21/06/2010

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further?

 take all reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children, both indoors and outdoors are kept to a minimum (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (Also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 21/06/2010

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the use of observation to show what children have achieved and link this to the expectations of the early learning goals  develop the planning to show how children's next steps are catered for through future activities. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are generally safeguarded appropriately as the childminder is clear about her role and responsibilities. There are written procedures to be followed in the event of suspected abuse and the childminder is alert to the signs and symptoms that cause concern. The childminder has recently attended training provided by the safeguarding team and has up-to-date contact details for the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Some risk assessments are carried out, showing that most resources and equipment are assessed to ensure that they are fit for purpose and that children's safety is promoted on a daily basis. However, some hazards have not been effectively minimised. A socket in the downstairs toilet room is not covered and the patio outside has some debris on it, which could present a risk to small children. Effective supervision reduces the risk of harm. The childminder has a written risk assessment for outings and obtains parental permission prior to

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the early years provision

taking children on visits. However, the assessment is very general and, therefore, does not reflect the individual risks that are posed by different settings.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a suitable understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and children are well-cared for and supported. The childminder has attended all required courses and her paediatric first aid qualification is up-to-date. She has a positive attitude to training and has also accessed additional courses to develop her skills. Written policies and procedures are in place to support the welfare and development of children and these are routinely shared with parents. Inclusive practice, equality policies and procedures are successfully implemented so that all children are supported to achieve their full potential. Children's individual needs are recognised and catered for as the childminder works in partnership with parents to meet any individual requirements. For example, details of any allergies or dietary needs are gathered on the registration forms.

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the early years provision

Parents are provided with plenty of information about the care provided and their child's well-being, learning and development. The childminder chats with parents on a daily basis and is keen to adapt her provision in response to parental wishes. Children's views are also sought and the childminder has ensured her home is laid out to meet their needs. There is a designated playroom where children are able to help themselves to most resources. This promotes a positive learning environment. The childminder is aware of her strengths and weaknesses and has addressed the recommendations raised at the last inspection. For instance, she has obtained written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, which ensures children's health needs can be promptly met. She has plans to bring about future improvement to the setting and is enthusiastic about developing her service to benefit children.

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the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy in the childminder's care, building positive relationships as they receive lots of attention and are treated with genuine warmth. This enables them to develop a strong bond and enhances their feelings of self-worth. They are developing social skills and a sense of responsibility as they help the childminder with younger children, getting drinks and helping to tidy up. Any unwanted behaviour is dealt with calmly and in an age-appropriate manner. Children learn to show respect for themselves, others and their environment. Children's welfare and safety is also promoted. For instance, they learn about road safety as they go on outings with the childminder. Their health needs are appropriately met as they wash their hands prior to eating and are able to explain why this is important. Physical activity is encouraged through access to the patio and regular visits to playgrounds and parks.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder supports children's learning and development through the provision of a suitable range of activities and resources. Children are able to self- select from a range of toys in the play room, which is laid out extremely well, so that they can access all resources. They have fun using their imagination as they play 'schools', using the white board and taking on the roles of teacher and pupil or pretend to make drinks for each other as they play with the toy tea set. Learning through play is encouraged as the childminder sits with children, showing interest in their games and extending their play. For example, as they get on a hobby-horse she encourages them to sing songs relating to their imaginative game. This encourages their communication skills. Children confidently make up dances and perform them, they are happy and involved in play throughout the day as they have a lot of free choice and are often asked what they would like to do.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder also plans a variety of activities for children to engage in. For instance, she regularly attends toddler groups in the area or provides craft activities at home. Everyday events are also used to promote learning. As the family dog is pregnant, children learn about the puppies growing inside her and are delighted when she has the puppies and they can hold them. This develops their knowledge and understanding of the world in a meaningful way.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has started to observe children as they play and make notes of their achievements. She has not yet started to link these to the expectations of the early learning goals and her planning does not show how children's next steps are met through future activities. Observations are shared with parents, however, and their views are also sought regarding their children's abilities. Consequently, the childminder is clear about each child's individual level of ability and children make suitable progress across all areas of learning as they access a wide range of activities which keep them interested and stimulated throughout the day. 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 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

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

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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: 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

 take action as specified in the Early Years Register (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 21/06/2010

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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 in the Early Years Register (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 21/06/2010

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