Childminder in St Helens

Inspection report for early years provision

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500669 Unique Reference Number 06 October 2006 Inspection date Denise Sixsmith 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 2001. She lives with her husband and three children aged 9, 14 and 18 in Rainford, Merseyside. The whole ground floor and the upstairs bathroom 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 a maximum of six children at any one time, and is currently minding two children under five and one children over five after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and visits the park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, as well as a member of a local childminding group.

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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 receive good care when they are unwell or injured. The childminder has a current first aid qualification, recently renewed, to ensure she has up to date information ensuring the well-being of the children. The children’s welfare is maintained, through the childminder’s use of good systems for communicating with parents, concerning medical matters. Records of accidents and medication administered are comprehensive and the required consents are in place. Children are well-protected from infection, due to the childminder's good hygiene procedures. She ensures that her home is clean and that floors, surfaces and toys are maintained in a spotless state. Nappy changing procedures are hygienic and children have their own bedding, flannels and towels. An effective sickness exclusion policy helps to prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise. The childminder takes them out regularly, to local parks, for walks and visits to the adventure farm to see the animals. Children can play safely in the rear garden with a wide range of toys and equipment including a small trampoline and a sand tray. Indoors, babies are encouraged to be physically active, rolling or kicking on the floor. There is sturdy furniture on which they can support and pull themselves up to further their physical development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy snacks of fruit. Lunches provided by parents are stored appropriately until children are ready to eat. The recording of children’s allergies ensures the childminder only provides snacks that are suitable for children’s dietary needs. Children are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, and good eye contact is made by the childminder when she feeds babies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy the facilities of a comfortable family home, where space is used well, to provide a good variety of appropriate activities. Children choose from a wide range of toys and resources, which are clean and in good condition, and appropriate for their age. They can easily access the toys and the childminder ensures that babies can reach and grasp a range of toys safely. Children are secure in the premises and benefit from high levels of supervision ensuring they play safely. They are very safe in the house, due to the childminder's good understanding of all safety issues. The childminder undertakes risk assessments regularly, to ensure that all hazards are addressed to protect children. Good fire safety procedures ensure that children are protected in emergencies, because they practice the emergency escape plan devised by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is a high priority for the childminder when on outings, she uses buggies and car seats appropriately. She is vigilant in ensuring that places visited, such as the park, are safe for children. Very good procedures are in place to ensure their safety and to assist in the rapid return of a child who becomes lost. For example, children wear wristbands, which record telephone numbers and emergency details are also in the car in the event of an accident. Clear

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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 written policies ensure the childminder has considered steps to take in emergencies and is aware of the prompt action required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from abuse or neglect, due to the childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues and procedures. The childminder has attended a number of child protection training courses and has a clear knowledge of action to be taken, if she should have a concern, to effectively protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They make good progress, as they enjoy plenty of individual attention, and because the childminder talks and plays with them, effectively developing their communication skills. Children choose from a good variety of activities and have access to many suitable toys and resources. Babies enjoy playing with musical and sensory resources, such as texture books and push button electronic musical toys. They thoroughly enjoy their interaction with the childminder, squealing with delight during the ball rolling game. Children have opportunities to socialise at toddler group, but remain in the home if they require a rest or sleep. When children feel less secure or tired, the childminder offers cuddles and reassurance, ensuring that the children's self-assurance is fostered well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder encourages children to be independent and to try to do things for themselves. Praise and encouragement boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Older children engage in a wide range of art and craft activities, to develop their creativity. They are encouraged to explore, especially outdoors, in the garden or on planned outings. The childminder has a good knowledge of the children cared for, ensuring that they are happy and settled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals and the childminder is receptive to providing care for children with special needs. Children have good opportunity to learn about the wider world through the provision of a variety of good quality resources and books. Both boys and girls have equal access to the toys and play materials.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because they are busy and occupied. The childminder’s behaviour management policy reflects her practice, in particular promoting good behaviour through praise, encouragement and rewards. Strategies used by the childminder replicate those used by parents at home, ensuring consistency and children's understanding of the rules and boundaries in place.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the strong relationship between their parents and the childminder. Information is willingly shared between both parties, ensuring parents are informed of their child’s day and the childminder is equipped with the necessary information to be able to meet children’s needs. Clear systems are in place for the gathering of required information about children's health and dietary needs prior to them starting with the childminder; however, there is less emphasis given to the sharing of information regarding personal needs and development.

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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 Parents are very supportive and praise the commitment and care that the childminder provides for their children and the trust that they have in her abilities. A clear complaints policy is in place informing parents of how to raise a concern with the childminder or the regulator.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for effectively and have a variety of space in which to play happily together. They confidently interact with the childminder while they select toys and move around in the well organised environment. A balance of indoor and outdoor activities, as well as appropriate rest times are built into the day to ensure that the children are alert and rested.

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Organisation

The childminder has a consistent approach to maintaining required records, and ensures that children are protected from potential harm. Clear comprehensive contracts are in place to promote the children's welfare. Documents are stored securely, maintain confidentiality and are available for inspection. Effective monitoring arrangements ensure that the children's welfare and development is promoted and confidentiality is maintained well. However, the childminder is less well informed about the amendments to the National Standards. Children's overall health and development is fostered very well through the childminder's vigilance, and her positive approach to engaging in ongoing training relating to the care and development of children.

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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

Since the last inspection, the childminder has improved her provision. She obtains written parental consent for the administration of medication and records children's arrival and departure times accurately, ensuring all children receive appropriate medical care and there safety is enhanced.

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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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Complaints 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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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): • continue to develop the systems for the gathering and sharing of information with parents to further promote children's development and progress • increase knowledge of the Addendum to the National Standards to enhance the care of the children.

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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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