Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 15 June 2015 1 August 2011

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is good

 The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She implements the requirements well, which enhances all aspects of her provision.  Children are effectively safeguarded. The childminder has attended appropriate training and she has a good understanding of child protection. The childminder is aware of the signs, symptoms and possible indicators of abuse and knows the referral procedure well. This means that children are very well protected and their safety is assured.  The childminder is committed to the continual improvement of her provision. She regularly reviews her practice. This enables her to effectively promote children's progress.  The childminder has effective partnerships with parents. Links with the local primary school, external professionals and the local community are well established. As a result, children's individual care and continuity in their learning is fully promoted.

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This provision is good

 Children display high levels of confidence and self-esteem. This is because the childminder values children's opinions. She consistently praises children for their efforts and achievements during play.  The childminder is robust in assessing risks in her home and for any outings. She holds a valid first-aid qualification. Consequently, she is able to respond appropriately to accidents and emergencies.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Opportunities to fully enhance older children's understanding of mathematical concepts are not taken full advantage of.  Children have fewer opportunities to explore and investigate natural resources.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

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

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 make the most of learning opportunities for older children to enhance their mathematical understanding, for example, by demonstrating language for measurement during activities  extend the opportunities for children to explore and investigate, for example, by providing them with a wider range of natural materials and sensory resources.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked evidence of suitability of the members of the household and the childminder's qualifications.  The inspector conducted a joint observation with the childminder.  The inspector viewed the childminder's self-evaluation form and took account of the views of parents as recorded in written questionnaires.  The inspector toured the areas of the premises available for childminding.  The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records, the planning documentation and a selection of policies and children's records.

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who attend. This is good

The childminder promotes children's learning well. Children learn through play, both indoors and outdoors. She provides a range of fun, interesting and age-appropriate learning experiences. For example, children become engrossed during snack as they create their 'caterpillar' out of grapes and strawberries. The childminder encourages children to count the number of grapes on their sticks. They explore colours, shapes and texture, while threading their fruits. The childminder uses good teaching methods. She promotes children's communication and language skills through using repetitive language and engaging them in discussions. Children take great delight in learning how things work. They watch as the poured water cascades down the wheel. However, the childminder does not always fully challenge older children's mathematical skills enough during activities. For example, she does not always enhance their understanding of

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who attend. This is good

measurement, such as heavy and light, or full and empty.

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good

Children are settled and very happy in this welcoming home. The childminder gathers good information from parents when children first attend her setting. As a result, the childminder demonstrates an excellent knowledge of the children's routines. Children behave well because there are clear and consistent boundaries. They participate in routines, such as tidying away resources ready for the next activity. Children regularly visit local toddler groups. This provides additional opportunities for children to socialise with others. As a result, children are emotionally well prepared for the next stage in their learning, including school. Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks. They learn how to make healthy choices. Children know when to wash their hands without being reminded and explain that they are washing 'to get rid of dirt'. Children make independent choices about what they want to do from a range of accessible resources. However, there are not

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good

enough opportunities for children to build on their sensory experiences, such as exploring and investigating natural resources.

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provision is good

The childminder has a good range of policies and procedures, which are reviewed and updated regularly. The childminder communicates with parents through daily diaries and her online software. As a result, parents are aware of how their child is progressing, and how they can reinforce their child's learning at home. Parents' questionnaires show they are very happy with the care and learning offered by the childminder. The childminder is well qualified. She is committed to attending training to improve her professional development and this is having a good impact on the learning experiences for children. For example, the childminder has introduced a software system in order to track and monitor children's development effectively. This helps her to quickly identify and address any gaps in learning and ensure children develop well and make good progress.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY422722 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 852347 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 11 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 10

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 1 August 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2011 and lives in Chester. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3.

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Telephone number

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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Telephone number

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

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Telephone number

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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Telephone number

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

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