Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY312018 Inspection date 02 February 2006 Inspector Janice Linsdell

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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 satisfactory. 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 was registered in August 2005. She lives with her husband and son aged 4 years old in Winsford, Cheshire. Most areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and she is currently minding three children on a part-time time basis. She walks to school to collect children and attends the local childminding group on a regular basis. There are no pets kept on the premises.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is generally well promoted because the childminder keeps all areas of the property clean and tidy, and follows appropriate hygiene practices. A room thermometer is kept in the lounge to maintain a comfortable temperature for children. Most aspects of children's health are addressed, but consent for emergency treatment has not been obtained. Children receive a balanced and nutritious range of meals and snacks following consultation with parents about their dietary needs. Meals are prepared in advance, so that the childminder can spend all her time being with the children. Drinks of water and juice are provided throughout the day to keep children refreshed. Children's physical health is sufficiently encouraged. They enjoy active play in the garden, where they can swing and climb as they use the large play equipment. They are taken for walks and enjoy trips to the park where they can run around. Younger

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Helping children to be healthy

children rest and sleep according to their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe on the premises because the childminder checks all areas prior to children's arrival and takes appropriate measures to minimise hazards in the home. Children are learning about safety, for example, as the childminder reminds them to be careful around the baby. A written fire evacuation plan helps to ensure children's safety in the event of an emergency. Appropriate procedures are in place to keep children safe off-site, although written parental consent for outings has not been obtained. Children can choose from a selection of resources and play materials set out for them in the lounge. They also have access to the upstairs toy room, which contains a wide range of safe and well organised equipment. Toy boxes are stored safely and clearly labelled, so that children can access them easily. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has sufficient knowledge

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of child protection issues. She has access to current reference material regarding child protection procedures and would take appropriate action to protect children from harm.

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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 Children are happy, settled and beginning to develop positive relationships with the childminder. She is responsive to children's needs, and her warm and caring approach helps them to feel safe and secure. Children are provided with different experiences to encourage their development. Older children enjoy drawing, playing on the computer and taking part in different craft activities. They can practice their creative skills, for example, as they make jewellery boxes to take home. The childminder interacts positively with babies, as she plays with them on the floor and encourages them to listen to different sounds. Children are taken to the childminding support group, where they have opportunities to play with other children of similar age.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder makes sure children are involved and included. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world, for example, as they look at the globe and talk about different countries. Children are learning about responsible behaviour. They are made aware of house rules and help with small tasks, such as tidying toys away. Their confidence and self-esteem is encouraged because the childminder recognises acts of kindness and praises children for their efforts. Children benefit from the sound relationships the childminder establishes with parents. A daily exchange of information helps to keep parents informed about the children's day and encourages consistency in their care. Feedback from parents is positive about the care that children receive and the different activities on offer.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has attended required basic training and she is a member of the local childminding support group. She organises space and resources so that children can relax and play comfortably on the premises. At times, childminding arrangements enable young children to benefit from one-to-one attention during some periods of the day. Most childminding documentation to promote children's care and welfare is well organised and appropriately maintained, however required written consent from parents relating to some aspects of the children's care have not been obtained. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Not applicable.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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 satisfactory. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • make sure written permission is obtained from parents for emergency treatment and to take children on outings.

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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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