Rooney, Hilary J

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

310684 Unique Reference Number 05 October 2006 Inspection date Debra, Elizabeth Mitcheson Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered 21 years ago. She lives with her husband and adult daughter in Formby Village, Liverpool. She is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight and there are currently eleven children on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The registered premises have been purposefully designed for childminding purposes, allowing children access to the kitchen/diner, toileting facilities in the first floor toilet, lounge, conservatory/play room and enclosed rear garden used for outdoor play. Children also participate in activities within the local community and include parks, shops, library and other child centred groups.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has recognised childcare qualifications. For example, NNEB, Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education and Quality First Level 3. She has also completed training courses in first aid, child protection and an extensive range of one day childcare course. She has recently

p.2

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 been accredited on a network for childminders and is heavily engaged in supporting other childcare practitioners as a mentor and tutor on childcare courses in the locality.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive and enjoy a healthy lifestyle at this setting. They are relaxed and familiar with the well established practices and procedures the childminder has in place. These derive from many years experience in this role and her participation in relevant training courses relating to nutrition, health and hygiene. For example, a Basic Food Hygiene certificate in Early Years.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children demonstrate their own understanding of healthy practices as they explain, during toileting, the importance of washing the germs off their hands and the reason for flushing the toilet after use. They remind each other not to forget to use the anti-bacterial soap and wipe their hands on the individual towels. They are further protected from infection as she follows current revised procedures in relation to food poisoning, notifiable diseases and practices when a child becomes ill. Children have excellent levels of understanding with regards to their own responsibility for protecting each other from infection. They independently, without prompting, access tissues to wipe their noses and comment on how they do not want other children to catch their cold. Children’s welfare is safeguarded if they have an accident as the childminder has up to date training in first aid and records detailed accident records which are maintained

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well nourished. They acknowledge when they are thirsty as they access their own cup from within easy reach of the dining table. Their individual dietary needs are well met and agreed with parents. These include food intolerances, religious and cultural requirements. Children are provided with an extensive range of nutritional options for snacks, meals and drinks. These cater for all age groups of children and dependant on ability, actively encourage their involvement in the preparation of meals. For example, older children prepare their porridge oat and fruit breakfast using the microwave, under supervision. They have an excellent insight into the value of food and its origin. Children are eager to point out their favourite fruits on a wall chart, highlighting that the banana and kiwi fruits are helping them to grow big and strong. They delight and show great wonder as photographic evidence captures their acknowledgement

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

of where and how produce grows. They grow organic tomatoes, pick them and wash them before eating them on sandwiches for tea.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Rest and sleeps are taken according to the child's individual needs. They are observed to take ‘cat naps’ throughout the session in their pram which is agreed with parents. Older children transfer to the sofa or travel cot as they outgrow their pram. Daily activities encourage children to take part in physical challenges that help muscle growth and good levels of fitness. For example, music and movement and accessing large equipment at local groups and parks.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an exceptionally child oriented environment. This is due to the extension of the house, where childminding takes place, being purposefully designed for this purpose. Children's art work, photographs of activities, weather chart and other learning materials are displayed throughout the setting. They are able to independently explore and make free choices from an abundance of toys and resources that are effectively stored at a child's level. Space is creatively used. It is well structured in providing a daily programme of sleep and rest in the lounge, quiet activities of reading, home corner, television and area for babies in the lounge/dining room. This also doubles up as an area for meals and snacks which are social occasions and take place at the dining table or in high chairs. Other activities that encourage larger gross movements and free play are available in the attached conservatory and rear garden,

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A fabulous range of toys, equipment and play materials are accessible to children and contribute to this stimulating environment that interests and supports all aspects of children's development needs and areas of learning. These are rotated in accordance with the children's preferences and play plans that are based on themes and seasons. Purchases of domestic style furnishings and equipment have been made with careful consideration. These are in excellent condition, safe and well maintained, such as low level settees, smooth edged dining table and chairs, high chairs, travel cot, prams, car seats, harnesses, socket covers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and appropriate floor coverings, to enable babies to play on floor in safety.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are extremely safe and well protected from hazards. All exits are secured, and safe procedures are in place when travelling outdoors with children or when they are collected from the setting. They react to the doorbell by holding the hand of the childminder, while she takes steps to check the identity of the caller. Detailed risk assessments for all areas of the setting, including outdoors are recorded and shared with parents. Children show an excellent understanding of safety procedures. They know about fire evacuation, stranger danger and procedures for crossing the road safely. They explain that they "stop, look, listen, see if any cars are coming, then go but still keep looking and listening as you cross the road". Children demonstrate their caring approach for the safety of their peers as they move their shape sorting game away from the younger children, recognising that the parts may be hazardous to them.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Most aspects of protecting children are promoted well by the childminder, who understands the majority of her role in relation to child protection issues. She has a copy of ‘What to Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused-Summary’ and policy, which is shared with parents. However, children's welfare is compromised as information is not up to date and in accordance with recent changes in regulation and the Local Safeguarding Children Boards procedures.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children relish their time at this setting and are making excellent progress in their learning, play and overall development. They are extremely happy, confident and independent as they make their own decisions in what they choose to do. They do this from an excellent range of

p.4

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 activities and experiences that develops their natural curiosity as learners. They use their analytical skills during role play, as builders. They use tweezers from the toy tool box and attempt to remove a toy from a radiator cover in the conservatory. They play in harmony with their peers as they assist one another in building the car track, during reading time, threading, sorting and music and movement. Here they march to music at toileting time with their rendition of “the cowboy song". Children talk excitedly about their trips out to local groups where they meet their friends. For example, the opening of a childminder support group at the local school. They explain that they had a healthy eating party, where all the childminders provided attractive healthy food options for the children's buffet, as opposed to the high calorific foods such as

