Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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304743 Unique Reference Number 04 May 2006 Inspection date Rachel Ruth Britten 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 1999. She lives with her husband and two daughters aged 10 months and 4 years old, respectively. They live in a house within walking distance of schools, nurseries, parks and Crewe town centre. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for two children, one of whom is attending for school holidays only.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family keep a pet dog which has it's own separate run in the garden.

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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's physical health is good because the childminder routinely follows environmental health and hygiene procedures. For example, she keeps the Husky dog in a separate part of the garden, so that he is usually separate from the children. She also keeps all play spaces and surfaces extremely clean and tidy and routinely ensures that children learn to wash their hands after toilet and before eating. The childminder makes sure that children blow their noses and cover their mouths when coughing. She also reminds the children where the tissues are for blowing their nose and reminds them that their drinks are in the kitchen, whenever they want them.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are increasingly independent in taking care of their own general health because the childminder makes them aware of their bodies and how to look after them. For example, children use sun cream when the summer sun is hot and take their drinks outside so that they do not dehydrate. They also put on their coats when it is wet or cold. Children also enjoy lots of fresh air and exercise and go outside each day. They regularly go to the park, walk the dog or play in the garden where they have picnics and use a wide variety of climbing and large play equipment. They also go regularly to the Play Barn with other childminders and their children. This helps them to develop strong and healthy bodies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from becoming ill because the childminder has devised good policies, consents and records to ensure this and children do not attend if they are ill. Pet forms are completed so that parents are aware of the dog and consent to their children being around it. The childminder also has written parent consent for any emergency treatment, should this be needed. There are good procedures for obtaining written consent for medication and recording the administration of medication. However, on one occasion, consent for medicine has been given over the telephone because the child was not dropped off by the parent. The record was subsequently signed by the parent and there was no adverse impact upon the child because the parents' wishes were carried out. Nevertheless, there is a small risk of mistakes in medication administration if no written consent is received.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have a balanced diet and learn about healthy eating because the childminder talks about and encourages children to eat good food. She talks to them about why they eat the food they do and supports the healthy eating campaigns running in schools and pre-schools. Children are sometimes involved in helping to get snacks and meals ready. Snacks usually consist of fruit and breadsticks.

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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, clean, secure and safe indoor environment. All exits are kept locked, but with accessible keys. In addition, all areas are kept very clean and clear of hazards, so that small children can move about safely and freely. The childminder is committed to safety, adopting thorough supervision and holds monthly evacuation practises. This means

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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 that all children are very familiar with how to safely evacuate in the event of an emergency. Parents are also familiar with these practises, as the evacuation policy and plan is detailed in the childminder's portfolio.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children use a good range of suitable and safe equipment and toys because the childminder selects and organises all resources using her clear understanding of each child's needs and stage of development. Many large items are stored around the home and small selections are brought into the lounge each day before children arrive so that they can start to play straightaway. For example, the childminder has a range of floor activities for a 3 year old and a baby to undertake, during the inspection because they are unable to go out until this afternoon. These include puzzles, stackers, dominoes, a shoelace tying toy, play foods, activity centres and musical instruments. Equipment and toys are well organised, are kept clean and are checked regularly for safety. After lunch, the toys are changed and the children choose what they want to have out. Outside, the garden is secure and offers a wealth of fixed play

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

equipment including slides, climbing frame, sand and ride-on toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe as they move around the setting because safety equipment is in place and the only equipment out is what children are actually using. Safety gates, socket covers and fire guards are in place and all dangerous items, such as cleaning materials are out of reach. Children are carefully supervised and the childminder always employs safe practices. For example, hot drinks are kept out of the way on the window ledge. Children are reminded not to swing on chairs in case they fall over and to chew all of their apple in case they choke. As a result, of her safety policy and practice, no accidents have occurred and no forms have been completed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are kept safe on outings because the childminder is vigilant and uses correct car seats and belts. Documentation shows that the vehicle used for childminding is suitable and policies demonstrate a thorough approach to safety outside on the roads whether on foot or in a car. There is also a lost and uncollected child policy detailing what the childminder would do in these eventualities. Children know that they must hold hands when out walking and the childminder asks them to look to see if cars are coming and explains why.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected well from abuse because the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection. She is confident that she is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. The childminder displays her child abuse materials in her information and standards portfolio; these include forms she would use to log any child protection concerns. This also ensures that parents are aware of her responsibilities in this area. She is unsure of what to do and who to inform, should an allegation of abuse be made against her; however, the effect of this upon the children is minimal.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and make positive relationships from an early age because the childminder actively encourages children to share and cooperate together. She plays on the floor and at the table with them to facilitate this and is skilled at keeping pre-school children motivated and interested. For example, she selects a number of jigsaws and matching pairs games for pre-school children and sits with them, making sure that the baby is also well occupied

