Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY420968 Inspection date 24/08/2011 Inspector Lynne Milligan

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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 2010. She lives with her husband and their four year old son in the Winsford area of Cheshire, close to local facilities. The whole of the ground floor, the bathroom and son's bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding purposes. There is a small secure garden available for outdoor play at the side of the house. The family have a pet cat.

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Description of the childminding

This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years at any one time. She is currently minding four children in the early years age range. She is also registered to provide overnight care for one child under eight years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has completed required basic childminding training and holds an early years qualification.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are progressing well across the early learning goals as the childminder has a firm understanding of child development and the learning and development requirements. Procedures to keep children safe allow her to sufficiently protect children and written documentation that underpins her practice is generally well- maintained. Her simple method of self-evaluation demonstrates her commitment to improving outcomes for children. The childminder clearly values the relationships she has formed with parents and carers and strives to maintain this through the consistent supply of both verbal and written information.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 08/09/2011

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further?

 implement an effective safeguarding procedure and update existing knowledge of the procedures to follow should an allegation be made (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 08/09/2011

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  further develop the process of self-evaluation to include timescales in which to address any actions, with consideration given to alternatives in order to broaden the process further  develop further the observation and assessment process in order to make the learning intention more specific and so that they clearly link to the planning in order to fully demonstrate progression.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of how to keep children safe should she have any child protection concerns. Since registering she has not attended any safeguarding training and this limits her ability to keep children safe should they be exposed to any abuse. Firm procedures clearly assess the risks around her home and garden area along with regular fire drills which are underpinned by her well written procedures. Written risk assessments determine the level of risk whilst carrying out many of her visits and when the children use certain equipment in their activities. Written procedures are plentiful and shared with parents who sign to agree their content and to show that they have understood her procedures. All contracts are in place with additional information gathered to ensure she is meeting most of the needs of the children. The childminder has sought a variety of consents such as taking children on outings,

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the early years provision

playing on the trampoline and for applying sun cream but she has failed to clearly understand the regulations as she does not gain written prior consent for administering medication.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides an inclusive environment for the children she cares for and pays close attention to the community in which they live. Her simple yet well written equality of opportunity policy reflects a positive and supportive approach to ensuring children are included and valued. The childminder has begun to assess her practice and has made efforts to develop since registering, such as, providing more storage and by completing a food hygiene course. Through basic questionnaires, emails and very well presented and informative newsletters, she regularly updates parents, whilst requesting feedback about her service. She is aware of how working with other agencies and settings the children may attend can improve her setting and ensure continuity if care.

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the early years provision

The childminder has begun to self-evaluate and so has been able to adequately determine the progress she has made since registration. She is generally proactive in her approach which demonstrates her ability to self-reflect. In addition to assessing her progress, she has also made a list of actions which will help her improve further. However, as there are no timescales or alternatives considered, it has the potential to limit her ability to measure the full effectiveness of her plans. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to enjoy a varied and interesting range of activities which have been carefully thought through by the childminder. Initially when children first start she focuses on their ability to settle, encouraging their social skills as they interact with her family and finding out about their personalities and what they like to do. Her 'all about me' sheets collect useful information about the child's basic care needs as well as their level of ability on entry. As children currently attend part-time, the childminder is flexible in her planning, allowing for familiar routines whilst encouraging new experiences. She maintains a daily diary for each of the children which she regularly shares with parents, along with detailed development folders. These not only provide parents with a snap shot of their child's day but also keep them informed of the key areas in which their children are developing. This clearly strengthens the links between the childminder and

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and outcomes for children

Children clearly enjoy the company of the childminder who has a caring and patient nature. She treats all children fairly and welcomes them into her family, making them feel secure and happy. The childminder provides key activities which build on children's' skills but focuses on using everyday opportunities that allow her to reinforce a home from home environment. Children happily play with a wide range of resources which are stored safely and so allow children's independence to be fostered.

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and outcomes for children

Children often explore new environments, sounds and people. They take part in regular walks which help them to develop a sense of their surroundings and their place within the community. Children investigate nature as they complete leaf rubbings or as they collect different types in preparation for making a collage. They play colour bingo, recognising differences and experiencing texture through their play which is regularly reinforced through reading, role play and singing. The childminder is skilled at questioning children and as a result they are engaged and challenged. She observes their development, making recordings in their development folders which are linked to all the early learning goals. She uses a variety of methods which include photos and examples of children's art work which shows her skills in assessing children's progress. She predicts their next steps but at times these are a little too broad which makes them difficult to measure.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a varied, home cooked diet which the childminder safely prepares whilst adhering to the recommended guidelines. Drinks are consistently supplied which ensures children remain hydrated. Areas of the home are very clean and safe as the childminder carries out daily checks as well as completing detailed risk assessments. This allows the childminder to keep children safe. Outings to the local parks, into town and to the nearby shops help children understand the rules around safety. Through sensitive and simple explanations she encourages children to be aware of the dangers whilst at the same time educating them in how to manage them should they come across something. Children are clearly valued and respected for who they are. The childminder places great importance on supporting children's self-esteem as she offers lots of praise and encouragement. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

She takes a real interest in what they do and say. She listens to them, engaging in meaningful conversations whilst being observant with babies as they rely on body language and facial gestures to communicate. The childminder respects their families and backgrounds, adapting practice where necessary. Parents comment on how pleased they are with her service and how happy their children are. 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 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared for from abuse or neglect (Arrangements for safeguarding children). 08/09/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Arrangements for safeguarding children). 08/09/2011

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