Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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322215 Unique Reference Number 15 August 2006 Inspection date Margaret Patricia Mellor 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 1993. She lives with her husband and three teenage children in Liverpool. The playroom and dining room of the childminder's home are used for childminding. There is a secure, fully enclosed outdoor area for children's play. The family have a rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years at any one time. There are five children on roll aged from two to six years and one child aged over eight years. The childminder either uses her car or walks to collect children from school and to take them places. She regularly attends the local toddler group and childminder drop in sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder receives support from the local authority. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and local childminding network.

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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 outstanding. Children's interest in food is very positively nurtured because the childminder has accessed food nutrition training and provides them with many healthy options from freshly prepared foods. Their lunch is particularly wholesome and served in ample portions so children are well nourished. Younger children develop their coordination as they drink from their water bottle and all children have plenty of drinks when thirsty or after exercise. They enjoy a variety of fresh or dried fruits at snack time, which increases children's awareness of a range of different tastes and textures. The childminder follows effective procedures for managing children's dietary needs so parents' wishes are respected and children remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted as the childminder acts in their best interests when they are ill. This is well supported by a detailed sick child policy and training, such as Understanding Childhood Illnesses. The childminder vigilantly follows procedures for administering children's medication and stores medication in an accessible place out of children's reach. She has a relevant first aid certificate and keeps two fully stocked first aid boxes close at hand so she can quickly respond to any minor injuries. The childminder ensures that all children use sun creams and hats on hot days, further safeguarding their health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive because the childminder follows very good health and hygiene procedures, for instance, when nappy changing, cleaning the toys and looking after the family rabbit. Every child has their own paper towel, which further helps to prevent the spread of cross infection, promoting children's well-being. Younger children begin to learn simple personal hygiene as the childminder sensitively helps them with wiping noses. They build on their awareness as they eagerly sing songs about how to brush their teeth, and through the childminder's explanations about why being hygienic is important. Older children gain confidence as they independently go to the toilet and talk confidently about how washing hands helps stop germs spreading.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wealth of activities planned by the childminder that encourage them to be physically active. Children respond with gusto as they run in the fresh air, push or ride on wheeled toys, hop, climb and jump. Indoors children's coordination and spatial awareness skills are further promoted as they move to music and play musical statues or bumps. Children are learning to listen to their bodies and are able to be active or restful according to their respective needs. They relish tactile and manipulative activities, which means children further develop their hand and eye coordination through fun, play and learning experiences.

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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 clean, warm and well-maintained environment. They gain independence as they move freely and safely because the childminder's home is secure. There is an effective procedure for the collection of children in an emergency and this is supported by a password system. All the necessary safety equipment is in place, such as socket covers