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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 with wooden jigsaws and musical activity toys. Many activities are adapted to include children of all ages, such as hand and feet printing for their 'all about me' project scrapbooks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children respond well and show interest in what they do because the childminder is skilled and enthusiastic as she presents activity ideas. She also extends children's learning with questions. For example, she asks questions about colour, number, position and shape as they put together the 'Boobahs' and 'Nemo' jigsaws. She provides opportunities for children to investigate and discover for themselves. For example, children look at themselves in a mirror before drawing pictures of their face and they measure themselves to see how tall they are.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children acquire new knowledge and skills and have many opportunities to be creative because the childminder utilises activity and craft ideas from books, magazines and television. Each term the childminder arranges a topic and the children produce a scrapbook of all their arts, crafts, photos and results from this topic, which helps them remember. The children show their work to their parents. For example, children do baking activities and make cards and games. As they do this, they are improving their small motor coordination and control using spoons, paints, pencils, glue and scissors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children make positive relationships and have their individual needs met because the childminder often has them for one to one time. For example, the 3 year olds are gentle and loving towards the 10 month old baby, kissing and hugging her before she goes off for a sleep. The childminder then devotes her attention and tailors activities to provide sufficient challenge to the pre-school child who is left. This ensures that children's enjoyment and achievements are good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a strong sense of belonging and join in well because the childminder fully includes them in all aspects of domestic life. They have all their meals together and accompany everyone on school runs. Incorporated into these every day activities, is the sense that all routines are learning experiences where children can learn how to care for one another and the world around them. This is achieved by the proactive approach of the childminder, as she talks, questions and involves the children throughout the day. As a result, the children help to tidy away, want everyone to keep quiet when the baby is trying to go to sleep, and play nicely with other children when they are at the Play Barn.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children have good opportunities to consider and value diversity because the childminder has an open approach to equal opportunity issues. She has a written policy to include all and to present positive images of race, gender and disability. This is supported through books, jigsaws, dressing up, dolls, play figures and through activities which celebrate some festivals of various cultures. In addition, children have opportunities to meet and learn about the range of disabilities of the children attending a nearby special school. For example, the childminder answers questions in a simple way and explains why unusual behaviours may be part of a child's disability.

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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 Children receive very good support to behave well because the childminder is vigilant, consistent and very positive in her approach. She consistently gives praise and encouragement, successfully using the procedures detailed in her behaviour policy. For example, she says: "This is hard work - can you help me tidy away these puzzles?" She encourages children to work alongside her and rewards them with praise and another activity of their choice which she helps them to set out. As a result, children behave well and think of others, using good manners and kindness on most occasions and responding well to reminders when they are needed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good documentation also supports behaviour management, if necessary, as the childminder has devised a form to record any incidents of unwanted behaviour. These have not been needed to date, as the childminder has behaviour boundaries which are consistent with those used in children's own homes and maintains good verbal liaison with all parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s needs are met well through good partnership with parents. The childminder is open and communicative with parents and spends time giving and receiving effective verbal feedback from them. This is backed up by an excellent policy and information portfolio which is shared with parents and includes information about Ofsted and how to give feedback or make a complaint.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Practical information about routines for under twos and birthdays of family members are also sought through well designed forms. These forms enable consistent care to be given and mean that children can make birthday presents and cards for their siblings and special relatives. Parents indicate high levels of appreciation through cards and references. For example, one letter given immediately prior to the inspection states: "I have never once worried about my child since you started looking after him for me and that peace of mind is priceless."

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children and builds upon her knowledge and experience by attending child care training, including the National Vocational Qualification to level 3. She also keeps up to date and promotes children's social opportunities through attending childminder support groups. However, her first aid qualification has lapsed during her maternity leave and she has not yet secured a place on another course. So far, the impact of this upon children has been minimal, as there have been no occasions when first aid has been required. Nevertheless, children's health is compromised in the event of an accident if the childminder is not up to date with first aid training.

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Organisation

The childminder has a clear sense of purpose and direction and uses her time and resources well to support children's care, learning and play. She keeps group sizes small and manages the daily routine so that all children have their individual needs met and are well stimulated. For example, pre-school children enjoy the exercise, fresh air and social opportunity of walking home from nursery and then have home activities tailored specifically for them.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures work extremely well in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. For example, a comprehensive welcome pack contains information about Ofsted, including previous reports

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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 and the contact poster, evidence of training, insurance, and relevant information about the National Standards and matters such as child protection. There are also policies about all relevant aspects of childminding. All necessary parent agreements, child details and consents and forms for medicine, accidents and incidents are kept confidentially with each child's record and are reviewed at least annually. This information is very well organised so that good care is given. In addition, the daily register is kept accurate and up to date as children arrive and depart.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Two recommendations were raised at the previous inspection in July 2004. These have both been completed to assure children's safety in the setting. The childminder now keeps an accurate register of children's arrival and departure times, so that the register could be relied upon in case of emergency. In addition, she regularly practises emergency evacuations so that all children are familiar with what they need to do should there be an emergency.

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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): • ensure that parents give written consent for all medication administered • ensure that you know what to do in the event of an allegation of abuse being made against you • ensure that an update first aid qualification is undertaken.

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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 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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