Childminder in Cheshire East

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY416364 Inspection date 18/11/2011 Inspector Shelley O'Brien

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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 in a terraced house with her three children aged 21, 16 and two years in the Macclesfield area of East Cheshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding along with a bedroom on the first floor. There is a large secure rear garden for the children to play in.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, no more than two, of whom, may be in the early years age range. There is currently one child on roll in the early year's age group who attends on a part time basis. The childminder is also registered on both parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder attends a number of activities during the week at the local children's centre and also visits local parks.

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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

The childminder provides a welcoming and warm environment for children and has developed close relationships with the children she cares for. Children are generally safe in the environment, however, one of the legal requirements has not been met. They participate in a range of play experiences which allow them to make progress in their learning and development. The childminder has sound knowledge of children's individual needs due to the strong partnerships with parents. Systems to observe and assess children's progress are developing well. The childminder has started to evaluate her practice to improve outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the safeguarding policy is effective and includes the procedure to be followed if an allegation of abuse is made against the childminder or a member of her family (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 13/12/2011

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure regular fire drills are carried out and details recorded in a fire log book, including any problems encountered and how they were resolved  strengthen observational records to ensure that they are linked to the six areas of learning and are used to clearly to identify the next stages of children's learning  develop a range of activities to promote children's knowledge of diversity and equality This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has satisfactory knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children issues. However, the safeguarding policy does not include the procedure to follow if an allegation of abuse is made against the childminder or a member of her family. This is a breach of the welfare requirements and puts children at risk. The children's welfare and safety is supported adequately as full and comprehensive risk assessments are in place. These ensure safety within the setting and when visiting places of interest, such as the park or children's centre. Fire evacuation drills have also started to be carried out with the children, however, there is little evidence of this. Most written documentation is in place to support the health and welfare of the children.

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the early years provision

The childminders home is suitably organised to give the children opportunities to become independent and build their confidence. Resources are accessible to the children which they access frequently throughout their day. The childminder is committed to ensuring the children are comfortable and happy in her home. She is also committed to meeting the children's individual needs. They are given time to settle in and information about the child's starting points and interests are gained through daily communication.

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the early years provision

Strong partnerships with parents have been developed which means that a child's starting point and continued development is enhanced through regular meeting and conversations. Regular communication with the parents helps her to meet the children's individual needs and adapt practice as needed. This means the parents are fully included in the service the childminder offers. The childminder has also developed good links with the local Children's Centre and other childcare professionals. This enables the childminder to build on her knowledge and gain support when developing her provision.

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the early years provision

The childminder is aware of her strengths and weaknesses and continuously looks for ways to improve her setting through self-evaluation.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has sufficient knowledge of the Early Year's Foundation Stage framework. She is aware of the children's starting points and can identify resources to support the children's next stages of development through observation, however, the links to planning are weak. The children are happy in the childminders care and are welcomed into a clean and bright environment. There is sufficient play space for the children and they have access to an enclosed secure garden area for outdoor opportunities.

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and outcomes for children

A suitable range of resources are available which help the children to make steady progress in their learning. The childminder understands the requirements of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Early Year's Foundation Stage and offers activities that meet the six areas of learning. She also offers activities that follow the children's interests and develops these further through play. For example, a range of dinosaurs has been purchased to support children's interests following a programme they had watched at home with their parents. Children have the benefit of attending various groups at the local children's centre. For example, they attend a weekly drop in where the children meet with other minded children to develop friendships and extend their play.

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and outcomes for children

Children clearly enjoy being with the childminder and are achieving well. They are given plenty of opportunities to promote their personal and social development. They are confident in their environment and inquisitive about activities and everyday situations as they frequently ask questions about activities and things they see. Children's communication, language and literacy are fostered throughout the day as the childminder talks to the children and encourages discussion and questioning. For example, the children are asked if they know what is making the noise they can hear. When a plane is identified they go to look at it and talk about it being in the sky.

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and outcomes for children

Children's interests are followed within the setting which supports their personal, social and emotional development along with building on their knowledge and understanding of the world. The children actively engage in role play and carry out actions linked to the 'person' they are. For example, the children dress up as fire service people and drive around in their make believe fire engine, they talk about putting out fires and helping people. The childminder also supports learning by accessing toys and resources from the local toy library to enhance development and to offer different opportunities for the children. The childminder understands her role in supporting the children's learning and development and is clear on the six areas of learning. However, the children are not given opportunity to explore and learn about different ways of life and cultures. This means the children are not developing acceptance of others and learning about similarities and differences.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health and wellbeing is promoted well. Children learn the importance of hygiene and clean their hands as part of their daily routine prior to eating. They learn skills for the future as the childminder gives them small tasks to help in the setting, such as tidying away toys that are not being used or moving items out of the way to stop them from falling. Children's skills are further developed as they are encouraged. For example, the children peel fruit themselves at snack time and help to prepare meals. Children feel safe in the childminders care and are confident in the setting. For instance, she talks to the children about inappropriate behaviour and the reasons why it is not acceptable. The childminder communicates with the children throughout the day and encourages them to respond. As a result, the children are beginning to understand questions being asked of them and how to express their needs effectively.

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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 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 3

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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 3 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

 ensure the safeguarding policy is effective and includes the procedure to be followed if an allegation of abuse is made against the childminder or a member of her family. (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 13/12/2011

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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

 ensure the safeguarding policy is effective and includes the procedure to be followed if an allegation of abuse is made against the childminder or a member of her family. (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 13/12/2011

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