Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 03/12/2012 Not Applicable

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: Not Applicable How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 Children have warm relationships with the childminder who supports them to grow in confidence, consequently, they are happy and willing to try new experiences.  The childminder's teaching is supported by a clear record of children's development. This means she can effectively target her teaching to support children's next steps in their learning and use their interests to provide activities that maintain their curiosity.  Healthy home cooked and interesting meals are provided by the childminder, this encourages children to enjoy mealtimes and develop good eating habits.  Communication with parents is very well organised. This ensures parents and the childminder are very well informed about the children's progress and welfare.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 Children have more limited support in using singing and rhyme to develop their speech throughout the day, this means not all ways to practise playing with sounds are used with children in everyday play situations.  Opportunities for children to play with a wide range of resources and extend their understanding of the natural world when in the garden have not been fully developed which reduces their learning opportunities when outside, especially in the winter.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are scheduled:  at least once in every inspection cycle. The current cycle ends on 31 July 2016  more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged as inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage; or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised for inspection where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the main downstairs rooms and the garden.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the observations.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's assessment records and planning documentation, the childminder's self-evaluation form and a selection of policies and children's records.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2012 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and their daughter aged 17 months. The family live in the Kingsmead area of Northwich, Cheshire, close to local facilities and transport links. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. Family pets include two cats.

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Information about the setting

The childminder has completed basic training including first aid and child protection and updates her knowledge through specific courses, such as food hygiene. She attends a childminder group and visits the local shops and park on a regular basis.

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Information about the setting

There are currently two children on roll, both are in the early years age group and who attend for a variety of sessions. She is open all year round usually from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, except for family holidays.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 support the development of children's speech and comprehension through extending the use of singing and rhyme

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 develop the use of the outdoor environment to give further opportunities for children to explore, build, role play and investigate the natural world, for example, through bringing resources traditionally used indoors outside and caring for plants.

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who attend

The childminder has been proactive in developing her knowledge of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage. She gathers information about the children before they start attending and quickly starts building a picture of their progress. A collection of observations supported by photographs, which are linked to the aspects of the areas of learning, are clearly recorded on a computerised database. The computer programme allows the childminder to record the next steps in children's learning and cross reference them to track children's progress. This enables the childminder to monitor children's attainment and plan appropriate learning activities. This method of recording allows parents have instant access to all the information gathered which keeps them up-to-date with their child's learning at the setting. The childminder also realises she needs to gather information about children's learning at home, for example, children's current interests or

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who attend

physical development, such as whether they can climb stairs. This helps her to develop a rounded picture of what the children can do and what is most likely to sustain their interest. It also helps to support the transition between home and the setting for children as the childminder can make links with home when she talks with the children. These documents have a very positive impact on the childminder's ability to target her teaching to ensure children make steady progress. The childminder uses discussion and adult-led activities to support children to learn the concepts of number, shape and categorisation. For example, as they play with natural materials, such as pine cones and plastic toys and find the odd one out in the group. The children who are just learning to talk benefit from a quiet environment where they can hear the childminder using repetition and building on their attempts to speak. They enjoy

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who attend

stories and handle books with confidence. Singing and rhymes are used during music sessions and when nappy changing. However, there is scope to extend the use of singing and rhymes during general play to build children's confidence in making and playing with sounds and eventually words. All children are encouraged to express themselves through the use of paint and play with tactile materials, such as shaving foam. Provision of some equipment and activities that extend children's knowledge of the world is provided, for example, activities based around Remembrance Sunday or streamers in the garden which help children see the effects of the wind. They enjoy regular trips to feed the ducks and the local parks provide equipment to support children's climbing and balancing skills. However, there is scope to improve the use of the garden to extend children's exploration of the natural world and the range of activities they can access outside.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The warm relationships children have with the childminder means they have confidence in her. She can support children, who are wary of strangers or new activities, so they can quickly overcome their concerns. This allows them to develop a balanced understanding of risks and try new experiences to develop their abilities. The play space promotes children's independence and self-esteem. They can access toys for themselves and see that their craft work is valued and displayed.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The children start to manage their own care needs, for example, by feeding themselves or putting on their wellington boots. Robust procedures about personal hygiene and hygiene of the home allow children to enjoy a clean and healthy environment. They understand the routines of hand washing before mealtimes from a very young age. Children's welfare is also promoted through the provision of healthy homemade diets. The childminder ensures a wide range of fruits and vegetables are included in the appealing meals she prepares herself. Mealtimes provide a social opportunity for children and they develop a positive attitude to good food and a balanced diet.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder manages the children's behaviour in a very positive way, praising the children, using distraction and helping them learn to negotiate with one another. This allows young children to develop an understanding of other people's feelings. Although only young children attend at the present time, clear plans are in place to ensure children of all ages can make good progress in developing skills for the future and in the transition to school when the time comes. For example, links are being developed with the local community to provide opportunities for children to meet up with larger groups and develop their social skills.

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provision

The childminder is committed to providing a quality service and has a training plan in place which identifies areas she wishes to expand or refresh her knowledge on, for example, behaviour management. She has accessed information about the revised Early Years Foundation Stage and has ensured all requirements are fully met. She has reflected on the setting's strengths and areas for improvement by completing a self-evaluation form and implemented improvements. The views of parents are incorporated into the childminder's plans for improvement.

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provision

Children are safeguarded well because the childminder has developed a good understanding of the signs that may cause her concern through completing two safeguarding courses. She fully understands the importance of quickly accessing help and advice should she become concerned about a child's welfare. This helps to ensure children are protected from harm or neglect. She undertakes risk assessments for outings and the premises and maintains a safe and secure building. A record of visitors is kept. The childminder helps children to understand how to keep safe and emergency evacuations have been practised with the children to enhance their ability to cope in an emergency.

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provision

Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder shares a wide range of information with parents through the electronic communication system. In addition to information about their child's progress, parents are provided with links to fact sheets from other agencies. These give information on issues, such as safeguarding or learning at home. Talking with parents each day also helps the childminder build partnerships to ensure continuity in the children's care between the home and the setting. This allows parents to become involved in and comment on their child's development on a daily basis. Written policies are shared with all parents which gives them a further insight into how their child's care is organised. The childminder is aware of the need to develop links with other providers who may care for children when this becomes necessary. She is also confident about forming links with other provisions and professionals to ensure a coordinated

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provision

service for children, if needed, so that no child is disadvantaged and all children have their needs met appropriately.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY447053 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 801607 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 5 Number of children on roll 2

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises that are usually their own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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