Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY336796 Unique Reference Number 18 January 2007 Inspection date Frank William Kelly 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 2006. She is registered to care for six children at any one time, and is currently minding six children on a full and part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and four in the Maghull area of Liverpool. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding the children. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and takes children out to toddler groups, parks and other local places of interest on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean and well maintained home. The childminder implements good practices to help keep the children healthy. For example, no outdoor shoes are worn in the house to protect crawling infants from dirt and grime and each child has their own washable

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 pad to lie on, whilst having their nappy changed. Daily routines including wiping hands and faces before and after eating are encouraged, the childminder reinforces the children's understanding further by encouraging the children to care for the dolls in a similar fashion during their play. Toddlers enjoy making sure that 'dolly' has a nice clean face too. There are good policies and procedures in place regarding sick children, which are shared with parents so that they understand the importance of helping to minimise the spread of infection. A full first aid box is kept easily accessible and the arrangements in place for administering and recording medication and accidents reflect regulatory requirements, thus, promoting the children's well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is enhanced both inside and outside of the home as the childminder ensures that children get regular fresh air on a daily basis. Activities include walking to and from school, visiting the local play-park and outings to feed the ducks near by. A range of equipment, such as a climbing station and slide is available for children to play on in the garden. Inside the home, toddlers giggle as they crawl through the play tunnel and climb in and out of the large plastic tub. They have good access to a range of toys and activities that encourage their hand to eye coordination, such as simple jigsaws, and posting boxes. Those children that are just learning to walk are well supported as the childminder stays close by, she holds her hands out towards the children, which helps them to feel safe, secure and confident to try to walk.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies and young children receive good attention from the childminder, forming close relationships that support their emotional well-being. They are comforted and cuddled when tired and their individual routines are respected, as they eat and sleep according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are well met as the childminder shares information about the children's specific needs before the children start and willingly prepares food provided by parents for their child. In addition the childminder provides a range of healthy meals and snacks including a selection of fruit, non sugar coated cereals, organic bread, bagels and pancakes with raisins. Children have access to their own cups during the day with additional drinks served at meal and snack times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well presented and effectively organised home. The environment is very welcoming for children, with a friendly, family atmosphere, with lots of toys and comfortable furnishings. There is a feeling of space and children enjoy spreading themselves out across the floor as they play. Children have use of the whole of the ground floor of the property and are able to play and rest safely without disturbing each other. Children access a wide range of good quality toys and resources that are safe and suitable for their age and ability. Toys are stored on low level shelving, enabling children lots of freedom of choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The open plan aspect of the home has been carefully considered by the childminder, safety gates are secure and well positioned to prevent the children gaining access to the stairways or kitchen but enable the childminder to supervise the children whilst preparing meals and snacks. The childminder has completed a full risk assessment on her home and has taken appropriate steps to further minimise risks to help keep the children safe. These include ensuring that the home is kept secure, socket covers are in place and door slammers are placed on internal doors to prevent little fingers being trapped. Children are well supervised as the childminder keeps the children within her sight at all times and those children resting are monitored by a listening

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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 device and regular visual checks. An emergency evacuation procedure has been prepared and is practised with the children on a regular basis. During such times the childminder encourages the older children to help the younger children to assemble at the door, thus, children are becoming familiar with what to do in an emergency. The children learn to keep themselves safe through good explanations provided by the childminder, for example, when the children put the wooden hammer in their mouth the childminder reminds the children that it is dangerous as they might get splinters in their tongue.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues. She has attended additional training courses to further extend her knowledge and understanding of this subject. Parents are informed in writing about the childminder's responsibilities as part of the information systems about her service. Relevant contact details are held should the childminder need to report any concerns. This and other information held is reflective of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are secure and confident within this home. Their play is busy as there is much to interest and engage them. They are familiar where toys are and seek them out independently. The home learning environment is stimulating with posters and print around the room and the childminder plans a weekly program of activities taking into consideration the individual children being cared for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder devotes her time to playing with children. She gets down on their level and follows their lead. Playing closely together has a positive impact on children’s enthusiasm for learning. They play purposefully, become involved in activities and develop good concentration levels. For example, they jig and rock to the music whilst the childminder encourages them to use the musical instruments. She does this by gently tapping the drum and encouraging them to try it for themselves with the beaters. The play is unhurried and pitched at the children's level of concentration and understanding. She reinforces children's learning as they play; for example, she talks about the yellow and green bricks as she encourages the children to build a tower together. Whilst children play with the doll she points out their features encouraging the children to find their eyes and nose and talk about their hair.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children look forward to and benefit from regular attendance at toddler groups where they can play with other children. This broadens their learning experiences and helps them to become sociable. Children’s communication skills are very well supported. The childminder consistently talks to the children and uses both gesture and facial expressions when interacting with the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children who attend after school enjoy opportunities to relax or play as they wish. This includes preparing entries for competitions to win a trip to the theatre or using the computer, and participating in painting or craft activities, playing board games or taking part in quizzes prepared by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy, content and show a strong sense of belonging, due to the warm caring approach of the childminder. All children are welcomed and play a full part in the homely

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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 environment; their birthdays are celebrated, thus, helping the children develop a sense of community. The childminder is aware of the steps to be taken to successfully support children with additional needs. She recognises the importance of adopting a sensitive approach to help meet the children’s individual requirements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children have access to a good range of play resources, which reflect the diversity of today's society and regular trips to the local library, shops, Speke Hall, and a nearby activity farm help them learn about their local community and wider world. Activities linked to celebrations such as Christmas and Halloween have been enjoyed by the children and the childminder is aware that these could be extended further to include celebrations of other cultural festivals, thus, helping children to gain an awareness of others similarities and differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has prepared a written behaviour management statement, which she implements effectively in practice. She presents a positive role model for the children to mirror and is calm and consistent in her approach. Constant praise, explanation and encouragement reinforces' the young children's good behaviour. For example, the childminder gently reminds them that 'we don't throw the brick, we pass them'. She shows them by example and praises the children when they do so. Children are treated with respect and good manners are implemented at all times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good relationship with parents, helping to benefit the children and contribute to their well-being and development. Information is displayed for parents in the kitchen, creating a welcoming environment. The childminder displays her qualification certificates and all relevant information about her childminding practice. Parents are kept informed about their child's progress through daily discussion and written information about their daily routine in their individual daily diaries. Some parents have written to express their satisfaction about the quality care and service that they feel their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised and has given very good consideration to how best to arrange her home and time to meet the differing needs of the children that she cares for. There is plenty of room for all the children and the activities and resources available meet their differing needs well; helping them progress their learning without impacting on their welfare or safety.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards and has completed all mandatory training; and additional training including a Level 3 in Home Based Childcare. She is aware of the benefits of vocational training and uses it well in practice to benefit the care for the children. She demonstrates a commitment and enthusiasm to complete further training, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework. All adults within the home have been suitably vetted and most regulatory documentation is in place and well maintained. However, there are some inconsistencies with regards to parental consents, which means that consent for seeking emergency medical treatment and transporting children in a vehicle is not held for all children. This means that some children's safety may be compromised. That said, there are many well written policies and procedures that are informative and help parents understand how the

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Organisation

setting operates, thus promoting the continuity of the children's care.

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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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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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 complaint 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): • consider ways to further help children learn about other cultures and traditions to enable them to gain an awareness of others' similarities and differences • ensure that all the required parental consents are held for each child, such as emergency medical treatment and transporting children in a vehicle.

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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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