Watson, Christine Lesley

Inspection report for early years provision

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315183 Unique Reference Number 15 November 2006 Inspection date Sheila Iwaskow 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 1997. She lives with her partner and son, aged 14 years, in the Grappenhall area of Warrington. Her two adult children visit the childminder's home on a regular basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes; this comprises of the lounge, through dining room, study and kitchen. Toilet facilities are available both on the ground floor and upstairs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently six children on roll who attend on a variety of placements. The childminder offers care to older children before and after school.

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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 welcomed into a warm, clean home. They stay healthy because the childminder exercises good hygiene practices to minimise the risk of cross infection. For example, she ensures that surfaces are washed down at appropriate times of the day and that good nappy routines are in place when caring for babies. Young children are encouraged to manage their own personal care and a step-stool is available in the bathroom to allow children to reach the sink, encouraging their independence. Washing hands before eating, after toileting and playing with the family pets forms part of the daily routine. The detailed written sick child policy ensures that appropriate measures are in place when children are ill. The childminder recognises the importance of respecting babies' individual routines in order to provide an environment which is consistent with home.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works in accordance to parents' wishes regarding the provision of food and drink. She has a good understanding of the importance of healthy eating. Children are given choices about the food they eat and thoroughly enjoy healthy options, such as ham and cheese toasties, strawberries, grapes and bananas. Sensible conventions, such as sitting at the table whilst eating food and saying 'please' and 'thank you' are promoted. Acceptable procedures are in place to ensure that children have regular access to drinks to keep them refreshed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their physical growth and development. Whilst playing outdoors they can run around in the fresh air, explore the climbing frame and play with bats and balls. Children are taken to the swimming pool on a regular basis and enjoy walks to the local park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Both children and parents are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home. Renovation work, which is near completion, ensures that children have a large amount of space to move around freely and play in comfort. Space is organised to provide children with a balanced range of activities, including a room where children can play quietly, do their homework or simply relax. Trips to the zoo and safari park provide alternative environments for children and allow them to socialise with their peers. Children access a sufficient range of resources, which are clean, safe and meet the needs of all the children who attend. Toys are mainly stored in wicker baskets and are accessible to children, allowing them to make choices and develop their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of safety and has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the environment, in which children are cared for, is safe and secure. Children are well supervised, enabling them to play safely and independently. The use of appropriate safety features, such as a fire blanket, smoke alarms and cupboard locks further contribute towards children's safety. Fire drills are practised with the children. Such procedures teach children to follow defined routines in the event of a fire or an emergency evacuation. However, a minor

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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 issue has been identified, which compromise children's safety; the meter cupboard does not have a lock on it and can be easily opened by the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder is aware of issues and procedures relating to child protection. A written child protection policy is in place and made accessible to parents, keeping them fully informed about this aspect of their children's care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children smile happily in the childminder's home. They eagerly initiate conversations with the childminder and ask her questions to gain knowledge. For example, children play with a computerised toy and ask the childminder to tell them where she bought the toy and how she travelled to the shop. The childminder as a clear understanding of each child's stage of development. She gains lots of information from parents, which enables her to provide appropriate play experiences to allow children to progress further, both educationally and socially. The childminder demonstrates a growing awareness of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and incorporates many elements into her childminding practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident with the routines that operate within the childminders home. Without prompting, they pick up the mail and take off their shoes after coming back from nursery school. Language and communication skills are effectively fostered as the childminder listens and responds appropriately to each child. Children develop a concept of time as they discover that some of the toys they play with are 12 years old and talk to the childminder about being allowed to walk home from school, when they are older. Children enjoy finding out about animals that live in their environment; feeding the squirrels in the back garden and observing the wild life at the local park. Sensory development is skilfully promoted as children look for mini beasts in the forest bark, use balls of ice to make an Icelandic scene and explore the texture of sand. Children thoroughly enjoy baking gingerbread men and creating flowers from tissue

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

paper and pipe cleaners. Such opportunities allow children to express themselves imaginatively and develop their fine motor skills

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder respects each child's individuality and responds to their needs in an appropriate manner. Children are encouraged to be kind and respectful to each other, share and take turns as they play. Boys and girls express themselves freely as they play with a variety of play materials. Any anti-discriminatory remarks are challenged to ensure that children have a balanced view of the world. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards inclusion and recognises the importance of working with parents to meet specific needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. The childminder uses appropriate techniques to divert their attention, ensuring that any behavioural issues are dealt with effectively. Frequent praise helps children feel good about themselves, which promotes their confidence and self-esteem.

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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 An open and friendly approach with parents contributes to establishing an effective working partnership. A range of written polices keeps parents well informed about the childminder's child care practices. Verbal feedback at the end of the day and photographs of children at play, taken by the childminder, keep parents up-to-date with all aspects of their children's care. Parents are made aware of the complaints policy, but the childminder is unaware of procedures to follow with regard to the logging of complaints or concerns expressed by parents, in line with recent changes to the National Standards. This is a breach of regulations.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a positive and supportive environment, helping children feel secure and at ease. They benefit from a structured day and there are procedures in place which facilitate taking and collecting children from a local primary school and nursery. Systems are in place to settle new children into the childminder's home so that they feel comfortable in their new environment. The childminder has accessed some additional training to keep her child care practices up-to-date. She complies with her conditions of registration at all times, however, her childminding certificate is not displayed, which makes it difficult for parents to be aware of how many children she is registered to care for. This is a breach of regulations.

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Organisation

Records and documentation are well organised to ensure the smooth running of her childminding business to maintain children's welfare. However, the childminder has failed to notify Ofsted of the building work being done to her house. This is a breach of regulations.

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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

Following the last inspection the provider agreed to address some actions and recommendations regarding health, safety, equal opportunities and documentation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All of these issues have now been addressed. The provider has obtained a first aid certificate that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. This allows the childminder to provide appropriate care in the event of an accident. All persons over the age of 16 years and living in the house have undergone relevant checks, ensuring children's safety. When caring for young children the childminder makes sure that the cat's feed bowls are not within easy reach of the children and all electrical sockets and drains are covered, providing a healthier and safer environment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children now have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity, which gives children an understanding of other cultures within their environment. Accurate records are kept of children's times of arrival and departure, ensuring that all aspects of documentation are in place and correctly maintained.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

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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 the meter cupboard inaccessible to the children • ensure that the registration certificate is displayed at all times; maintain a complaints log and ensure that Ofsted are notified of significant events.

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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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