Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 304575 Inspection date 09 August 2005 Inspector Jane Shaw

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and 9 years in Macclesfield, Cheshire. Minded children have access to a playroom, dining room, kitchen, upstairs and downstairs toilets, two rear bedrooms and an enclosed garden for outdoor play which includes both hard and grassed surfaces. The childminder is registered to care for five children under 8 years and is currently caring for four children under 5 years and two children over 5 years, either full or

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 part-time. The childminder walks or drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children and attends local parent-toddler groups when necessary. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is the joint chair of the local childminding support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because their physical, nutritional and health needs are very well met as a result of effective procedures and practices employed by the childminder. Children enjoy an excellent range of activities and experiences indoors, outdoors and away from the childminding setting which actively contribute to their very good health and well-being. Children are developing competent physical skills and abilities which are particularly well promoted through access to excellent opportunities both within and away from the childminding setting. Regular opportunities are made available during indoor and outdoor play for children to develop and build upon their existing good skills and range of physical abilities. Children develop a range of small physical skills as they competently use a variety of construction equipment, for example, as they use scissors, glue sticks and other creative materials during craft activities developing

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Helping children to be healthy

hand eye co-ordination and finger control. Large physical activities are very well provided for and as a result children's physical skills and abilities are developing well. Children practise climbing and balancing skills as they successfully use climbing frames and slides, a trampette and trampoline, negotiate stairs to the bathroom and a small step to the outdoor area, as they ride bikes and use a variety of equipment within soft play centres. They develop hand eye co-ordination as they use bats and balls and a basket ball net. At the time of the inspection minded children successfully used a range of creative materials, tools and equipment to create three-dimensional models. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the Birth to three matters framework having also undertaken training in this area. The childminder uses this framework well to plan activities and support children under 3 years of age.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for within a very clean and hygienic environment. The childminder employs very effective and thorough hygiene routines and procedures, which ensure children are kept healthy at all times. Very effective procedures are in place in relation to the personal hygiene and hand washing of the childminder and minded children. Children understand the purpose and need to keep themselves healthy and are actively encouraged to wash their hands before meals, after using the toilet and after certain activities, for example, a child tells the childminder that they need to wash their hands after being involved in a craft activity. Children independently carry out these tasks with little need to be reminded. Children access individual packets of wet wipes for this task to prevent the spread of infection. Younger children are supported in these tasks by the childminder. A comprehensive written sickness policy

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 which is shared with parents and carers ensures all children are cared for within a very safe environment which is free from infection. Children enjoy a range of very healthy and nutritious snacks and drinks throughout their minded day. During the inspection children enjoy a snack of grapes, oranges and fruit juice. Children access drinks on a regular basis throughout the day, they are confident to ask for snacks and drinks when feeling hungry or thirsty. The childminder liaises closely with parents and carers regarding meal provision, allergies, preferences or needs on religious grounds. Parents and carers provide midday meals which are suitably stored and served. Children are only offered healthy snacks and drinks which are free from additives. Children enjoy meal and snack times which are

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Helping children to be healthy

well conducted, safe and offer the children healthy choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an environment where their safety is given a high priority as the childminder completes regular risk assessments, identifying possible risks or hazards and actively taking prompt action with utmost importance. This ensures children are cared for in a very safe, secure and supportive environment. Identified hazards are dealt with promptly and effectively for example; the installation of a gently sloping path in the garden as opposed to steps ensures the very young children can access the garden safely. The outdoor play space has been designed to be child friendly and very safe. The childminder completes risk assessments for individual children as well as her service as a whole. For example, as younger children develop and acquire new skills such as walking and climbing, the childminder assesses any possible risks or dangers such as a small step into the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

house from the garden. She gently reminds all children to be careful when negotiating this small step into the house when wearing dressing up shoes. She liaises closely with parents and carers discussing children's individual needs in terms of their safety, allowing them optimal challenge to develop new skills. The use of suitable safety equipment, such as safety gates to prevent accidents ensures children's safety and well-being is promoted. The childminder conducts daily checks of both indoor and outdoor play space prior to the children's arrival, this significantly enhances their safety. High priority is given to close supervision at all times and particularly when using the garden. Children develop physical and skills of independence through the childminder's superb detailed planning and supervision. Regular discussion and evacuation practice of the premises gives children a clear understanding of the importance of staying safe in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children confidently select toys from the range set out for them, from low shelving and from those offered to them by the childminder. Children access an extensive range of toys and equipment which is age appropriate, safe and hygienic. The regular checking of furniture, toys and equipment ensures that the children are kept very safe at all times. Children are very well protected because the childminder has an excellent understanding of child protection policies and procedures; this actively contributes to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 children's safety and well-being. Access to information, training in this area and a written policy which she shares with parents and carers ensures children's welfare is given a high priority. Parents and carers are made aware that the childminder's ultimate responsibility is the safety and welfare of the children she cares for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy, settled and relaxed in the company of the childminder. They are motivated, eager and actively participate in and enjoy the activities and experiences offered to them. Children are extremely confident and self assured because of the excellent support and encouragement they receive from the childminder, for example, as they are involved in imaginary play activities including the childminder and inspector in their play. Children are confident and relate very well to each other. The childminder is enthusiastic and experienced; she uses her wealth of experience to plan an extensive range of opportunities and activities, which are organised around particular themes of interest. Children benefit from the childminder's highly skilled ability to balance her time interacting with children effectively and at appropriate moments, for example, leaving children to develop their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

