Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 9 May 2018 4 September 2013

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 The childminder is very well organised. She has undertaken additional qualifications and regularly researches how she can further develop her provision. She works effectively with her assistants to provide a vibrant environment that covers all areas of learning.  A particular strength of the setting is the outside area which provides a stimulating space for children who enjoy learning outside. The childminder has organised it to provide numerous opportunities for messy play, imaginative adventures and mathematical and literacy activities.  The childminder plans a daily theme for activities. This helps her plan for the next steps in children's learning that she has identified through her assessments. They extend children's horizons so they have a good understanding of the world around them.  Children are very confident and happy. They have warm relationships with the childminder and her assistants. Children have very good social skills. They enjoy playing

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This provision is good

with their friends and are kind and caring. There is a homely atmosphere and a flexible approach to childcare. Routines are skilfully changed to accommodate children's individual needs for rest and refreshment.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Assistants new to the setting are not fully clear about some of the latest government guidelines.  Although the majority of activities are very well planned, there are occasions where children are not encouraged enough to develop their own ideas, and think through and resolve problems for themselves.

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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

 ensure induction programmes for new assistants focus on giving them all the information they need as promptly as possible  make the most of opportunities for children to think through things for themselves and develop ideas or solve simple problems.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector completed a discussion about an activity with the childminder.  The inspector had discussions with the childminder, her assistants and children. She looked at relevant documentation, such as children's records.  The inspector spoke to some parents during the inspection, read the written testimonials and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder and her assistants understand what would constitute a safeguarding concern and what they should do about any concerns they may have. The childminder reviews her assistants work and they feel well supported by her. She encourages them to undertake training to gain qualifications that further develop their teaching skills. The childminder assesses risks effectively in the home and on outings, adjusting safety process as children develop. Children are always supervised when the cat is present. Parents describe the childminder as a, 'Fountain of childcare knowledge'. They welcome her support and advice on topics, such as teething and toilet training, as well as how they can help their children start to write their names. Where children attend another provision, she shares information on children's development with other providers to obtain a good understanding of children's progress.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder makes considerable efforts to plan activities that introduce children to complex concepts. For example, children describe what the earth looks like from space and know where their town is on a map of Britain. The childminder and her assistants get actively involved with children to excite and engage them in their play and learning. They encourage children to explore herb plants and crush and smell the leaves. The childminder follows the advice of speech therapist for children who need additional help to develop clear speech. She talks to children and explains what is happening. This builds on their understanding and gives them time to hear and practise new words.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder and her assistants provide a home-from-home environment. They praise children's achievements and encourage their confidence to try to develop new skills. Children learn to play together and cultivate their understanding of sharing and taking turns. They acquire an understanding of hygiene and safety issues. The childminder explains why their hands need washing after outside play and the reasons to be careful when exploring acidic lemons. The childminder provides appealing home-cooked meals and encourages children to develop an understanding of healthy, balanced diets.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are enthusiastic learners who are very keen to join in with activities; key skills they need for the move on to primary education. Most children are making expected progress and are well prepared for the next stage in their learning. They have good physical skills and coordination and concentrate for considerable periods of time as they play with water, herbs and fruit to make a potion. They enjoy pouring and mixing the ingredients for their creations. Children develop good pencil control as they colour pictures and are growing in independence as they feed themselves or dress themselves for outside play. Children enjoy sharing books with the childminder and enthusiastically join in with action rhymes.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY362946 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 1065051 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 18 Number of children on roll 11

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 4 September 2013

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Northwich, Cheshire. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She works with two assistants. She provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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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

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Telephone number

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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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