Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 304562 Inspection date 20/05/2011 Inspector Sue Anslow

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1998. She lives in residential area of Knutsford. Part of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a small dog. The home is situated near several local schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, no more than three of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding six children in this age group, all of whom attend part-time. She also offers care to children aged over five years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends several local play facilities during the week. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The setting is highly effective at making sure children make consistently good progress in all areas of their development. Well managed routines and procedures ensure children's health, safety and welfare are promoted and protected to a very high standard. Exemplary partnerships with parents involve them in their children's care and education and they are kept extremely well informed about their children's progress and enjoyment. Close liaison with local schools and nurseries ensure continuity of care and support. The childminder values the diversity of individuals and is highly effective at integrating children whilst responding to their uniqueness. Self-evaluation of the childcare practice is constant and ongoing, through the childminder's ability to plan ahead for future developments. A system for recording these developments, however, has not yet been established.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 developing the process of self-evaluation in order to identify the setting's strengths and areas requiring further improvement.

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the early years provision

Children are kept safe from harm or abuse through the careful vigilance of the childminder and close attention to any significant symptoms. The childminder has attended relevant training and makes parents aware of her responsibility with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 regard to child protection. Children's safety is protected to a high degree by the childminder and the home and all the equipment children come into contact with, is kept clean and checked regularly for any hazards. Detailed risk assessments are carried out and recorded, including outings away from home and journeys on foot or in the car. A wealth of safe and suitable play equipment is easily accessible to children of all ages and the huge range of natural materials enhances children's play experiences superbly. The bright and airy 'playroom' and large kitchen/diner provides ample space for children to move around freely. The easy access to a

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the early years provision

large garden with mature trees and shrubs provides an excellent environment for exploring and adventure. Children are able to play together or separately as they wish and the childminder is very successful in providing an all inclusive and welcoming environment.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly motivated and committed to providing a safe, healthy and stimulating environment for children to learn and develop to their full potential. She is keen to build on her knowledge and skills by attending relevant courses and workshops and liaises closely with early years advisors. The recommendation raised at the last inspection has been successfully implemented and the childminder is proactive in targeting areas for improvement. Through her knowledge, experience and enthusiastic personality she guides and encourages children to achieve to the best of their ability and experience a wide range of interesting and enjoyable activities. The childminder is keen to continuously improve her excellent practice in order to benefit the children's enjoyment, excitement and discovery. The provision of well written policies and procedures covering all aspects of childcare, serve to support the well managed routines and

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the early years provision

keep children safe and healthy. Record keeping is carried out to a high level, both for the day to day routines and to record all aspects of the children's learning and development.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are highly valued and promoted extremely well. They are able to read through the comprehensive policies and procedures during the initial visits and share what they know of their children's routines, interests, preferences and general characters. In this way the childminder is able to plan and provide appropriate activities for each individual child's ability and stage of development. Later on, parents are able to view their children's individual learning profiles, with photographs of what they have been doing and details of each area of learning they have achieved. Each child also has a home diary, in which the childminder records details of conversations, learning experiences and all the different activities and outings the children have participated in. All together, these accounts provide superb evidence of the exciting, innovative and challenging learning environment provided by the childminder. Close links with local schools and nurseries and

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the early years provision

contribute to excellent continuity of the Early Years Foundation Stage and a three- way recording system between the parents and the other providers ensure relevant information is shared. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides an extensive range of highly stimulating play activities and outings each day, which promote optimum excitement, learning and enjoyment for children of all ages. Daily routines are well balanced with indoor and outdoor play, alongside outings to local toddler groups and other play facilities. In this way children enjoy social contact with other adults and children and learn something of their local community. Activities are based on the childminder's knowledge and close observations of what children like to do, with appropriate comments or guidance to help them understand and improve their skills. Helping younger children count the number of bowls needed on the snack table or remember the missing words in the story book, are rich sources of learning and understanding.

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and outcomes for children

Young children are encouraged to develop their self-help skills by changing into boots or shoes on the doorstep and washing their hands ready for mealtimes. They delight in being 'grown up' and bask in the warm praise given by the childminder. For example, when the older children offer to fill the younger children's bucket at the garden tap. They learn to keep themselves safe by practising regular evacuation procedures and crossing roads safely when out and about. The childminder incorporates learning into everyday activities so younger children begin to recognise and name letters, colours and numbers. They make their own labels for the toy boxes and sing songs, such as 'one, two, three, four, five, once I caught a fish alive', to help them learn to count. Creative and messy play feature strongly in the daily routine and children of all ages thoroughly enjoy baking, rolling out play dough, painting and sticking. They explore the different textures of

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and outcomes for children

sand and soil and what happens to it when water is added. They build up piles of snow and pretend the small play figures are mountaineers scaling the high peaks. They grow 'special grass' in large shallow trays which is used as fields for the farm or zoo animals. Children play together superbly well as they exchange ideas and make suggestions to enhance the current game. The childminder observes their interests and skilfully introduces further resources or special outings to extend the activities. For example, finding books about super-heroes or visiting farms to see the animals 'in real life'.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy and benefit from close, warm relationships with the childminder. They feel secure and confident as they talk happily, climb on her knee to listen to a story or ask lots of questions. The childminder encourages children to make choices and decisions about what they want to play with or whether they want to have their snacks indoors or outside under the trees. Healthy lifestyles are promoted extremely well through frequent garden play in the fresh air, walks to and from school and visits to parks and playgrounds to practise their physical skills climbing, sliding and pedalling. Children benefit tremendously from the provision of healthy meals and snacks during the day and drinks are always available. The childminder keeps track of how much they are drinking and if she feels they could do with a 'top up' she suggests a picnic tea for the dolls and teddies, ensuring the tea pot is filled with water or milk. Children behave extremely well, playing

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and outcomes for children

cooperatively and learning to share and take turns. They proudly show parents This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their 'reward cards' for special achievements or helpfulness and the childminder takes the time to explain to the older children how they can include the younger children in their games or find other exciting things for them to do. Each child receives lots of individual attention during the day and is made to feel special and unique in their own way. All areas of development are covered by the childminder, through the provision of appropriate activities and discussions. Having extensive knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage means the childminder is highly effective at providing support and guidance where needed. Interesting and stimulating activities ensure children are challenged to take the next steps in their development and learning.

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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