Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

Inspection report for early years provision

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303965 Unique Reference Number 21 April 2006 Inspection date Janice Linsdell 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 has been registered since 1989. She lives with her husband, adult son and a child aged 10-years-old. The family live in Northwich, Cheshire. Most areas of the property are used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children on a full- and part-time basis. The childminder drives to school to take and collect children and she attends local toddler and childminding groups. Family pets include a dog, a hamster and a tortoise.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 enjoy good health because the childminder follows effective hygiene practices to ensure they are cared for in a clean, tidy and healthy environment. There are clear procedures in place to minimise risks of cross infection, so that children are protected from becoming ill. Children learn about good hygiene standards because the childminder acts as a good role model. She talks to children about the importance of keeping healthy, such as why we need to wash hands and keep noses clean.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are well catered for. They learn about healthy eating because the childminder offers a variety of healthy meals, such as grapes and apple for their snack. She is fully aware of children's individual requirements and takes these into account when preparing meals for them to eat. Children have free access to their own drinks, which are located on a low level table so they can help themselves to drinks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a wide range of physical activities that contribute to their good health and have regular access to fresh air and exercise. They are taken out each day and enjoy trips to local parks, toddler groups and indoor play areas. They have regular access to the garden, where they can play with a variety of outdoor equipment, such as skipping ropes and balls. This encourages children's physical health and development.

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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 welcoming, safe and secure home, where all potential hazards are identified and addressed. This means that children are comfortable in their surroundings and can move around safely and independently. All toys, equipment and resources provided to promote children's learning and development are safe and in very good condition. Resources are stored within easy reach for children, allowing them independence when choosing what to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn how to keep themselves safe on the premises and outside, because the childminder provides close supervision and makes children aware of hazards and dangers. Children take part in regular fire drills, so they learn how to respond in an emergency. The childminder keeps children safe on outings and helps them to learn about keeping safe when using the roads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well safeguarded. The childminder has attended training in child protection and demonstrates good knowledge and understanding in this area. Various information is kept on file, in relation to keeping children safe, and the childminder has a clear understanding of her role. This helps to ensure children's safety and protection from abuse.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop secure and trusting relationships with the childminder. She provides a good level of care and attention, which enables children to feel welcome, happy and settled in her care. As a result, children's play, learning and enjoyment are well promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a variety of stimulating play opportunities. They attend a different toddler or childminding group every morning, where they can enjoy numerous activities as they play and socialise with other children of similar age. Children are encouraged to make choices about how they spend their time and have access to an extensive range of high quality toys and equipment to support their play and learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are keen to play with all the toys provided. They enjoy playing with the kitchen as they pretend to make dinner and show excitement as they dance and clap along to the musical phone. The childminder guides and supports children's play very well, encouraging them to explore and learn as they play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued, treated with respect and have their individual needs well met. They are encouraged to be respectful towards others, as the childminder talks openly and sensitively about difference. Children learn about their community and the wider world as they use local amenities and as they play with some resources that reflect positive images of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved because the childminder keeps them well occupied, sets clear boundaries and helps them to distinguish between right and wrong. Good behaviour is positively encouraged and children receive plenty of praise and encouragement for their efforts. This helps them to feel good about themselves and develop confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the strong relationships the childminder establishes with parents. Information is exchanged regularly about the children, which promotes consistency in their care. Parents also receive a detailed and well organised information booklet about various policies and procedures. Several letters and cards from parents are kept on file, expressing a good level of satisfaction with the care provided to children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has been minding for many years and shows a commitment to the children in her care. She meets their needs well and ensures they feel safe and well cared for. She has attended a number of training courses to support her in her role, such as behaviour management, food hygiene and child protection. As a result, children are happy, comfortable and well supported in a safe and secure environment, however, required vetting procedures have not been fully completed for all relevant household members.

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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 All aspects of childminding arrangements are discussed and agreed with parents, with detailed written policies and procedures in place to enhance the level of information they receive. Children benefit from effective partnership with parents because the childminder works closely with them to ensure children's needs are well met. All legally required documentation, which contributes to children's care and welfare, is very well organised, well maintained and information is accurately recorded.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, two issues were identified as areas of improvement which related to: resources to promote diversity; and arrangements regarding children's contact with pets.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These issues have been appropriately addressed. Children have access to some new resources to increase their awareness and understanding of diversity, such as play figures, jigsaws and books. All parents have given their written consent to allow children to be in contact with the childminder's pet dog.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • make sure household members over the age of 16 years, complete appropriate vetting procedures to ensure their suitability to be in contact 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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