Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY401846 Inspection date 24/02/2010 Inspector Barbara Christine Wearing

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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 was registered in 2009. She lives with her partner, one adult child and two children aged 10 and seven years, in the Bollington area of Cheshire, close to shops, parks, schools, pre-schools, other childcare groups and transport links. The whole of the childminder’s home, with the exception of the main bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding, and there is access to an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. The childminder is also registered to offer overnight care for three children aged under eight years, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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

Children enjoy close, secure relationships with the childminder, who values and nurtures them as individuals. She successfully supports them in their play, encouraging their good development in all areas of learning. Since registration the childminder has developed her practices, in response to the needs of the children she is caring for and their parents wishes. She hasn’t established any clear systems for self-evaluation. Nevertheless, she demonstrates a strong commitment to developing a high quality service and has clear plans for future developments.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that the fire does not pose a hazard to children (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 24/02/2010

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further?

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

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further?

 establish systems for self-evaluation, which incorporate views of children and parents, to ensure the continuous improvement of the provision for children  continue to develop meaningful systems for observation, assessment and planning to ensure they show a clear picture of each child's progress towards the early learning goals and assist in planning experiences and support to help children develop their full potential in a fun, learning environment This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  develop links with other Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) settings children attend.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board's child protection procedures, as reflected in her written policy that she shares with parents. This, together with the strong sense of security children demonstrate within the childminder's care, helps to safeguard children. Risk assessments are carried out for most areas of the home, garden and outings, thereby the vast majority of hazards are identified and necessary safety measures are in place. However, appropriate steps have not been taken to minimise the hazards of the open fire when it is in use. This is a breach of requirements. A fire guard is placed in front of the fire, but it is not secured to the wall. The childminder supervises children, while allowing them to explore and develop skills to keep themselves safe.

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the early years provision

The children settle quickly and develop confidence and a strong sense of belonging in the homely and relaxed environment created by the childminder. The childminder is skilled at ensuring that each child is given time and attention to help them develop and ensure their needs are met. A wide selection of toys and resources are easily accessible to all children. These cover all areas of learning, show positive images of our diverse society and include conventional and natural, flexible resources. Children have plenty of space and opportunity to investigate these fully and become engrossed in their play and learning.

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the early years provision

Since registration the childminder has attended training courses, made links with fellow childminders and received support and advice from local authority development workers. This has enabled her to identify areas for development, such as, outdoor play, observation and assessment, which will have a positive impact on outcomes for children. She does not yet have systems in place to evaluate how effectively she is meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and providing for children's welfare, learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder talks to children about their experiences at other early years settings, provides resources and offers support to re-enforce learning taking place within those settings. She does not have any links with staff at the settings to enable further sharing of information, regarding activities or topics covered or children's achievements. Close relationships are established with parents, ensuring continuity of care is maintained and that parents are fully informed of their child's day and achievements. The childminder recognises that parents have different preferences regarding the sharing of information and is responsive to individual requests. Feedback from parents is positive. They find the childminder approachable and feel that she supports them well in meeting their needs and encourages the development of their children. They love the home from home environment she offers to them. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding and knowledge of the children she cares for. She observes them closely and parents discuss their observations of their children with her. She is able to clearly describe next steps in children's learning and how she intends to support children in meeting these steps. Systems for recording this information, enabling the childminder to track children's progress towards the early learning goals and monitor how effectively she is helping children meet their full potential, are in their infancy.

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and outcomes for children

Children and babies make their needs known through verbal and non-verbal communication. The childminder is highly sensitive and responsive to their needs, giving comfort and reassurance when needed. Babies enjoy spending time with older children and the childminder, crawling to join them as they look at books and pulling themselves up to standing, with the support of the childminder. They also happily spend time independently investigating a range of natural and man-made resources. The childminder encourages children's positive behaviour and creates a calm environment through praise and encouragement, she effectively distracts the children to prevent conflict. The childminder skilfully takes opportunities to develop children's learning through both adult-led and child-led activities. When looking at books, children and the childminder point and name objects, developing children's language skills. The childminder asks children to find different colours, name

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and outcomes for children

shapes and they regularly count together.

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and outcomes for children

There are lots of opportunities for children to develop a knowledge and understanding of the world. They count the number of eggs that the childminder's hens have laid as they collect them each day. They help care for plants and intend to grow tomatoes and other vegetables. The childminder describes how children make banana bread, by weighing ingredients and observing changes, they take turns to mix ingredients and mash bananas. Children develop an understanding of the wider world, as they access a range of resources and books and engage in activities that enable them to observe and learn about differences and similarities.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop healthy lifestyles. They regularly play outdoors, in the garden or on local walks. They benefit from home cooked meals and healthy snacks. When asked if they would like scrambled eggs made from the eggs collected from the hens, they state they would prefer 'melted cheese sandwiches', which the childminder makes for them. This also demonstrates how confident children are in making choices and how these choices are valued by 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 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 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 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: 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 section of the report (Suitability and Safety of premises and equipment). 24/02/2010

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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 section of the report (Suitability and Safety of premises and equipment). 24/02/2010

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