Cargill June

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 322139 Inspection date 13 May 2005 Inspector Barbara Redmond

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 14, 10 and 8. She lives in the Knotty Ash district of Liverpool. She is currently minding 1 child aged 4 and 3 children aged 6 to 8 years, who attend on a variety of days. Children have access to most of the ground floor and an upstairs bathroom for their care and play experiences. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. Activities include outings to local toddler groups, the park and outings to places such

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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 as the squirrel sanctuary at Formby. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and informally networks with other local childminders.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have the opportunity to play in a clean environment. Their chances of cross-infection are reduced because the childminder carries out effective hygiene routines. Children learn about appropriate personal hygiene as they are encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly at appropriate times. Children on medication are safeguarded as the childminder keeps detailed records with relevant signatures. If a medical emergency occurs children can be supported as the childminder has current first aid training and has permission to seek emergency treatment. Children are provided with nutritious meals which contribute to their health, because the childminder serves home cooked meals that include fresh fruit and vegetables. They have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day so they do not become thirsty. Children learn about healthy eating as they have opportunities to choose from

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Helping children to be healthy

healthy options and explore new foods. Children are able to enhance their physical well-being and skills through regular outdoor play. They use a good range of equipment in the garden area and have regular visits to outside facilities such as parks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have sufficient space, which is organised to meet their needs, providing them with opportunities for positive play experiences. The premises are clean and well maintained, providing children with a suitable space for enjoyable play and learning. Children have access to a good selection of toys and resources to encourage progress in all areas of their development. The childminder supplements her provision with items from the toy library so children have a variety of resources to maintain their interest. Children's safety is considered at the setting as the childminder has installed safety features such as cupboard locks and a fire guard. Children are protected from fire as the childminder has equipment in place such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket. The fire evacuation procedure is regularly practiced with children so they know what to do in the event of a fire. However, there are potential hazards for children in the rear

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

garden as the shed containing garden equipment is insecure and cleaning equipment is accessible.

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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 Children learn about keeping safe because the childminder clearly explains safety practices. Child are protected because the childminder has a good knowledge of indicators of abuse and knows what to do if she has any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children engage well in a broad range of stimulating activities to encourage their all round development. The are interested in the activities provided which helps them to play co-operatively and enjoy valuable learning experiences. Children relate well to the childminder and their peers which allows them to ask questions and express their wishes and opinions freely. Children can access toys easily which encourages their independence skills. Children's self-esteem and communication skills are enhanced because they engage in meaningful conversations with a childminder who is interested in what they have to say. Children enjoy playing outdoors in the garden which contributes to their physical well-being. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement which helps them improve their physical skills and respond well to challenges. Children are involved in activities that help them increase their scientific knowledge

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

such as cooking, where they explore textures, and planting seeds when they investigate how things grow.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children engage in a range of activities to help them learn about the wider world including creative work and eating a variety of foods. Children have access to a range of resources that provide them with a positive image of a diverse society. Children are also supported through resources that the childminder provides when they might be worried, for example, a story book for a child starting school. All children are welcome at the setting and the childminder is able to adapt activities and the support given to children, to suit their ages and stages of development. Children's individual needs are met because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that all children receive appropriate care. Children behave well because they are interested in their play and are provided with a suitable range of stimulating activities. Children are encouraged to behave well when the childminder uses positive methods of behaviour management such as

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Helping children make a positive contribution

praise and encouragement. They know what is acceptable because the childminder is consistent when managing behaviour.

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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 Children's feelings of security are fostered as the relationship the childminder has with parents is good. Children receive consistent care as the childminder works closely with parents and there are good systems in place for the exchange of information. Parents know about the care their children receive as they have access to a file sharing information about the policies and procedures relating to the provision. They can also access a photograph album showing the activities their children experience. Children's interests are protected as documents are stored securely and a confidentiality statement is in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised and efficient environment where appropriate documentation is effectively organised to ensure that appropriate care is provided for children. All the necessary medical information is collected so that the childminder can foster the well-being of children in her care. Documentation is stored securely so that confidentiality is maintained for children and their families. Children's interests are protected after they leave the setting because documentation is stored for an appropriate time after they are no longer minded. Overall, the childminder is meeting the needs of the range of children who attend.

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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):

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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 • ensure that the rear garden is safe for children by making garden tools and cleaning equipment inaccessible to children.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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