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are really secure and thrive from the flexible but carefully structured daily routines that provide them with superb care, play and learning opportunities that are helping them reach their full potential. For example, personal needs, meals, free play, planned structured activities, story/cuddle time and outings. They are eager to acquire new knowledge and skills as they respond to challenge. Using great concentration levels, they thread shaped animals and shape sort six complex egg puzzles. They show great determination in achieving the task. Babies demonstrate, throughout the session, that they are the competent learner. They explore objects using mouthing and touch and are developing self assurance as they settle quickly for sleep.

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder clearly knows her children well and has an in depth understanding of how they learn and progress. Making effective use of material taken from her attendance on previous childcare courses, ‘Birth to three matters’ and observations of the children’s development, the childminder is able to follow children’s choices and build on what they are doing. For example, they are observed to practice mouthing difficult words to develop their vocabulary. They respond well to the childminder who is enthusiastic and interested in what they say and do, such as talking to children about the weather. They understand that they will need protective clothing before going out in the rain. Their learning is consolidated as they complete the daily weather chart.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are highly valued as individuals at this setting. There are effective arrangements in place for all children, including those with special needs. These include hands-on practical experience and discussion with parents in working in close partnership with other professionals to provide appropriate and inclusive care for all. Children with special needs have benefited from the childminder's training on the Disability Discrimination Act. This has been instrumental in the design of the setting, resulting in the installation of a ramp for disabled access and extended doorways for wheelchair access. Children demonstrate positive caring attitudes to others which are fostered by the childminder and her family members who act as positive role models. They are calm, consistent and polite. Children are excited to see the childminder's husband as he arrives home at lunch time. He responds positively to their needs.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a superb selection of resources and activities which help raise their awareness of diversity and anti-discriminatory practice. These include participation in celebrating

p.5

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 festivals such as, Chinese New Year and Divali, where children are currently making lanterns for the celebrations. An excellent range of resources reflect positive images of people from different backgrounds. For example, ethnic dolls in full traditional costume, small world, posters, books, jigsaws, dressing up clothes and arts and craft materials.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Working relationships with parents are excellent in ensuring children's needs are met. Parents give glowing accounts of the care their children receive during the visit. One parent has written a ‘testimonial' on the childminder and other parents, past and present, leave complimentary comments in thank you cards which confirm excellent working relationships with the childminder. Robust systems are in place for sharing information. For example, parents are shown their children's diaries and development folders. These have photographs, written entries by the children and art work stored in them to demonstrate the work the children have done and their progress.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They interact positively with their peers and known adults. They are clearly aware of their boundaries, as methods used to mange their behaviour are discussed and agreed with parents. These include distraction, praise and activities that are stimulating, interesting and appropriate for the age and stage of development of the child. They play in harmony with their peers. This is because the childminder is an excellent role model, she is observed to be gentle, caring and ensures that the children fully understand what is happening at the setting, helping them to feel reassured at all times.

p.6

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel extremely safe and settled within this extremely well organised setting. This means the childminder has effectively organised the space, time and resources to support children's care and learning. Her superb knowledge and understanding of child development has benefited from the strong commitment she shows to training. She has the National Nursery Nursing Examination Board qualification (NNEB), Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education, Quality First Level 3, first aid, child protection training and a vast amount of day courses all relevant to childcare. Her latest success has been completing a lengthy assessment of her childminding practice to be part of an accredited network of childminders. She also shares her knowledge and expertise as a childcare practitioner in delivering training in the locality and mentoring newly registered childminders, which will ultimately benefit the care of other minded children.

p.6

Organisation

Most policies are robust, effective and in place to provide the efficient management of children on and off the premises. For example, behaviour, fire evacuation procedures and safety on outings. The most recent policy includes up to date information on the law according to transporting children in cars. This has led to her purchase of booster seats to accommodate the safety and welfare of all the children in her care. Adult-child ratios support the organisation and individual needs of children. This includes the support of her adult son and daughter, if required, to act as assistants.

p.6

Organisation

Most documentation is in place, up to date and with confidentiality being acknowledged and maintained. This includes children's details, accident and medication details, attendance record and complaints log. Babies have a "tracker” record of development that is linked to the 'Birth

p.6

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 to three matters' framework. Older children have individual records of development/achievement that are shared with parents. They are fully informed of their child's daily routines and activities through effective communications. These include notice boards and daily discussion. The childminder is aware of notifying Ofsted of any significant changes or events at the setting. This ensures that children continue to receive appropriate care within a secure, safe environment and where the childminder who cares for these children continues to be suitable to do so.

p.6

Organisation

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

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations were raised relating to documentation. The childminder records children's daily routines in a daily diary and children's progress and achievements are recorded. These are shared with parents to keep them informed about their child's overall development at the setting.

p.7

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.

p.7

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.

p.7

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.7

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.

p.7

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 child protection procedures are in accordance with the Local Safeguarding Children Boards and includes procedures to follow when an allegation of abuse is made, which is alleged to have taken place while the child is in the care of the childminder.

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7