Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY216563 Unique Reference Number 15 December 2006 Inspection date Susan Patricia Birkenhead 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 2002. She lives with her partner and three children aged 10, four and three. The family live in the Farnworth area of Widnes. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. At present there are five children on roll, of these three are school age children and only attend in the school holidays, the remaining two children are both under five years. The childminder walks to and from school daily and visits the local toddler groups with the children.

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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 and well-being is positively promoted because the childminder follows effective practices and procedures. For example, the detailed, written 'sickness policy' makes the parents aware that children are not cared for when they are ill. Children wash their hands before eating meals, after using the toilet and after certain activities, such as playing in the sand. This practice is introduced to young children at the nappy changing stage, assisted by the childminder where necessary. Toddlers indicate their hands are 'clean' as they return from the bathroom. Therefore, positive steps are taken to promote the good health of children from a very young age.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks and healthy foods which are appropriate to meet their needs. The childminder is committed in her approach and has developed a two weekly rotating menu, which she displays. The menu outlines the balanced and nutritional diet children are in receipt of during snack time and meals. There is positive emphasis on the promotion of a healthy diet and children are encouraged to try new tastes. For example, they visit the local farm shop to select varied fruits to try. Children discuss foods which are good for them at meal times to further develop their understanding of eating healthily. Therefore, children are effectively learning about the effects healthy foods have on their overall well-being. Children have independent access to drinks during their stay as drinking water is easily accessible to older children and the younger children have access to their drinking beakers in the area they play.

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Helping children to be healthy

This means children remain refreshed and hydrated during their stay.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children engage in regular activities to encourage their physical development and skills. A good range of resources in the outdoor play area encourage children to climb, balance, jump and sit and ride. Children walk from school daily and visit the local park and activity centres during the week to further promote the development of their physical skills. They develop their finer skills as they access the puzzles and build using construction materials. Therefore, children are developing a good sense of control and co-ordination over their bodies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a well organised environment, which is welcoming to them and their parents. For example, notices are displayed for parents in the hall area and the extensive level of children's art work displayed in the areas they play contributes to them being valued as individuals. Children have access to areas on the ground floor which are designated solely for their use. For example, there is a designated play room, small kitchen area, quiet room and toilet facilities. Children move confidently between the areas accessible to them in safety. However, the playroom occupies the converted garage and although there are plans to fit a radiator to heat the room in the near future there is currently no means of heating the room when young children are present. Therefore, compromising children's health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of stimulating, good quality play materials and equipment to meet their individual needs. These are well maintained and systems are in place for addressing

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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 the safety of items children have access to. Some aspects of play are set out for the children to access on arrival. Alternatively children can select from the well organised resource boxes which are labelled to reflect the content. As a result of these efficient systems in place, children play safely and learn to tidy away resources before accessing alternatives. Therefore, children are developing their independence by making decisions for themselves during play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted well within the setting. Steps are taken to minimise risks to children through the use of appropriate equipment. Detailed risk assessments are developed and identified risks are outlined and dated once action has been taken. The entrance and exit doors are secured and cupboard locks are in place to secure hazards. The use of the safety gate restricts children's access from the main play areas. As a result, children stay safe. Children learn to keep themselves safe, as the childminder explains unsafe practices to them and the consequences of their actions. Younger children cannot access the older children's play materials as they are stored at a higher level. Children talk about and practise road safety whilst walking and wear reflector bands when walking home from school. The childminder has developed an emergency plan in writing which refers to the procedures followed and the named adults she

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

can call on. The written fire evacuation plan outlines the procedures followed. Practices have been carried out with the older children although the details have not been recorded. Therefore, children are developing a good understanding of how to stay safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder demonstrates during discussion her positive understanding of the role she plays in protecting children from abuse. She recognises the signs to look for and the procedures she would follow for reporting such concerns, acting in the child's best interests at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and secure in the care of the childminder because they have developed positive relationships. They are made to feel welcome through the efficient organisation of appropriate resources accessible to them on arrival. The childminder has a good understanding of children's developmental stages. As a result, the provision of activities and play changes regularly during the morning to sustain the children's interest and further promote their learning. The childminder discusses with a younger child about members of her family and talks about where they are, which she says is a daily occurrence. Children are developing their understanding of the routine followed, for example, the children see the childminder making lunch and say 'table' and move towards the table to clear the play materials and sit down. The written routine reflects how the children's day is organised around the more structured times for meals, school

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in various play opportunities throughout their stay according to their age and stage of development. The childminder actively refers to the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses the various components to promote and extend children's learning. They play freely and also take part in planned activities. On arrival children clearly indicate what they want to play with as one child says 'cars' and proceeds to find them. They engage in outdoor play and have access to varied play materials. They access a range of indoor play materials which include construction materials, the garage and cars, the dolls' house and play figures, creative activities,

