Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY225160 Unique Reference Number 11 September 2006 Inspection date Susan Patricia Birkenhead Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2002. She lives with her husband and their three children aged 11, seven and two years old. The family live in the Great Sankey area of Warrington. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time. She currently has seven children on the register, one is under five and the remainder are all cared for on a part-time basis before and after school during term time only. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups. The family have a pet rabbit that lives outdoors.

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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 stay healthy because the childminder follows effective practices and procedures. For example, children are not cared for when they are ill and if taken ill in the childminder's care they are separated from others and their parents are contacted to collect them. Information stored on file refers to exclusion periods which can be shared with parents. The environment is clean and well maintained. Children develop a good understanding of simple health and hygiene practices as the childminder leads by example and positively encourages the children. For example, the children are reminded to wash their hands before meals and have access to individual towels for drying their hands. They enter into discussion and look at appropriate books available. Therefore, children are well protected from the risk of infection and are learning about the positive effects that good hygiene practices have on their overall well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is actively promoted both indoors and outdoors. Children of all ages have access to an abundance of outdoor play materials to promote their physical skills. For example, sit and ride and push along toys, the large size trampoline for children of school age, the different size swings and slides. They regularly visit the local park and have taken part in the 'walk to school week', although the distance is too far to complete daily on a regular basis. Indoors children have access to play materials to promote their finer manipulative skills which include construction materials, play dough, shape sorters and inset puzzles. Therefore, children take part in many worthwhile opportunities to develop their physical skills and learn control and coordination over their bodies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with healthy drinks regularly throughout their stay and can access them independently according to their age. Younger children are assisted at regular intervals to take drinks to keep them refreshed and hydrated. Children are encouraged to eat healthily because the childminder shows commitment to the provision of healthy foods. For example, children are provided with fresh fruit daily and raisins, toast made from wholemeal bread and yoghurts provide variation at snack time. The childminder accommodates the children's needs and respects the parents' wishes. For example, parents provide the baby foods which are given to the baby at meal times and their dietary needs are recorded on their individual forms in place. Children often discuss healthy options as they sit together at the table when eating their snacks and refer to appropriate reading materials in place, for example, 'what should we eat to promote

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Helping children to be healthy

aspects of healthy eating'. Therefore, their understanding of healthy foods is promoted well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well organised environment, which is warm and welcoming to them and their parents. The nursery rhymes and number posters, plus the display of information for parents regarding the Birth to three framework, contribute to the welcoming environment. Children have access to different areas of the house for different purposes. For example, the lounge provides a comfortable area for children to relax, play quietly and watch television together. The playroom is devoted to children's play and children eat their meals and complete

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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 creative activities in the kitchen. The garden provides plenty of space for children to develop their physical skills. Non walking children are confident to explore their environment under the close supervision of the childminder and crawl freely between the play materials available to them. Therefore, children can relax, eat and play in comfort, which contributes to them feeling secure and confident within the setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to an extensive range of stimulating play materials and resources, which are rotated in order to further vary the children's stimulation. These are well maintained, safe, age appropriate and contribute to promoting all aspects of the children's development. For example, only children of school age have access to the large trampoline in the garden, which parents consent to in writing and safety nets and safe procedures are followed at all times. However, the childminder does not have a written policy in place regarding the use of the trampoline with the minded children. Systems in place ensure all toys and equipment are cleaned regularly and checked for damage. The efficient organisation of play materials makes them easily accessible and enables children to make choices from the range available. Appropriate furniture enables the young children to develop their walking skills as they practise pulling

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

themselves up into a walking position. Therefore, supporting the developmental needs of all children cared for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children stay safe because the childminder uses a good level of equipment and follows effective procedures to minimise risks on and off the premises. For example, the cupboard locks fitted in the kitchen ensure hazardous items are secure. Low level electrical sockets are protected, access to the property is secured and the garden area is fully enclosed. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they practise fire evacuation drills and the procedures are clearly displayed on the kitchen wall. The children practise road safety during outings when walking. They are made aware of potential hazards and the childminder explains the consequences of their actions. Therefore, children become increasingly aware of the boundaries and as a result develop a good understanding of how to stay safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder fully understands the role she plays in protecting them from abuse. She clearly recognises the signs to look for and is well informed of the procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child in her care. Child protection training has been completed, reference documents are available on file and contact numbers for reporting child protection concerns are accessible. Therefore, the best interests of children are respected at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure and settled in the childminder's care because she has developed good relationships with them and makes them feel welcome. Children freely access the designated areas of the house under supervision. Older children are consulted about play materials and activities and make decisions for themselves about what they want to play with, to which the childminder is responsive. Younger children's resources are accessible at their level and are varied to enable them to make choices and explore how things work. For example, the non walking children crawl freely between the play materials stopping to test their skills as they access the activity toys. With the aid of the childminder they discover the different aspects and

