Childminder in Wirral

Inspection report for early years provision

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306230 Unique Reference Number 27 June 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 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Wallasey in Wirral. The play room, hall and kitchen are 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 four children under five on a part time basis. Children are minded before and after school as required. The childminder attends the local the toddler group and library story time sessions.

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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's health is well promoted because the childminder uses good hygiene practices to prevent cross infection. For example, toys are cleaned on a regular basis and out door play materials are cleaned daily with anti-bacterial solutions before children arrive. Children learn to be responsible for their own healthy practices as they become familiar with routines, such as hand washing after playing outdoors, after toileting and before eating. Children are provided with their own hand towels and flannels, which they can easily identify as their own because of the different printed patterns. Children's health is well maintained because the childminder has effective measures in place to promote this. A clear policy regarding sick children is discussed with parents to give assurance that children will be well cared for should they become ill. Sick children are made comfortable in a warm, clean environment until collected by their parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a current first aid qualification and is aware of the procedure to follow if children contract a communicable illness to ensure the appropriate action is taken to safeguard their well-being and other children attending.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's awareness of healthy eating is well promoted as fruit and fresh vegetables are incorporated into their daily diet. The childminder talks to the children about nutritional foods and uses posters as visual aids to further extend their understanding of the benefits of healthy eating. The meals are home made, using ingredients that contain low or no salt or sugar to maintain health and physical development. Children are offered a varied menu, such as spaghetti bolognaise, different types of curry meals, roast meat and fish dinners. Snacks primarily comprise of a selection of fruits giving children healthy options. Their dietary needs are discussed with parents to ensure that they are protected from allergies and their health actively promoted. Drinks are available at all times. Children are learning to respond to their bodily needs and indicate when they want a drink. The childminder monitors the fluid intake of the younger

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is well promoted because the childminder ensures they have access to a good range of resources and opportunities. Outdoor play is a daily activity, throughout the year, either home based or at local parks. Children gain confidence and develop their physical skills through use of a range of equipment including, sit and ride toys, see-saw, slide and balls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. Children have their own designated play room which has their work, photographs and posters displayed. This room also contains a small table and chairs so that children can work at their own height with minimal risk. Children's choice is well promoted as they are encouraged to make their own selections from a wide range of resources. These are easily accessible and the childminder is mindful of safety as she ensures that younger children do not have access to items which may harm them, such as Lego bricks. Resources are rotated so that children have good opportunities to enjoy all equipment. Children's care needs are met through the childminder having appropriate equipment in place, such as

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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 high chairs with harnesses, travel cots and prams. The childminder ensures that all equipment and play materials complies with safety standards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe by the close supervision of the childminder. Sleeping children are positioned at ground floor level and activities are organised to ensure children are always in sight. The childminder completes risk assessments, assessing potential hazards and takes active steps to minimise hazards to children. However, the smoke detector has not been replaced on the second floor level. Children do not leave the premises unsupervised because of the security devices fitted to the front door and side garden gate. Outside the home safety is effectively promoted by discussion and practice of the road crossing procedures. Children learn to keep themselves safe by following the rule, when out and about, to hold the childminders hand or the pram. Reins are used on the younger mobile children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because the childminder understands her role in child protection. The childminder has relevant guidance materials to support her work and is aware of the appropriate procedures to follow.

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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. They benefit from the settling in procedure to enable them to become familiar with their new care environment and help them feel emotionally secure. Children receive cuddles and develop a strong bond with the childminder, which increases their sense of belonging and well-being. The younger children make themselves understood as they express their feelings when thirsty, tired and happy. The childminder responds well and meets their needs. Children play confidently and happily either independently or with the positive interaction of the childminder. Together they sit floor level and create a picnic for the dolls and teddies using resources from the role play area. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contributes to their overall development. From an early age children are able to experience and learn from exploring

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play-dough, dry pasta, paint and water. They make their mark using different techniques in painting, such as hands or paint brushes and utensils with the play-dough. There are many opportunities for children to be creative and use their imagination through role play resources including dressing up clothes, small world play and craft work. Children learn to move their bodies in different ways as they enjoy musical movement. Young children operate the programmable musical toy and change the tunes themselves. They change their movements as the rhythm of the music alters. Language development is promoted to help children become skilful communicators through the positive verbal interaction with the childminder and activities organised. Young children are encouraged to verbalise as the childminder talks to them, uses questions and provides opportunities for them to make choices. This encourages children to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

respond and to recognise words. Children know they are listened to and this promotes their confidence. The young children initiate action rhymes they have learnt. The childminder quickly responds and together they enthusiastically sing 'round and round the garden'. Children learn to handle and enjoy books which are accessible to all ages of children.

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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 treated with equal concern and their individual needs are well met as the childminder obtains all relevant information from parents. All children have equal access to the play materials. As a result they benefit from the wide range of play opportunities. The childminder provides resources, such as books, small world play and posters which promote positive images about race, culture and disability to help children learn about the diversity of society in their every day play activities. They play in a non-stereotypical environment where they make their own choices.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is promoted because the childminder uses positive strategies. For example giving meaningful praise and acknowledging children for their achievements, such as when the child helped to tidy away toys and for art work. Children are given explanations why behaviour is not acceptable to help them distinguish right from wrong. The childminder is a good role model, she shows children respect and is interested in what they are doing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The effective working partnership with parents results in the childminders good understanding of the children's needs. Children's individual daily routines for sleep and food are well met. Children are looked after according to parents' wishes. These are discussed before children start and consent is obtained to take photographs, to take children on outings and to apply sun protection cream. The childminder keeps a photographic record of the children she cares for and the activities children undertake, which is shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safeguarded as the childminder ensures persons who have not been vetted do not have unsupervised access to the minded children. The childminder has recently undertaken additional training in child protection. However, she has not familiarised herself with the Birth to three matters framework to further enhance the child care practice.

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Organisation

Children receive good levels of adult support which promotes their play and learning. A good range of activities and resources are available, which motivates children to initiate their own play both indoors and outdoors. Children feel secure and relaxed in an environment that is well organised to promote their safety. The childminder understands the need for older children to have opportunity to pursue more challenging activities without disturbance from younger members of the group. This is achieved through supervision and arranging activities at the dining table for one group of children and simultaneously another age appropriate activity for the younger children in their high chairs. The facilities allow children to enjoy both quiet and more robust activities. The children's care, welfare and learning is promoted through the childminders well maintained recording systems.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of 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

Since the previous inspection the childminder has prepared an evacuation plan and has purchased resources to help children learn about the diversity of society.

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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): • position a smoke detector on the second floor level • develop knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework to further enhance the child care practice.

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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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