Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY338436 Unique Reference Number 05 March 2007 Inspection date Chris Scully 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 lives with her partner and two teenage children in Rainhill, St. Helens. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is available to minded children. An enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently providing care for two children under five years and one child over eight years. The childminder takes children to local schools, nurseries and playgroups. Children go on regular trips to parks, soft play centres and zoos. The family have a pet cat. The childminder is able to provide support for children with learning difficulties or disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of National Childminding Association and receives support from Sure Start.

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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 within a clean and hygienic environment. Children develop an understanding of the need for good hygiene practices. This is supported by discussions and practical demonstrations by the childminder. The childminder encourages children to cover their mouths when coughing and to learn how to blow their noses; in order to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Appropriate systems are in place for the provision and laundering of bedding for the children. The childminder is attentive to the needs of younger children's daily routines. She provides suitable equipment and time for them to sleep or rest in accordance with their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is trained in first aid, which means children's accidents or incidents are effectively managed. The childminder is attentive to the children's needs when they are injured and ensures they receive appropriate care and attention. A sick children policy is in place, this is discussed verbally with the parents, but is not currently formalised. Children have appropriate opportunities to test and explore their larger physical skills. The childminder states they are developing confidence when using soft play centres, as they confidently access ball pools, slides and negotiate other obstacles. The family cat is treated regularly to prevent infestations. Children's health is further promoted as they are encouraged to wash their hands after touching the cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a generally healthy range of nutritious meals and snacks. All meals are prepared in line with the children's individual needs following discussions with their parents. Children are provided with a range of drinks throughout the day, although, currently they cannot access these independently. All children are encouraged to sit together with the childminder at the table at meals times. This enables them to enjoy a relaxed social occasion and to discuss the days events.

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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 warm, welcoming, environment. Rooms are well organised, this successfully enables the children to choose where they would like to play. Resources are stored in low-level boxes, which encourages the children to select their own resources. This successfully fosters the children's independence. Children are confident in their surroundings and move freely around the available rooms. They are aware that some activities take place in specific rooms, such as messy play in the kitchen. Children have access to a range of toys and resources which are clean, safe and are appropriate for their ages and stages of development. This means children are engaged in a range of purposeful play and learning experiences. Children have access to some resources, which depict positive images of diversity. This means children are developing an understanding of the wider world.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risks have been effectively identified and minimised by the childminder, such as the removal of hazardous plants within the garden. This is further supported by the use of risk assessments

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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 and daily checks to ensure the areas used by the children remain safe. The childminder uses her experience as a health and safety officer for another organisation to enhance her practice. Good systems are in place to enable children to develop an understanding of fire safety. This is supported by the undertaking of regular fire drills with the children and the use of the booklet created by the childminder, which talks about fire safety in the home. This enables the children to understand how to keep themselves safe in an emergency. Systems are in place for teaching older children how to dial the emergency services in an emergency. Children are kept safe in the childminder's car as they are restrained in age appropriate car or booster seats.

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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 uses information from Sure Start and the booklet 'What To Do IF You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused - Summary' to inform her practice. She is aware of the potential signs of abuse or neglect and the action to take should she have a concern about a child. This means children are protected from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and contented in the childminder's home. This is enhanced by the warm, caring relationships the childminder builds with the children, which enables them to feel safe and secure in her care. Children also build positive relationships with other members of the family and happily greet them with big smiles. The childminder is knowledgeable about the children in her care and provides a range of activities to meet their individual needs. One child particularly likes cars and the childminder provides a range of activities, which encompass cars. Daily routines are created to meet the individual needs of the children and include opportunities for quiet and active times throughout the day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder spends considerable amounts of time talking, playing and interacting with the children. This successfully fosters their self-esteem and communication skills. Children are taken on many outings and trips to various locations, such as zoos, farms, fun centres and parks to enhance their learning experiences. One child enjoys making cards and posting them to their mum, just like their favourite children's character. Children have regular opportunities to bake. They confidently tell visitors about making pancakes and how they did 'all the whisking' of the mixture.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn about colour, shape and number through activities and discussions with the childminder. They talk about the changes of the traffic lights and the need to look for the green man so that they can cross the road safely. The childminder plays various games with children outdoors, such counting all the blue cars or looking for the postman. Children are developing confidence to sing a range of songs and rhymes, a current favourite being 'Fireman Sam'.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children's individual needs, personal preferences and circumstances are known and are understood by the childminder. This means she is able to provide good care to children. Children are respected as individuals and have access to all of the toys, resources, activities and opportunities provided. Children learn about the wider world by accessing a range of resources and activities with the childminder. They learn about their own community as they visit local parks, walk to the shops and visit other places of interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and respond well to the childminder's requests. Clear house rules and boundaries help the children to learn what is expected of them, for example, sitting at the table for meals. Children learn to use appropriate manners, such as 'please' and 'thank you'. All children receive plenty of praise for their achievements and efforts. This successfully fosters their self-esteem and sense of belonging. Children are obviously proud of their achievements and smile broadly when they receive praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder builds positive relationships with the parents of minded children. Well written policies and procedures are shared with the parents. This enables the parents to be fully informed about the type of care and activities they can expect their child to receive. The childminder uses information sourced from the parents effectively to provide good care to the children and their family. She provides flexible care and is able to take and collect children from their home if required.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are able to move freely and confidently at the childminder's home and enjoy a 'home from home' environment. Children receive suitable levels of support from the childminder, which successfully fosters their all round development. The childminder ensures all persons over 16 years are suitably vetted and has appropriate systems in place to provide care in an emergency.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures, which contribute to the children's health, safety and well-being are in place and give a clear picture as to any action the childminder will take. Records, such as the daily register, accident book and risk assessments are effectively maintained. However, the sick children policy is not formalised and the childminder does not have consent for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment for the children. The childminder is aware to record all concerns or complaints, however, the information is not currently freely accessible as this is held on the child's individual file. All other consents are in place, which means children are generally cared for in line with their parents wishes.

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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

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): • improve the opportunities for children to independently access their drinks • formalise the sick children policy, the complaints record and ensure consent is obtained for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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