Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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322153 Unique Reference Number 08 June 2006 Inspection date Michele Anne Villiers 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 1999. She lives with her husband and two adult children. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five during the day, and two children over five after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group.

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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. The childminder applies good standards of hygiene to help protect children from the spread of infection. The home is very clean and well maintained. Positive steps are taken to protect the children's health. The childminder is vigilant about ensuring their hands are regularly washed, with reminders to the children about ''washing the germs away''. Young children are gently reminded not to put dirty hands in their mouth, after playing outside. Parents are asked to provide a flannel and toothbrush so children may learn about personal hygiene. Good procedures are in place for changing nappies and the childminder uses disposable gloves and an appropriate changing mat. During the summer months children become aware of protecting themselves from burning. They wear a sun hat and apply sun cream "To stop the sun on my head and being hot on me".

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate arrangements are in place should children become ill or have accidents. There is a written statement on the administration of prescribed medication, and parental consent is obtained. However, the statement does not include the procedure for non-prescribed medication, with consent prior to children starting. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and all accidents are recorded and the information is shared with parents. Regular physical exercise is actively promoted and incorporated into the children's daily routine contributing to their health, growth and development. During nice weather children freely access the garden and eagerly run outside to play on the climbing frame and slide, and with wheeled toys and footballs. The childminder supports their learning and encourages young children to acquire new skills, such as catching and throwing balls to each other. Children are encouraged to take risks and

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Helping children to be healthy

develop good coordination and control when climbing steps and using the slide. Children form close, caring relationships with the childminder. They initiate interaction and the childminder responds to young children with hugs and cuddles helping to foster their emotional well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a healthy balanced diet and a large bowl of fresh fruit is available for children to have at any time. They enjoy snacking on raisins, and tuck into substantial home made meals at midday that include fresh vegetables. Meal times are relaxed social occasions when children sit together, and independence is encouraged as appropriate cutlery is provided for their age and ability. Children have their own cup of drinking water, or sugar free juice available at all times, and during hot weather they are gently reminded to drink more water to quench their thirst.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe and secure environment that is welcoming and child-friendly. Space is well organised and enables children to freely explore and take risks while being protected from harm. Attractive child-sized furniture is provided in the conservatory for children to sit and play together, and a settee is available for relaxation. Children access an extensive range of safe and suitable toys and resources that are creatively displayed for independent choice. During the inspection it was agreed that the front room may also be used for children to play. This

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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 had previously not been included in the children's play area. However, some hazardous ornaments are accessible to children and not all plug sockets are covered.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gently reminds children to "Hold on tight" when climbing the steps on the outside slide, and to walk, not run in order to protect themselves from falls and injury. They become aware of the boundaries to keep themselves safe, and learn about fire safety when practising the evacuation procedure. Children are supervised well and on outings babies and young children are safely strapped into buggies, and reins are used when necessary. All appropriate safety equipment is in place, including safety gates, smoke alarms, a fire blanket and fire extinguisher.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection. She has attended a number of training courses to ensure that her practice is underpinned by up to date knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. A written policy statement is shared with parents. However, this does not include the procedure to follow if abuse is alleged to have taken place while the child is in the care of the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children eagerly engage in activities and happily settle in the childminder's care. On arrival they excitedly help themselves to various toys and resources. They enjoy painting and the childminder responds with interest as they show her their picture. She enthusiastically praises their efforts with "Well done, that's lovely", and encourages children to extend their language skills and imagination by discussing the painting. Repetitive language is used to reinforce young children's learning, such as helping children to pronounce the 's' in snake with "What noise does the snake make?", "sssss". Children explore different textured materials during art and craft using glitter, tissue paper and glue. The childminder plans and provides a wide range of interesting and challenging activities suitable for their age and ability. The play environment is creatively organised and their imagination is fostered well through the role play home corner

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's independence is very much encouraged, with good support for young children. They help themselves to paper for drawing and painting, help to tidy away, dress themselves for outdoor play and toilet themselves. Children learn new skills, such as skipping and the childminder constantly motivates the children's learning. They count the number of steps when climbing stairs, and how many jumps they can do outside. The garden is used constructively for children to play. As well as enjoying physical activities they examine living things. They each have a watering can and water the flowers saying that "Plants need water because they want to grow".

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn about the world and their environment through regular local outings to the park and library. They learn to socialise with others when visiting the nearby toddler group and receive a good balance of home-based play opportunities with outside activities. Children confidently interact with the childminder and freely talk about their home life, such as having picnics in their garden and going shopping to buy new shoes.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and happy with the childminder, who provides each child with good attention and support, valuing their individuality. Children are confident and develop a strong sense of belonging. They display their artwork around the room, and initiate interaction and conversation with the childminder, freely moving around the home. Children learn about their culture and the culture of others and access an excellent range of multi-cultural resources. Children become aware of differences and explain that the doll is in a wheelchair because "She has broken her legs". Several posters are displayed reflecting positive images of race and culture, further reinforcing the children's learning of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are included and activities are not gender specific. The childminder is proactive in ensuring that children with additional needs are fully integrated and their welfare is promoted. Children are very well behaved, polite and considerate towards one another. They learn to share and take turns, and older children patiently wait whilst young children attempt to climb on the climbing frame outside. Children are cooperative, and eagerly follow simple instructions and independently tidy away. The childminder manages the children's behaviour well and uses positive praise and encouragement to reinforce good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good relationship with parents, helping to benefit the children and contribute to their well-being and development. Parents are welcomed into the home at all times, and information is shared through informal daily discussion. Parents receive written statements on many policies and procedures, plus written documentation about the childminder and her family. The childminder is aware of recording all complaints. However, she has not devised a system to ensure that the correct format is used, which includes the nature of the complaint, the action taken and the outcome.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good awareness of her responsibilities to protect children and promote their welfare. She is committed to extending her knowledge and skills, and accessing training on new initiatives. Since her last inspection she has attended courses on health and safety, food hygiene, and nutrition. She has also started training on the new Birth to three matters, in order to implement the framework and further develop the learning programme for babies and young children.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation is in place, helping to protect and safeguard children. The childminder has developed some written information to share with parents for the effective management of her provision. She is a member of the National Childminding Association, and networks with other childminders in the area. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended: that soft furnishings be provided for children to relax; the sleeping arrangements should be reviewed; and the system for recording medication should be reviewed. A settee is now provided in the designated play room for children to relax. The childminder has purchased a travel cot for babies and young children to comfortably sleep. The staff clearly record any medication given, helping to protect children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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): • update the child protection policy to include the procedure to follow should there be an allegation of abuse made, which is alleged to have taken place while the child is in the care of the childminder • update the written statement on medication to include the administration of non-prescribed medicine • ensure all safety measures are in place in the front room • become familiar with the appropriate format for recording complaints, and devise a suitable system.

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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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