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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 and safety gates so children cannot wander into areas that may compromise their protection. Children enjoy a variety of safe challenges in a secure, enclosed outdoor play area. This means that the risk of children accidentally injuring themselves is minimised. All children travel in safety and comfort in the childminder's car because they are appropriately seated and secured.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to an impressive range of quality toys and equipment that are suitable for their age while providing them with appropriate challenges. The childminder follows appropriate health and safety procedures so that the resources are maintained well and children remain safe. Children's self-esteem is promoted as they independently search out play materials that appeal to them from the tables, trays and toy boxes at child-height. All children relax in comfort with their friends because the chairs, tables and comfy sofas are suitable for the range of children who attend.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn aspects of safety through the childminder's gentle reminders about how to behave on outings and as they regularly practise what to do in the event of a fire. They confidently talk about how they cross roads, stay close together and listen to adults. This contributes to children's awareness of how to keep themselves safe. Children's protection is further assured as the childminder has a sound understanding of the indicators of abuse and what to do in the event of identifying a concern. Her willingness to note concerns and discuss these with parents makes safeguarding children in her care a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely relaxed and at ease in the childminder's home; this promotes their personal, social and emotional development. Their sense of belonging is fostered through consistent everyday routines, such as meals, snacks or quiet times. Children are gaining confidence as they build relationships with each other and the childminder, who spends time talking to, listening to and playing with the children. They are becoming more confident communicators as they initiate conversations, sing rhymes and join in discussions at story time. Children have good opportunities to join in activities as they do puzzles, paint and play with the small world toys. They listen to stories, look at books and confidently recite numbers, shapes and colours when playing. Children show a very good awareness of how to behave and keep themselves healthy and safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have an excellent time in the childminder's home because they are involved in a stimulating range of purposeful and fun play opportunities, which actively engage their interests. This is supported by well-planned activities as the childminder is beginning to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to develop her understanding of how young children progress and develop. Children develop a strong sense of self as they look in the play mirror and sing rhymes. Their physical skills are promoted by using wheeled toys, eating with spoons or their fingers at mealtimes and by climbing. Children enjoy celebrating a range of festivals and different lifestyles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are highly motivated and eagerly participate in a wide range of creative activities, such as singing, making models with play dough and icing cakes they bake. They extend their imagination as they role play, dress up and have puppet shows. Children concentrate well 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 show much patience as they do jigsaws with lots of pieces, which contribute to their mathematical thinking. They relish a wealth of media as they listen to music, taste different fruits and respond with gusto as they run their fingers through the water.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children further benefit from activities outside the childminder's home. They talk excitedly about going to the park, the beach and the museum, and about visiting the local farm where they have hands-on experiences with the animals, such as feeding the goats. Younger children begin to appreciate the company of others through regular visits to the local toddler group, library story times and childminder drop in sessions. This provides children with very positive experiences in which to play sociably alongside one another and with each other while the childminder is close by for reassurance.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and content in the childminder's home and the warm relationships between the children and childminder promote children's sense of belonging. They are highly valued because the childminder makes allowances for their different personalities and children respond warmly to her. All children are included and eagerly join in the activities. Children begin to learn about the wider community as they play with the multicultural toys, look at books, do jigsaws and celebrate a range of festivals, such as Easter or Chinese New Year. This promotes children's awareness of different lifestyles and equality issues.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-esteem is fostered because the childminder uses plenty of praise and encouragement to acknowledge what children have done well. This helps to create a positive environment where children feel good about themselves. The childminder is very polite and attentive, encouraging children to express their interests and talk about what they are doing. Children are well occupied and very involved in their activities and as a result behave very well. They are developing good social skills as they begin to understand what is expected of them. Children are very courteous at lunchtime as they spontaneously say 'please' and 'thank you'. They share resources well and are supportive of one another as they freely offer advice when playing a group game of dominos. Children are confident to relax with the childminder, for instance, as they listen to a story they curl up on the sofa and make themselves comfy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs are met well because warm and friendly relationships have been established between the childminder and parents, and information is shared regularly. Children settle well as the childminder works closely with parents to ensure she understands children's individual needs. At the outset the childminder shows parents her portfolio and gives them with a welcome pack about her activities, reassuring parents that children's interests come first. There is good ongoing sharing of information as the childminder takes time to chat to parents at going home time about the children's day. Parents comment very positively about their children's care, progress and play. This meaningful relationship between home and the childminder contributes to children's continuity and quality of care.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a safe, comfortable and well-equipped environment. The childminder ensures that non-vetted persons are not left unsupervised with children, which contributes to their well-being. She has prepared written policies and accessed training, such as on food hygiene, first aid and child protection. This works well in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. All the relevant daily documentation that helps to provide an effective service for the children is in place and maintained well. However, there are no complaints records should parents wish to report a concern, and the child protection policy has not been updated in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Organisation

Children benefit from good adult support because the childminder is very experienced in childcare. She shows much enthusiasm about improving her knowledge of child development through regular attendance on training courses, such as on 'Birth to three matters' and Childminding Practice. Children engage in purposeful activities, which are enhanced by the childminder's knowledge of child development, contributing to the quality of care offered.

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Organisation

Children are cared for as part of the family in a homely environment. The childminder plans the activities very well so that children enjoy fresh air and benefit from a balance of home based care with outdoor visits. Children are assisted to develop their independence because the childminder has organised resources to meet the children's needs. Children have plenty of fun as they spontaneously pursue interests that appeal to them. Information is shared with parents regularly, promoting children's continuity of care.

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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

At the previous inspection three recommendations were raised to meet the standards and improve the quality of care offered. These referred to health and organisation. The childminder has: reviewed the children's attendance records; requested written parental permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment; and improved babies' sleeping arrangements. This has safeguarded children and improved the quality of care offered.

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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 complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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

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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): • devise and implement complaints records in line with new guidance • review the child protection policy so that it reflects the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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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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