Childminder in WirralOfsted inspection, 7 Aug 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318539 Inspection date 07 August 2006 Inspector Elizabeth Margaret Grocott

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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 satisfactory. 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 10 in Meols on the Wirral peninsular. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is currently minding three children aged from 16 months to two years on a part-time basis. She attends the local parent/toddler group and the family have a tortoise. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean and well-maintained environment where they are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines. They are protected well from cross infection as all children use individual towels. Nappy changing procedures ensure babies and toddlers have their own changing mats, and the childminder is careful to wash her hands immediately after changing them. There are effective policies in place because children do not attend if unwell. Children's health needs are met through the childminder seeking information from parents about their dietary and medical needs, including any allergies. All children have consents in place for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, which allows the provision of suitable treatment in case of accidents. Although the childminder has an up-to-date first aid certificate, the contents of the

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Helping children to be healthy

first aid kit do not meet requirements, putting children's welfare at risk. The childminder provides nutritious meals and healthy snack options in agreement with parents, this helps children to develop healthy eating habits from a young age. Food is wholesome, nutritious and freshly prepared. Fruit and vegetables are included on a daily basis. Children can access drinks at all times that ensures they do not become dehydrated. Children have their home routines taken into account around sleep and feeds, and the childminder settles them down for a rest as soon as she sees signs of tiredness. This helps the children cope well emotionally and physically with their day. Children benefit from regular trips to the park and going on daily walks, giving them the opportunity to develop their awareness of the outdoor world. Children have space to move freely indoors. Toddlers free flow between rooms when, for example, they

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Helping children to be healthy

push prams as they 'go shopping'. Outside children run and play in the garden, this makes a positive contribution to their health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a secure and spacious environment where the childminder has identified and minimised risks. There are designated areas for play, for example, the large airy lounge is the main area for toys while the dining room is provided for quieter activities, such as reading and playing the piano. The large kitchen is used for messy play and mealtimes. Children have easy and safe access to toys and resources appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder selects toys and resources carefully to ensure they are suitable. She checks and cleans these regularly to ensure there is nothing that could harm a child. Children enjoy craft and role play and enjoy looking at books and having stories read to them.

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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 There are good fire safety precautions in place that minimise the risk of children being exposed to fire. However, the fire blanket is not in an effective position, meaning children's safety is at risk. The childminder has devised a clear, written evacuation plan but has not yet practised the procedure with the children. Security is good with children unable to leave the premises unsupervised. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She is clear about her role and the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. This safeguards and promotes children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They enjoy their time with the childminder as she is fully committed to her role of caring for and providing a stimulating environment for children. They are valued as individuals and their development is thoroughly enhanced by the provision of purposeful activities appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children are confident in the childminder's home. They readily approach her for support and she is receptive to their needs. Children show independence as they freely choose from a selection of good quality toys. Children show their happiness and develop their communication skills as the childminder interacts with them and supports them in their activities, ensuring children's language develops well. She provides a balance of opportunities for indoor and outdoor play, and between restful and more physical activities. This gives variety

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to the children as well as taking their needs into account. Indoors, toddlers play with dolls and prams and go shopping with various small world resources. They enjoy colouring with the support of the childminder's daughter and are engrossed as a familiar story is read to them. Babies' learn to control their bodies and make connections as they practise their new skill of walking and try to negotiate doorways as they take their dolls for a walk in the pram. Children play outside in fine weather, when they develop physical skills as they run and play with wheeled toys. These activities support the children's development adequately. Local walks to the park help children understand their local environment. Visits to toddler groups gives the children opportunities to mix with other children. This helps them develop important social skills, such as sharing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder treats the children with equal concern and they access an adequate range of resources. She is able to meet their individual needs through the careful sharing of information, such as home routines, diets and allergies. Parents share the records and relevant documentation is in place. They complete child detail forms and contracts that also provide information about the childminder's policies and

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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 procedures. This helps to provide suitable continuity of care, and supports the children's ability to settle. Children are beginning to learn about the wider community through outings locally, such as local parks and the beach. They are beginning to appreciate different cultures and traditions because they have access to some resources, such as books and small world people. There is a satisfactory procedure in place to care for children with special needs, although none currently attend. The children behave well with the childminder, who offers lots of praise and encouragement. She uses positive strategies, such as distraction and explanation at an age appropriate level. The childminder has a sound understanding of maintaining an effective partnership with the parents. She gives them written information about their child's day detailing

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Helping children make a positive contribution

aspects of the routine, activities undertaken, sleep and food. She compiles a scrap book with photographs of activities that they have been involved in. The children benefit from this positive interaction between their main carers. The childminder is not aware of the legislation that gives her the responsibility of providing a written complaints procedure detailing any action taken on concerns raised, timescales and how it will be investigated.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has completed the registration and first aid course and is continuing her professional development by undertaking 'Birth to three matters' training in September. The setting is well organised and time is used effectively for children to have active as well as quiet play. There is good adult support and a structured but flexible routine so children know what to expect. The childminder does not encourage visitors during working hours and has an effective procedure so children will be well cared for in the event of an emergency. She has produced some well-written information, which promotes continuity of care for children and keeps parents informed. Most of the required records are maintained which contributes to children's safety, health and well-being. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure the contents of the first aid box are those in line with guidance • ensure the fire blanket is effectively positioned in the kitchen • provide a written complaints procedure detailing any action taken on concerns raised, timescales involved and how they will be investigated.

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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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