Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY312048 Inspection date 04 April 2006 Inspector Sharon Verma

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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 2005. He co-minds with his wife, also a registered childminder. They live with their 3 children aged 3, 5 and 14 years, in Aigburth, Liverpool. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and the rear bedroom upstairs is used for sleep purposes. There is a fully enclosed rear yard for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time when working alone. When working with his wife, together they may care for a maximum of 6 children. The couple currently mind a total of 5 children, all of whom

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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 attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. He takes children to local playgroups, the park, library and other places of local interest. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted because the childminder's home is kept clean and well maintained. Children learn about good hand washing practices through their daily routine. They wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet and have their own towel to dry their hands to reduce the risk of any cross-infection. Good dental hygiene is also promoted as children are encouraged to clean their teeth after meals. The childminder has an effective policy on sick or infectious children which ensures that they are actively protected from illness and infection. He also heeds any information provided by parents regarding allergies and dietary requirements to ensure that children's health and welfare are safeguarded. Children's physical skills, strength and coordination are promoted through daily access to a selection of outdoor play equipment in the rear yard, as well as walks and

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Helping children to be healthy

visits to the local park. Children are well nourished and are developing an awareness of the importance of healthy eating. They receive a well balanced diet, which includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder offers the children home cooked food, such as sweet potato and leek soup which they thoroughly enjoy. They have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day, further promoting their good health and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a welcoming and accessible environment for children. There is a bright and attractive playroom with a good selection of age appropriate equipment and play materials. The childminder has recently joined the toy library which has enabled him to extend the range of resources available to the children. Older children relax in the living room after school, where they can do their homework, play games such as subbuteo or watch television. Children are cared for in an environment where risks are identified and minimised to ensure that they are kept safe. Equipment is stored in low level boxes at the edge of the playroom, to provide space for children to move around safely and reduce the risk of them tripping. Safety equipment such as stair gates, cupboard locks and socket covers are in place to protect children from harm. Children are protected from

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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 hazards associated with damaged toys and equipment through the effective system the childminder has for checking them regularly. The childminder gives a high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. He teaches them about road safety as part of the daily routine and practises the fire drill with them regularly to ensure they know how to evacuate the home in an emergency. Children are protected through the childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home. Young children make connections through their senses and movement. They are provided with opportunities to explore and investigate the environment and they enjoy the textures of natural materials and the colours and sounds of manufactured toys. They learn about living things as they help plant and care for vegetables in the vegetable patch and grow sunflower seeds. When fully grown the children each take some vegetables home to try. The childminder communicates well with them which promotes and develops their language skills. Young children grow in confidence with the support and encouragement from the childminder. They make decisions and develop preferences such as playing with the guitar or the train track. They receive lots of cuddles and reassurance to help them settle and they develop a strong bond with the childminder which fosters their emotional well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children are achieving well because the childminder is organised and provides a wide range of planned and free play activities both inside and outside, and through visits and outings, such as visits to the beach, the museum or Albert Dock. They learn to socialise with their peers through regular attendance at toddler groups and become independent as they choose from a range of age appropriate books, toys and equipment both inside the home and in the rear yard. Children's language skills are fostered through visits to the local library where they can choose some books. Their mathematical thinking is promoted through daily activities such as counting how many places need to be set at the table. They use their imagination as they access the good range of dressing up and role play resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Relevant information is sought, such as the child's likes, dislikes, immunisations and dietary requirements, to ensure their individuality is respected. The childminder continues to share information informally with parents on a daily basis to promote continuity and consistency of care, such as food intake, nappy changes and activities. He also keeps a written daily diary for young babies which

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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 goes home with them at the end of each day. All parents receive written information about the service, including a set of policies and procedures to ensure they are clear about how the childminder operates and to help them make an informed choice about the care of their child. The information regarding complaints has not, however, been updated in line with some revisions to the National Standards in October 2005. Children are encouraged to develop positive attitudes to others and their differences as the childminder builds up a selection of resources which promote equal opportunities. They gain an understanding of other cultures as they celebrate different cultural festivals such as Chinese New year, Eid and Divali. Children behave well and are learning to cooperate. They receive praise and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

attention for example when they help tidy away equipment, which enhances their self esteem and self confidence. This makes them feel valued and supported. They learn about the boundaries and expectations through discussions with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Their work is valued and respected through displays of art work on the walls. All of the required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and up-to-date, with the exception of parental permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. Children's needs are known and supported through the childminder's good recording systems and practical use of his policies and procedures. The childminder is committed to improving his knowledge and skills. Since registering as a childminder he has attended Birth to three matters and special Educational Needs training courses. He has also applied to do further training. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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. There are no complaints to report.

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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 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • update the complaints procedure to ensure it meets with all of the requirements of the National Standards • request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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