own stories and fun. Younger children benefit from the childminder's excellent understanding of the Birth to three framework. Older children have well planned opportunities to learn and develop specific pre-school skills through the childminder's clear understanding of the Foundation Stage. Children access a wide range of stimulating activities and experiences both within and away from the childminding setting which support the growth of children's development across all areas. During the inspection children were highly motivated and actively engrossed in imaginary play, playing house, café's and shops. They use a variety of equipment, toys and different areas of the available space to create their café, shop and house. Access to a wide range of dressing up clothes, including multi-cultural examples and props supports their play very well. Children are animated and excited when adults present take an interest and listen carefully to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

what they are saying and join in with them in developing their play. Access to very good resources and interaction from the childminder sustains children's interest and enables them to successfully develop their story. Children are offered an extensive range of different play experiences and activities on a regular basis which enables them to learn new skills and consolidate existing ones. For example, children attend a variety of child centred settings away from the childminding premises. These encourage the development of social skills and as they tend to be soft play centres they also encourage the development of a range of physical skills. Children's behaviour is excellent. The childminder encourages children's behaviour and achievements through the use of positive praise and encouragement. This positive praise encourages children to persevere and practice skills. The childminder uses positive language to actively encourage children's enjoyment, pride in their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

achievements and confidence. Children develop a sense of pride in their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 achievements as they are congratulated when they complete a craft activity. Children develop very good large and small physical skills through planned activities both within and away from the childminding setting. They practice climbing and balancing skills during outdoor play, movement and hand eye co-ordination skills during indoor activities such as craft activities, using construction equipment and completing jigsaws with dexterity. Children experience the wider community as they play outdoors, go for walks, visit local parks and other places of interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are welcomed and have equal access to all activities and experiences offered which are stimulating and age appropriate. Children play co-operatively together sharing and taking turns with activities and equipment and develop an understanding of others and 'differences'. Children access an extensive range of resources that reflect multicultural and disability issues. Children's understanding of others is encouraged through well planned themes and spontaneous activities in response to children's individual questions, for example, when children enquire about walking aids within a resource box, the childminder plans a visit to the local hospital. Children's natural curiosity and questions are dealt with in a sensitive and considerate manner. The childminder's written equal opportunities policy and practice ensures children's equality of opportunity. Although the childminder has limited experience of working with children with special

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs she has attended a disability awareness course and ensures that all children's individual needs are known, enabling the planning and adapting of care accordingly to meet their individual needs. Children are very happy and content in their play which is seen as children play happily together and chat with one another, the childminder and inspector. Children's self confidence is evident and is very well promoted as they receive lots of positive praise and encouragement from the childminder resulting in their enjoyment and contentment. Children's behaviour is excellent, which is as a result of the childminder's support and encouragement. Children are very well behaved because the childminder is clear about the need to promote children's positive behaviour and self esteem. The completion of a behaviour management course has enabled the childminder to develop her expertise in this area and produce a written behaviour

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Helping children make a positive contribution

management policy which she shares with parents and carers. The childminder's understanding of the Birth to three matters framework enables her to plan activities and minded children's day. Children are given good opportunities to develop their confidence and sense of belonging through very good encouragement, support and interaction. Children benefit greatly from the excellent partnership with parents and carers. Children's individual needs and requirements are discussed carefully and in detail with parents and carers prior to placement and on an on-going basis as they develop new skills and achieve milestones in their development. Successful relationships with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 parents and carers support the children's development very well. Letters of support from parents and carers were seen during the inspection. These were extremely positive about the care the childminder provides their children. Feedback on children's development and general well-being is given on a regular basis in an informal, verbal way on a daily basis and in written form by means of a daily book and written observations of development. Parents and carers have access to information on what the childminder has to offer, information about Ofsted and records. They also have individual folders containing the childminder's polices and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for within a very well planned and organised environment. Monthly evaluations of practice against the outcomes for children both individually and as a group ensures children are extremely well cared for. The childminder is very clear about her role and responsibility in providing a high quality service to the children and their family. Children access toys, equipment and activities which are well planned and prepared prior to the children arriving enabling children to feel welcome, confident and happy. Children confidently access and are involved in a range of interesting and age appropriate activities both within and away from the childminding setting. Children's other commitments are considered by the childminder who carefully plans activities around these. The childminder has, and continues to undertake appropriate training to enhance her existing very good practice and knowledge enabling her to provide

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Organisation

high quality childcare. All legally required documentation and records relating to the minded children are retained ensuring that the childminder is able to care for children in a safe and confident manner. The childminder holds a current first aid qualification helping to ensure that children are cared for safely and that any incidents or accidents would be dealt with in an efficient and prompt manner. Children's individual needs and requirements are well known and discussed with parents and carers prior to their child starting ensuring their individual needs are well addressed and provided for. Children's safety and enjoyment is given a high priority as the childminder obtains parental consent for several aspects of her care. Observations relating to the child's minded day, development and general well-being are fed back to parents and carers in an informal, verbal way as they collect their children at the end of their minded day. The childminder also completes a daily

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Organisation

record and observations for each child which she shares with parents and carers. Children benefit from the excellent communication between the childminder, parents and carers. The high quality of the provision means that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend extremely well.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has improved positive contribution outcomes by providing parents and carers with access to Ofsted's contact details through the displaying of a poster within the playroom.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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