Taylor, Susan

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 501224 Inspection date 29 March 2006 Inspector Jean Evelyn Thomas

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001 and lives with her family in Moreton on the Wirral peninsular. She lives with her husband and children aged 15 years, 11 years and 6 weeks. The ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. On the first floor the bathroom and two bedrooms are used. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to provide care for five children under 8 years. The childminder is currently minding five children on a part-time basis. Older children are minded. She walks to local schools to take and collect children, and also attends

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 parent and toddler sessions. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home where good hygiene procedures are in place to help protect children from possible health risks. For example, children have their own beakers, disposable towels are used and toys are cleaned on a regular basis. Through familiar daily routines children learn about simple personal hygiene practices, such as washing hands after toileting and disposing the used tissues after wiping their nose. Children are kept safe from infection and disease. The childminder operates a sick child policy and children do not attend if they are ill. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate to ensure children are well cared for in the event of an accident. Children receive a variety of home prepared snacks and meals that include a range of fresh fruit and vegetables to enhance their health. Children spend time helping to buy ingredients from local shops to encourage their positive views towards healthy

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Helping children to be healthy

eating. Children receive regular drinks to meet their needs. Children benefit from physical exercise which contributes to their overall health. The garden is used for out door play when the ground is dry. However the facilities in a the park adjacent to the home are enjoyed as a regular activity. Children have opportunity to develop their physical skills through use of the larger apparatus both home based and when visiting parks where they can climb, slide, run and jump.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The environment is welcoming to children offering ample space to play in comfort. The areas used are bright and well lit by natural light. The are facilities where children can rest and relax. The childminder has a good stock of play equipment and books. Children confidently access a selection of toys and equipment from low level storage units which contributes to their all round development. The childminder uses the toy lending library to offer children greater variety and to meet their interests. For example, the children particularly enjoy football and a game is on loan specifically to meet their interests. Children are cared for in a secure and well maintained home. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised due to the effective strategies employed by the childminder to implement safety measures in the home. For example, hazardous materials are kept out of reach, with the exception of stone flags in the garden, electrical sockets are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 covered, and rooms not used for childminding have locks fitted to prevent children's access. The children practise the evacuation plan to become familiar with the procedure, however the rear exit door key is not in a suitable position. Children receive close supervision indoors, outside and during outings to protect their well-being. They learn to keep themselves safe as they hold the childminder's hand when out on walks and follow the simple rules of looking and listening when crossing roads. Children stay protected during travel as they use appropriate car seats and restraints when out in a vehicle. The children are safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and is aware of her responsibility to implement these.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed as they enjoy a good relationship with the childminder. They receive cuddles and develop a strong bond with the childminder which increases their sense of belonging and well-being. Children are motivated and interested in play, which they pursue confidently either independently or with the positive interaction of the childminder. Whilst playing they concentrate on the activity and use their imagination to develop their ideas. Using resources available they build a road track and construct a park for the play people. The childminder supports their play and learning talking about the shapes needed to complete the task. As a result children gain a sense of achievement from constructing the track. Children freely move onto the next activity of their choice. There are good opportunities for children to be creative. They select resources for craft choosing paper, paints, glue and glitter

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to create a collage of their own work. Children visit places of interest, such as beaches and the zoo to extend their knowledge of their environment and wildlife. They attend the local library to develop their interest in books and stories.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children respond very well to the childminder's calm and gentle manner which fosters positive relationships and their good behaviour in the home. They receive praise for their achievements. Children are encouraged to think about the consequence of their actions to help them learn about right from wrong. All children have equal access to the play materials. As a result they enjoy a wide range of play opportunities and experiences. Children develop their understanding about the diversity of the society through discussion with the childminder and resources which promote positive images of culture, gender and disability. Children benefit from the good regard the childminder has for their individual needs. These are effectively addressed as information is exchanged with parents on a daily

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 basis. Children are cared for within their usual routines for example, following their natural sleeping pattern. The childminder completes developmental records on the children aged under 3 years incorporating the 'Birth to three matters' frame work, these are shared with parents. A manual is available for parents covering polices and information about the service.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare and development is actively promoted because the childminder continues to attend training courses such as 'Birth to three matters' framework, child protection and equal opportunities. This demonstrates her commitment to improving her own skills to benefit the care, learning and play for all children. Children stay protected as the childminder displays her registration certificate for parents and keeps the regulator informed of any significant changes. Children's play and care needs are fully addressed as the childminder organises her time well to enable children to receive individual attention which helps them to feel at ease and valued. Systems are in place to maintain confidentiality to protect children's privacy and dignity for example, personal information is securely stored in individual children's folders. The childminder has well documented records, which are kept up to date.

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Organisation

However there is not a system to keep a log of complaints. Overall the provision meets the needs of all children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection play materials and books have been purchased to show positive images of gender to extend children's understanding about the diversity of society.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure children's safety is not reduced by the accessibility of the stored stone garden flags and the position of the rear exit door key • devise a system to maintain a log of complaints.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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