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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 use their fingers to spin the wheel, lift the flaps and recreate sound as they press the buttons. Therefore, providing varied tactile and sensory opportunities to the younger age group. They are introduced to the mirror where they look at their own reflection, which they re-visit on occasions. Musical times involve the children in familiar rhymes and enable them to access good quality instruments with the support of the childminder. Children are clearly responsive to such activities. The childminder's developing knowledge of the Birth to three framework is incorporated into the care, learning and play provided. The childminder uses the framework to reinforce her understanding of the way children learn and refresh her outlook.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children's activities are approached with a degree of planning and incorporate the more structured times for visiting the local parent and toddler group three mornings a week. This provides opportunities for them to socialise with others and take part in creative activities such as painting. At other times play and activities are more spontaneous and children can make decisions for themselves. Children experience visits to the park on their way home from school and play outdoors in the garden regularly. The childminder involves the children in a wide variety of activities and opportunities which include art and crafts, imaginary play, quiet times, free play and science. For example, they freeze water in balloons and monitor the changes when the balloon is removed from the freezer, recording their findings on a chart. They access the home made games which involve matching, recognition and they throw the dice to move

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their spider up the water pipe as they play the 'Incy Wincey spider game'. They make cards using interesting and varied materials as they celebrate Christmas, Easter and Mothers' day. They freely access the drawing materials made available on the dining table. Children decorate the ginger bread men using icing tubes and create their own designs. Children have opportunities to relax and watch the television or sleep as part of their routine. Therefore, children are provided with good, varied opportunities to enhance and promote all aspects of their development. As a result children have fun and extend their learning through play and worthwhile opportunities available to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children become more aware of the wider world because the childminder is committed to providing positive experiences for them in a variety of ways. For example, the children have access to a number of resources to assist in promoting their understanding of race, culture, gender and disability through play. These include: the play figures, the dolls and the wide range of books accessible to them. They celebrate Easter, Christmas, Mothers' Day and Fathers' Day through their activity work. Information regarding the cultural calendar is available on file. They recognise each others birthdays as they take part in the celebrations through the party organised. The childminder is happy to support children with special needs. Therefore, children are broadening their knowledge and understanding of peoples differences and learn to treat everyone with equal concern.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the effective methods used for managing behaviour. For example, the childminder provides a good role model as she leads by example and promotes the good use of children's manners. Methods used for the management of children's behaviour include: removal from the situation to discuss and reflect on their behaviour exhibited using time out,

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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 younger children are distracted through intervention and their good behaviour and achievements are recognised through praise. Children learn to share items, take turns and play co-operatively. As a result children are well behaved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and parents have developed successful and positive relationships. For example, the childminder involves children and their parents in social evenings at her home. The parents write letters of support which outline positive comments about the childminder and the care their children receive and the activities they complete. For example, they write she 'is a totally dedicated professional' and 'treats the minded children as she would her own'. The positive relationships developed ensure the needs of the children are met and a consistent approach is maintained. A good level of information is exchanged regarding the needs of the children. The introductory visits planned enable the childminder to share with parents the details of her practices and procedures. Systems for communicating with parents vary according to the child's age. For example, details of the child's day are recorded daily for children of a younger age

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and verbal feedback is offered to others. As a result good relationships and systems are developed with parents, which enhance the quality of the care provided for the children. However, a formal system for the recording of complaints which parents can see on request has not been developed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are protected as the childminder supervises them at all times on and off the premises. For example, children are always in close proximity to the childminder and are not left with unsupervised access to persons not vetted. Whilst they play outdoors the childminder ensures she is available to supervise their play by being outdoors with them at all times. This therefore, ensures children are not at risk.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed the required first aid and the childminder training course. She demonstrates further commitment to training through the extensive additional courses attended, which include: creative crafts, safety, festivals and cultures, inclusion, child protection, play, food and health. The childminder has attended an adult learning class 'keeping up with your kids' which concentrates on science and information technology aspects and includes making games for five year olds. This level of training and the courses attended has further contributed to the children's learning and assisted in providing a range of interesting and stimulating activities for children to promote their learning.

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Organisation

The childminder is generally organised in aspects of the record keeping. Professional systems are in place for the recording of children's information to enable appropriate care to be provided and safeguard the children's welfare. For example, the childminder uses the National Childminder Association forms, although she hand writes many aspects of consent within the contracts agreed with the parents. However, consent to emergency medical advice or treatment has been omitted. Confidentiality is respected as records are individual to each child. Systems are in place for the recording of accidents, incidents, and medication, however no entries have been necessary. The childminder demonstrates her understanding of the correct procedures to follow when completing such records through discussion. Parents are made aware of information recorded and would be asked to sign against entries made. The children's attendance is recorded

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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 in the daily register and the hours they are cared for are reflected. The certificate of registration is prominently displayed in the entrance hall.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

During the last inspection one recommendation was raised regarding the child protection procedures in place. Since the last inspection the childminder has recorded the local contact numbers for the reporting of concerns and information is retained on file relating to the local child protection procedures followed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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.

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop a written policy regarding the use of the large trampoline in the outdoor play area • ensure parental consent is requested for the seeking of any necessary medical advice or treatment • develop a system for the recording of complaints that parents can see on request.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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