Childminder in Sefton

Inspection report for early years provision

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310741 Unique Reference Number 15 June 2006 Inspection date Ann Lee 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 satisfactory. 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, two adult children and 11 year old son in Formby, Merseyside. The ground floor living room, kitchen, utility room and two bedrooms are used for childminding. There is also 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 under eight years and she is currently minding four children. She sometimes works with an assistant.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes children to local shops, parks and toddler group. The family have two pet rabbits.

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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 and comfortable house where the childminder take steps to keep them free from infection and cross contamination. For example, she uses anti-bacterial spray on work surfaces and baby changing mats and different chopping boards when preparing raw meat and vegetables. Babies have separate bedding and this also prevents the spread of infection. Children learn about good personal hygiene because the childminder encourages them to wash their hands appropriately. However, the tap in the toilet does not work so that children have to ask for a bowl of water in which to wash their hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder safeguards children in the event of accidental injury because she has a first aid certificate and first aid box and all of the documentation such as accident, medication and parental consents are in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

There is a sample menu available for parents and this indicates that children are offered a variety of foods which include a combination of healthy, home cooked meals, fruit and vegetables plus some ready prepared foods such as pizza, waffles and biscuits. Drinks of water, milk or fruit squash are offered throughout the day. Babies become more independent because they feed themselves and children all sit together and socialise at meal times.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are good opportunities for children to develop their physical skills. They play outside in the large garden where there is space for them to run about and play with a range of toys and equipment. They throw balls, dig in the sand, ride wheeled toys and climb on the climbing frame. Children also enjoy outings to the park where they can swing, slide and exercise in a different environment. Children practise their small motor skills when they manipulate puzzles and construction items, play board games, paint and draw.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a sense of belonging in the setting because the childminder greets them warmly and helps them to feel relaxed and happy. The house is secure and the childminder supervises children closely at all times. All of the necessary safety equipment such as socket covers, safety gates and smoke alarms are in place to minimise the risk of accidental injury to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The space is organised to allow children some freedom of movement and there is a large, well equipped garden for outside play. There is a variety of good quality toys and equipment which is suitable for the ages of children minded. The toys are set out in see-through boxes which are labelled so that children can choose what they want to play with. The childminder gets out a selection of different toys and equipment each day to provide an interesting and stimulating environment. One area is designated as the book corner where children can sit quietly on comfortable cushions and look at books.

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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 There are procedures in place for emergency evacuation and the childminder helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe in the event of fire. On outings, younger children are safely strapped in the buggy or wear reins and older children learn where it is safe to cross the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder keeps her knowledge and understanding of child protection up to date by attending relevant training. She is clear about her role and responsibilities and knows who to ask for help and advice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is beginning to use the Birth to three matters framework in her planning of activities and recording of children's development. For example, she takes photographs of children at play and sometimes records what they are learning. She has also begun to develop treasure baskets for the babies. They are filled with natural objects such as pine cones so that children are encouraged to explore and investigate a range of different textures and materials.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children feel happy and secure because the childminder is friendly and approachable and she develops close, loving relationships with them. Babies become very attached to her and they lift up their arms to be picked up and snuggle into her neck. Children have good levels of concentration. They co-operate well together, share and take turns as they dig in the sand tray and play with the work bench and tools. There is a varied selection of toys and equipment which is easily accessible so that children become more independent as they choose what to play with. Children also help to tidy away the toys into labelled boxes so that they become self confident and helpful.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Opportunities are provided which help children to develop their language and communication skills. The childminder talks to them, listens carefully and they sing songs together and look at books. The childminder helps babies to become more confident when walking because she holds their hands, enthusiastically praises their efforts and offers them a sturdy baby walker so that they can learn to balance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes children on outings into the local community where they can socialise with other children at the toddler group and enjoy visiting parks, shops and other places of interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder finds out about the individual needs of children and works with parents to meet those needs. She welcomes all children and treats them with equal care and concern so that they feel happy and settled. There are some resources such as books, dolls and small world toys which reflect positive images of different cultures and the childminder uses the library and toy library to supplement her own resources.

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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 Children respond well to the childminder's kindness and consideration so that they are well behaved. Children play well together and co-operate as they devise imaginative games and dig in the sand. The childminder uses praise and encouragement to help children to share and to take turns and any issues are shared with parents so that children are dealt with in a fair and consistent manner.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a friendly, approachable manner and she develops good relationships with parents. There are letters of recommendation on file which indicate that parents are extremely pleased with the care provided for their children. They trust her and feel that she is a positive influence in the children's lives and that she offers valuable learning experiences through every day activities such as shopping trips. The childminder maintains a folder of information for parents which records children's progress and development through photographs of them at play and examples of their work.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected in the setting because the childminder ensures that they only come into unsupervised contact with people who have been vetted. She always maintains the correct adult to child ratios so that children are safe and receive plenty of support and supervision.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to improving her child care practice through regular training in areas such as the Birth to three matters framework and child protection. She also welcomes help and guidance from the early years development worker.

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Organisation

Since working on an action plan with the development worker space and resources are now well organised to allow children freedom of movement and choice about what they play with. For example, although space is limited the childminder has created a book corner and all of the toys and equipment are placed close to the walls leaving the centre of the room clear for play. Toys and equipment are easily accessible and are stored in clear plastic boxes so that children can see what they contain. Other boxes are stored in the garage and the childminder rotates them to ensure that children stay interested and stimulated by the items which are on offer.

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Organisation

All of the necessary records, policies and procedures are in place to promote the safety and welfare of children. They are well organised into separate files so that confidentiality is maintained and they are easily accessible to the childminder. Parents are kept well informed about the service and about the progress and development of their children through daily conversations and with the use of folders containing photographs and examples of children's work. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was set actions to plan activities and play opportunities to meet children's individual needs and develop their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. She was also asked to ensure that space, time and resources are organised to meet the children's needs effectively. Since the last inspection the childminder has accessed training and advice which enables her to provide play opportunities to meet the individual needs of

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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 children. She also meets children's needs more effectively because she organises the space, time and resources well. An action was also set, at the last inspection, asking the childminder to inform Ofsted of changes in persons over the age of 16 living in the household. Ofsted are now informed of changes and her son, who is over the age of 16, has been vetted.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • make sure that hand washing facilities are suitable • continue to improve the outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with the Birth to three matters framework.

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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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