Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY317593 Inspection date 11 July 2006 Inspector Ann Lee

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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 2005. She lives with her husband, adult daughter and three sons aged 15, 11 and 10 years in the West Derby district of Liverpool. The minded children have access to the ground floor only and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet rabbit which lives in the garden. Local amenities include Croxteth Park, toddler groups, a mobile library and shops. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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 satisfactory. The childminder ensures that children are cared for in a clean and comfortable home where she takes steps to keep them free from infection and cross contamination. Work surfaces are regularly cleaned with anti-bacterial spray and children learn the importance of good personal hygiene, such as appropriate hand washing. The childminder has done training in food hygiene and she has an understanding of the safe storage and preparation of food which further protects children from infection. Most of the necessary documentation is in place to safeguard children in the event of illness or accidental injury. They are further protected because the childminder has an up to date first aid certificate and she maintains a fully stocked first aid kit. Children are provided with a varied diet which contains some healthy foods, such as fruit, sandwiches and beans on toast plus processed foods, such as biscuits. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder finds out about children's individual dietary needs so that she can provide food which meets those needs. Children are offered regular drinks throughout the day. There are daily opportunities for children to develop their physical skills on walks to local parks where they can run around, climb and balance on the climbing frames and other equipment. They also enjoy playing in the fully enclosed garden where they can jump on the trampoline, ride wheeled toys and throw and kick the balls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a spacious, welcoming and child friendly environment which helps them to feel that they belong in the setting. Most of the risks are identified and minimised although some potentially harmful items, such as glass and electric sockets are accessible to children and these could compromise their safety. The childminder ensures that children are secure because the front door and garden gates are always locked. Children's independence is promoted because they move freely between several downstairs room and can access the toilet by themselves. They select their own activities from the satisfactory range of clean, safe toys and equipment. These include books, games, puzzles, dolls, arts and crafts items and small world toys for children of all ages. The childminder has an understanding of child protection issues. All of the necessary information, such as emergency telephone numbers for Social Services and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

information booklet is available so that she can safeguard the welfare of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 follows the children's own routines which helps them to feel happy and settled. She is friendly and approachable and she builds close, affectionate relationships with the children so that they are safe and secure. She cuddles the younger children and babies, talks to them and rocks them to sleep. Older children are confident and lively. They talk to the childminder and other adults, ask questions and play with a variety of toys and equipment. The childminder has some understanding of child development but she is not yet using the Birth to three matters framework to help her improve the outcomes for children. She helps children to make progress by talking to them and involving them in activities so that they learn number, colour and shape recognition. Children are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encouraged to be creative because they are provided with opportunities to enjoy painting, playing with dough and cooking. There is a good selection of books and the childminder reads stories so that children's imagination is developed and their language and communication skills are promoted. Children learn about their local community and the wider world on walks to shops, library, swimming baths and parks. The childminder also uses public transport to take the children to other places of interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder makes all children welcome and she works with parents to meet their individual needs. She provides some resources, such as books, which provide children with positive images of different cultures religions and disability. She also borrows other items from the library and toy library. Children are well behaved and they respond to the childminder's positive methods of behaviour management. She uses praise and encouragement to help children to be co-operative, helpful and polite. The childminder develops satisfactory relationships with parents and she works with them to meet the needs of the children. Parents and children are invited to introductory visits so that they get to know the childminder. This helps children to settle in quickly and reassures parents that their children are safe and well cared for. The childminder gathers information about the children and obtains contact numbers

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Helping children make a positive contribution

of people who can be contacted in an emergency. However, children's welfare is not always fostered effectively because the childminder does not obtain written parental permission where necessary. For example, there is no written parental consent for emergency medical treatment and outings. Parents are kept informed about their children's progress and development during daily conversations when they collect heir children.

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Organisation

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 are protected in the setting because the childminder ensures that they never come into unsupervised contact with people who have not been vetted. The correct adult-child ratios are maintained at all times so that children always have sufficient supervision and support. The childminder is committed to accessing any necessary training to improve her knowledge and understanding of child care issues so that she can meet the needs of the children in her care. There is plenty of space indoors and in the fully enclosed garden so that children can explore and enjoy some freedom of movement. Toys and equipment are set out within easy reach of the children so that they have choice about what they play with. Some of the necessary documentation is in place to safeguard the welfare, care and

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Organisation

safety of children. For example, there is a record of attendance, contracts and accident book although some of the documentation lacks the required detail in certain areas. 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 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 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 that all hazards such as electric sockets and low level glass are inaccessible or safe for children and devise and practise an emergency escape plan

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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 • improve the outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with the Birth to three matters framework

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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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