Childminder in Cheshire EastOfsted inspection, 22 May 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316818 Inspection date 22 May 2006 Inspector Sue Anslow

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and two in Macclesfield. The whole house, with the exception of two bedrooms upstairs, is used for childminding. The main play areas are downstairs in the lounge and conservatory. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder works part time outside the home and currently minds two children over five outside school hours. She walks to the local school to take and collect children and attends a local toddler group during the week. 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 satisfactory. Children's health is supported appropriately and they have a good understanding of their own needs with regard to personal hygiene. For example, washing hands before snack and after using the toilet. Fresh air and exercise promote a healthy lifestyle and children enjoy physical activities in the garden and walking to and from school. Good procedures are followed to protect children's health in the event of an accident or illness and records are kept appropriately. Children are nourished before and after school with snacks of milk or juice, toast, fruit and biscuits. Fresh fruit is always available and drinks are provided on request so children never go thirsty. Any particular dietary requirement is discussed with parents and their wishes respected, ensuring individual needs are met as required. A cooked tea is provided if children are staying late.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to use the lounge, conservatory and one bedroom, which provide ample space to play for the short periods before and after school. A range of toys and play materials which are easily accessible from low shelving and boxes, provide children with freedom of choice and independence. The house, garden and all items of play equipment are kept clean and checked regularly, ensuring children's health and safety. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. They develop an awareness of their own safety through reminders from the childminder. For example, sitting properly on the chairs when eating and not carrying large pieces of equipment up or down the stairs. Children are protected from the risk of fire by the presence of smoke alarms and a fire blanket. However, emergency escape procedures have not been practiced with the children, which compromises their safety in this area. Children are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder is familiar with correct procedures should she have any concerns with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The older school age children enjoy a range of activities which suit their needs and interests outside school hours. They know each other and the childminder's eldest child as they all attend the same school. The environment is relaxed and informal with children able to choose their own activities and initiate their own games. The childminder is on hand to support and guide, suggesting an extension to the game or supplying items for craft activities. Separate play areas allow children to engage in different activities if they wish and outdoor play in the garden or a nearby park is

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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 accessed as often as possible. Children feel secure and part of the family because the childminder knows each child well and refers to them with affection. Children can relax or play actively, play together or by themselves. They are confident and independent, enjoy a close relationship with the childminder, have their questions answered and queries explained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's needs are catered for well because children are valued and respected as individuals. Children spending extra time in the childminder's home are encouraged to relax at the end of a long, busy day. All children are welcomed into the childminder's home and fully included in all activities. Children are aware of the wider world around them through discussions and access to appropriate resources reflecting diversity. Children behave well. They respond to praise and encouragement from the childminder and show respect for each other. Discussions are sometimes initiated about what can make people angry and the childminder has borrowed appropriate books from the library to help children understand their feelings. Children are polite and well mannered and the childminder presents as a good role model, promoting the children's self-confidence and self-esteem. The close partnership between

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents and childminder enhance children's feelings of acceptance and belonging. Information is exchanged daily and any messages to or from school are passed on immediately.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into this relaxed, informal environment. The older school age children are confident, responsive and independent due to the care and support of the childminder. Ample play space and easy access to the toys and equipment promotes children's independence and responsibility. Childcare is supported and managed well by relevant documentation and individual records for each child. Continuity of care is assured through verbal exchanges of information with parents every day. 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

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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 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): • devise and practise emergency escape procedures.

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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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