Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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304002 Unique Reference Number 16 May 2006 Inspection date Debra Elizabeth Jean Dahlstrom Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 good. 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 registered in 1983, lives with her husband and two older children in a residential area of Wilmslow. She is able to provide care for up to six children aged under eight years. The childminder currently has 13 childcare arrangements most of whom are for children over eight. Her husband, acts as her registered assistant, occasionally collecting children from school or supervising the children at home for short periods of time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the playroom, dining area and kitchen. The front living room is used for sleeping. On the first floor children can use two bedrooms and a further small room for sleeping. Toilet facilities are provided on the first and ground floor.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is able to take and collect children from two local schools. The family have a dog, which has supervised access to children.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children get plenty of physical exercise on a daily basis, they walk to and from school and can use outdoor play equipment in the large garden. Indoors, they play musical instruments, act out action rhymes and dance.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder gives high priority to ensuring children are protected from the risks of illness and infection as she is an excellent role model. Children are provided with their own towel, sited at their level in a downstairs cloakroom and from an early age they are encouraged to develop very good hand washing and personal hygiene skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is proactive in her approach to healthy eating. She believes strongly in the importance of a broad and balanced diet to support children's growth and development. The childminder offers children a varied diet of wholesome foods. Children are encouraged to try a wide range of foods, such as mackerel and couscous. They enjoy being actively involved in the preparation of meals, such as placing toppings on pizza or helping prepare fillings for sandwiches.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, spacious and secure environment as they can move freely and are protected from harm. The range of toys and play equipment is extensive and of a high standard. Children can easily access play materials as the childminder ensures they are safe and suitable for their differing ages and stages of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant, as she has effective safety measures in place. She ensures children learn to keep themselves safe when out of doors. As they grow in her care, they learn about road safety and the importance of crossing roads or anticipating potential dangers. Although the childminder has a clear evacuation procedure in place in the event of a fire, children are not necessarily aware of it. As children do to not practice the procedure they are not familiar with the actions to follow.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear and strong commitment to protect children from abuse. She has recently updated her knowledge through training provided by the NSPCC.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from very warm and caring relationships with the childminder. She supports children's emotional well-being, offers cuddles, encouragement, uses smiles and speaks to the children in gentle tones. The childminder is involved in children's activities. As a result children are happy, confident and secure in her care.

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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 The childminder sits with young children as they enjoy looking at books together. She listens to them and responds as they contribute with simple language, to the story. Children show sustained interest as they help turn the pages, the childminder then deliberately pauses to allow children to respond, they excitedly call out and clap their hands at the appropriate times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a variety of stimulating activities to assist children in all areas of their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are helped to become competent learners, they have rich imaginations as they engage in varied opportunities for pretend play. They make and design models made of cardboard boxes, build dens or act out roles as they dress up.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern as the childminder has a good understanding of their stages of development and their likes and dislikes. They feel secure and their self-esteem is promoted well. Their efforts and achievements are consistently recognised and celebrated.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive approach to including all children, taking into account their differing needs. Activities are adapted to ensure all children can contribute, they then feel welcomed and valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is patient and calm, she is particularly skilful in her approach to managing children's behaviour. She places emphasis upon the importance of social skills, so children from an early age learn good manners. The childminder speaks positively to children, using praise, explanation and distraction techniques to effectively manage their behaviour. They in turn listen to her, they behave well and show consideration for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are good as the childminder works closely with them to benefit children. Information is shared on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's thoughtful approach to their care and well-being. She has further developed her childcare practice through appropriate training. She keeps well organised records and shares these with parents, thus safeguarding children. The childminder has a thorough understanding of the National Standards.

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Organisation

Children's care is significantly enhanced by good organisation, as the childminder manages her time well to benefit them. Children are confident and happy in the stimulating play environment, they have excellent opportunities to play, rest and explore their surroundings. The childminder for example, ensures young children sleep in comfort with their own cots in separate rooms, providing a quiet and familiar environment.

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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 Children play a dynamic part in the setting and are able to organise their own play, moving resources and materials to suit their needs and ideas. They freely access all of the equipment that is available as they build dens indoors with sheets and pegs and so using their imagination to extend play. Children's self-esteem is developed through opportunities to make choices and share decisions about purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities and care.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no recommendations raised at the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 good. 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): • discuss and practice an evacuation procedure with children.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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