Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303536 Inspection date 15 May 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. She lives with her husband and two children aged 3 and 5 years in Huyton, Knowsley. The playroom, living room, kitchen/dining room and computer room on the ground floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child before and after school. The childminder drops off and picks up children from the local school. Children are taken to parks, shops, toddler groups and on outings.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of good personal hygiene through their daily routine. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. They use anti-bacterial hand wash and understand how this can reduce the risk of cross-infection. The childminder has a good understanding of how to implement hygiene practices in order to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder has an effective policy on sick children which ensures that they are actively protected from illness and infection. She 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 co-ordination are promoted well through daily access to outdoor play equipment in the garden, as well as walks and visits to the local park. During school holidays children enjoy day trips to places such as Acorn

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Helping children to be healthy

Adventure Farm and Calderstones Park which have play areas that promote physical development. Children benefit from a good choice of healthy and nutritious snacks to promote their growth and development. The childminder discusses foods and the health benefits they offer with the children, which helps them to develop positive attitudes to healthy eating. Children are offered drinks throughout the day to keep them hydrated and refreshed. Their social skills are also enhanced as they are encouraged to sit down and eat together.

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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. The playroom is well-organised with a range of good quality and age appropriate equipment. Children's independence skills are fostered as they are able to move freely between the kitchen/diner, living room and playroom. They benefit from easy access to a spacious garden that is well equipped with a selection of resources including a swing, cars and tricycles. Children are cared for in an environment where most risks are identified and minimised to ensure that they are kept safe. Equipment is stored 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 socket covers and safety film on low-level glass are in place. Children are protected from hazards associated with damaged toys and equipment through the effective system the childminder has for checking

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

them regularly. There is, however, some rubble in the garden which is accessible to

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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 children and poses a risk to their safety. The childminder gives a high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe through teaching them about road safety as part of the daily routine, and about the importance of walking in pairs on outings. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire; they know how to evacuate the home in an emergency through the regular practises that the childminder organises. Children's welfare is safeguarded 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 achieving well because the childminder is organised and provides a wide range of planned and free play activities both inside and outside and through outings to places, such as Court Hey Park and the Albert Dock. They learn to socialise with their peers through regular attendance at toddler groups and become independent as they choose from a wide range of age-appropriate books, toys and equipment, both inside the home and in the well equipped garden. They develop their creative skills through arts and crafts activities and play dough. They also have fun using their imagination as they access the good range of dressing up and role play resources. Children are supported well and gain pleasure and confidence from the different activities on offer. The childminder's regular praise for effort and achievement is helping them to develop their self-esteem and they gain a sense of self-worth as they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

take on small roles of responsibility, such as helping to lay the table at meal times.

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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 regarding the child's likes, dislikes, immunisations and dietary requirements to ensure their individuality is respected. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder develops with parents and carers. A good settling in policy helps children to be reassured and feel that they belong. Parents receive a good level of information about the provision. This includes 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 childminder continues to share information informally with parents on a daily basis to promote continuity and consistency of care. Children gain an understanding of their local community through trips out to places of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

local interest, such as the River Mersey. Their understanding of the wider world is however limited, as the childminder has insufficient resources which encourage children to develop positive attitudes to others and their differences.

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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 Children behave well and are learning to cooperate. They receive praise and attention for example when they help tidy away equipment which enhances their self-esteem and self-confidence and 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. Children develop independence and choice as they are given space to play, move around the home and access equipment which is organised at a low-level to help them reach it easily. They 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. Children's work is valued and respected through displays of art work on the walls. Children's needs are known and supported through the childminder's good recording systems and practical use of her policies and procedures. All of the required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and up-to-date. 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

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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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): • take steps to minimise hazards present in the garden • improve the range of resources that promotes equal opportunities.

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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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