Childminder in Wirral

Inspection report for early years provision

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306147 Unique Reference Number 07 August 2006 Inspection date Jean Evelyn Thomas 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 adult children in Birkenhead in Wirral. The childminder works with an assistant. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. The toilet facilities are on the first floor. There is a garden available to the minded children.

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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 four children under five all day, and one child over five before and after school. Older children attend. 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean home where procedures help prevent the spread of infection. For example, the routines for cleaning toys and the children using their own wash flannels. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through the familiarity of routines, such as washing hands after certain play activities, using the toilet facilities and before eating. Children are protected when they become ill. The childminder follows appropriate measures in making the children comfortable and contacting the parents. The childminder is aware of the procedure to follow if children contract a communicable illness. The childminder is qualified to administer first aid to children and keeps detailed records of accidents which occur both on and off the premises.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs and preferences are fully met as information is obtained from parents. The childminder is currently only providing snacks as parents provide the children's lunches. Children learn about healthy eating as the childminder ensures the snack foods contain little or no salt or sugar. The snacks primarily consist of a variety of fruits and bread. Drinks are available in the play room at all times to encourage children to respond to their bodily needs and drink when thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from physical exercise which contributes to their overall health. The garden is used for outdoor play through out the year. Facilities in the near by park are enjoyed as a regular activity. Children have opportunity to develop their physical skills through use of large equipment and open spaces where they can climb, slide, run and jump.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The environment is welcoming to children offering ample space to play in comfort. The areas used are bright and well lit by natural light. There are facilities where children can rest and relax. In the playroom toys are attractively set out. Wall displays and charts provide further interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select play materials from a range of toys and equipment which meet safety standards. The childminder has a wide stock of play equipment and changes the range available to offer children variety and greater stimulation. The childminder carefully monitors the play equipment to ensure it is safe and appropriate for the children's age and stage of development. Children's care needs are met through the childminder having appropriate equipment in place, such as high chairs with harnesses, travel cot and prams.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe environment. The childminder makes sure that all hazards are isolated through using safety equipment, such as safety gates and cupboard locks. Children learn about keeping themselves safe both in the home and outdoors through following routine procedures and guidance from the childminder. For example, they practise the evacuation drill and when out on walks they follow the rules of looking and listening when crossing the roads.

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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 Children stay protected during travel because they are secured in appropriate car seats when out in a vehicle. Children are encouraged to tidy away toys when the floor becomes overcrowded with play materials. The childminder explains that they could trip over and hurt themselves if they do not do this task. Children do not leave the premises unsupervised due to the level of supervision offered and the security device in place on the front door.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection. She has the relevant guidance materials to support her work and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. The recording systems are effective to protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed as they enjoy a good relationship with the childminder and the assistant. They benefit from the settling in procedure to enable them to become familiar with their new care environment and to help them feel emotionally secure. Children receive cuddles and develop a strong bond with the childminder and the assistant which increases their sense of belonging. The childminder has a good understanding of child development which is reflected in the appropriate and balanced activities she plans, which keep children occupied and interested. Children benefit from a range of activities which contributes to their overall development. The activities and equipment offer children good levels of challenge, such as the selection of jigsaws and construction toys. Children are motivated in play, which they pursue confidently either independently or with the positive interaction of the childminder and the assistant. They support

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's play and learning through involvement in the activity, talking and asking questions. Whilst playing children concentrate on the activity. They select a variety of play materials, such as the cars, the play mat, the dolls house, a pirate boat and play people as their play idea develops. There are good opportunities for children to be creative including role play, with dressing up clothes to support their play and in craft activities. The current theme is nature and the children's collage work linking into the theme is displayed in the play room.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their computer technology skills as they operate different programmes, for example, Barbie and history explorer. From an early age children learn from exploring and investigating, play dough, paints, water and baking ingredients. Children shape the play dough and make their mark using a variety of utensils. .

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn about their local community and the natural world as they visit the urban farm, parks, the zoo, the art gallery and the museum. Children enjoy books. The childminder has made story sacks which consists of the book, toys and finger puppets to support the story and to make it more interesting and enjoyable for the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children respond very well to the childminder's calm and gentle manner which fosters positive relationships and their good behaviour in the home. The childminder and the assistant are

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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 consistent in implementing and managing behaviour strategies. Children receive lots of encouragement and praise for their achievements. Children are encouraged to think about the consequence of their actions to help them learn about right from wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children have equal access to the play materials and activities. Consequently they enjoy a wide range of play opportunities and experiences. Children's individuality is valued and respected which develops their self-confidence and self-esteem. The childminder has some resources including dolls and a selection of books to help children become aware of diversity and the needs of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive working relationship developed with their parents. Effective systems, both verbally and in writing, are in place. This ensures that information required to meet children's individual needs is shared. Children are cared for within their usual routines, for example, following their natural sleeping pattern. The childminder completes developmental records on the children aged under three years incorporating the Birth to three matters frame work, these are shared with parents. A webcam camera is installed in the main play room to allow parents to watch children at play whilst in the care of the childminder. There is a security password to access this facility to protect children. The childminder has a website which details her policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder continues to attend training to further her knowledge to support children's well- being and help them make progress. She has recently completed the Birth to three matters course and child protection training. Children are safeguarded as the childminder ensures persons who have not been vetted do not have unsupervised access to them.

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Organisation

Children enjoy a wide range of age appropriate activities due to the childminder organising the areas effectively. The childminder ensures children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort and organises her resources to promote children's independence, encouraging them to make choices about their play and learning. The childminder understands the need for older children to have opportunity to play without disturbance from younger members of the group. This is achieved by arranging activities in different areas of the home or on the higher level play surface. The setting allows children to enjoy both quiet and more robust play. Comfy seating is available in both the playroom and the lounge. The adult-child ratios support children's care, learning and play.

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Organisation

The children's welfare, care and learning is promoted through the childminders well maintained recording systems. Although, the existing medicine recording document is full and a replacement document for new entries had not been prepared. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has read information issued by the National Childminders Association about equal opportunities to improve her knowledge. The childminder

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Improvements 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 has obtained written consents from parents to seek emergency medical advice and treatment to ensure the appropriate measures are taken. The complaints procedure is in place meeting the current National Standards criteria. Drinking water is available at all times to promote children's health.

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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 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): • continue to develop resources to promote positive images of the diversity of society • prepare a replacement medicine recording system to ensure a document is availabe for use at all times.

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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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