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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 the puzzles and domestic play. They have opportunities to relax and look at the books as part of their routine before their daily sleep. Local groups are attended throughout the week organised by Sure Start, providing the younger children with opportunities to socialise with others. More organised opportunities are provided for the older children who are only cared for during the school holidays. Children are involved in visits to places of interest locally, such as the farm shop, the library to select books, the local gardens and parks. Therefore, children are provided with a good range of opportunities to extend their learning in all aspects of their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder supports and guides the children in their play and learning to a good level. She listens to and values what children say, she talks to them about what they are doing and extends their learning through play and activities and play they engage in. For example, they explore what happens as they use some of the construction pieces and an empty tin to imitate a drum. They later place smaller pieces of the construction materials onto the tin and watch what happens as they continue to hit the tin and discover they jump. They explore texture as they dig in the sand and fill and empty the tipper trucks. The childminder interacts at a good level with the younger children. She exchanges conversation and echoes the words they say, therefore, developing and reinforcing their language during play. Children are responsive to completing tasks as the childminder asks 'can you find the eyes' when playing with the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

construction dinosaurs, to which the children are responsive. The childminder reinforces number and colour instinctively during play to further promote and extend children's learning. Older children develop their knowledge and understanding of rules in games as they play rounders. Therefore, children have fun and their development is promoted through the valuable play experiences and the positive interaction they receive from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals and information exchanged with their parents initially enables the childminder to be aware of their individual needs and meet them accordingly. Children have equal access to play and stimulation, without stereotyping. They learn about diversity through the resources in place, including books, dolls, jigsaws and play figures. The childminder promotes the children's understanding through discussion and responding positively to questions they may ask. They celebrate various times of the year, which include Christmas, Halloween and are developing their knowledge of other cultural celebrations through the creative activities they complete and the foods they sample. Therefore, children begin to develop their knowledge and understanding of people's differences and learn to treat everyone with equal concern. The childminder is experienced in providing care for children with learning difficulties and disabilities,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

however, there are no children currently cared for.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are learning positively to recognise what is acceptable through the methods used for managing their behaviour. For example, the childminder encourages them to share and take turns. Any unacceptable behaviour results in children being taken away from the situation to reflect on their behaviour and they are asked to apologise to others affected before returning to play. Children receive regular praise to encourage their good behaviour and recognise their achievements. This is clearly reflected in the practice observed. Very young children 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 responsive to the childminder's request to tidy toys. They respond by repeating the word 'tidy' as they put toys back into the boxes available. Therefore, children are well behaved, they learn to play cooperatively and form good relationships with the childminder and other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and parents develop effective relationships to ensure the needs of the children cared for are met and a consistent approach to their care is maintained. A good level of information in the main is shared with parents regarding the needs of the children and some information about the setting. For example, the children's records include: details of their health; dietary needs; contacts; persons authorised to collect and parental consent for certain aspects of care. The 'emergency plan' and 'sickness policy' is discussed with parents and there is some information displayed for them to see. This includes: information regarding the 'Birth to three matters' framework; the menus; the certificate of registration and insurance details. They acknowledge entries to accident and medication records by signing against them. Parents receive verbal feedback daily regarding their child's well-being and content of their day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Therefore, promoting involvement and continuity in the children's care. The childminder demonstrates how she would deal with any complaints the parents may have through discussion. However, the childminder is not aware of the changes in regulation regarding the management and recording of complaints. As a result, a system for the recording of complaints, which can be shared with parents has not yet been developed. This constitutes a breach in regulation. Therefore, compromising children's welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder protects children through close supervision when in the company of persons not vetted and whilst on outings. The 'emergency plan' in place makes parents aware of procedures followed to protect children at all times and outlines adults called upon to cover in the event of an emergency arising. The childminder has attended the necessary Introduction to Childminding Practice (ICP) training and a Paediatric first aid training course, which contributes to the care the children receive.

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Organisation

The childminder is in the main organised in her approach to record keeping. Consistent systems are developed for all children cared for to enable appropriate care to be provided and contribute to safeguarding the children's welfare. For example, the attendance register reflects the hours children are cared for. In the main all legally required documentation is in place with the exception of the system for recording complaints. Children's records and contracts agreed are stored individually to maintain a confidential approach and available for the inspection visit.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

During the last inspection the recommendations raised referred to the childminder obtaining parental permission to transport children in the car and to offer more resources to reflect positive images of disability. Since the last inspection the childminder has addressed both recommendations raised as follows: parents complete a consent form regarding transporting children in the car to further safeguard children's welfare. Additional resources have been

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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 acquired, which reflect positive images of disability. Therefore, further promoting children's understanding of diversity.

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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. 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): • ensure rooms which are accessible to the children are maintained at an adequate temperature • obtain written parental consent from parents before children have access to the trampoline • develop knowledge and understanding of the procedures to be followed in the event of a complaint being received and implement a system of recording the details which can be shared with parents on request.

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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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