Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301757 Inspection date 11 July 2005 Inspector Judith Anne Kerr

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 1 and 7 years in Warrington, Cheshire. The whole ground floor, first floor bathroom and small front bedroom of the childminder's house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time when working with her assistant. She is currently minding 4 children under 5 part time during the day and 4 children over 5 before and after school. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local

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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 carer/toddler group. The childminder supports children with special educational needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their health and wellbeing. They have opportunities to develop control of their bodies. For example, young babies who can sit are encouraged to reach for toys, developing coordination and balance. Children make regular visits to the local children's groups and park. This encourages their physical development. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are beginning to learn about good hygiene habits such as washing their hands at appropriate times of the day. The childminder implements effective hygiene procedures which minimises the risks to children of cross infection. Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of a healthy diet. Meals provided are well balanced and nutritious, supporting children's physical wellbeing and development. Children's dietary needs are recorded and respected at all times,

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Helping children to be healthy

ensuring that children's individual needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in well maintained home where the childminder gives a high priority to safety. All reasonable steps have been taken by the childminder to ensure that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment, children are able to move around freely and confidently. Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder explains boundaries. For example, explaining to the children that they must not run in the house in case they fall and hurt themselves or to hold her hand whilst walking outside. Toys and resources are varied, suitable and easily accessible, allowing older children to make choices and develop their independence. The childminder has procedures in place to check toys and equipment on a regular basis and ensure young children only use items which are appropriate for their stage of development. The childminder keeps the required documentation in place to ensure children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she keeps records of accidents which are shared with parents. She understands her responsibilities regarding child protection issues and is familiar with local procedures. Children are well protected from harm and abuse.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy warm relationships with the childminder. She spends time talking and playing with them. She offers children appropriate physical contact in the form of cuddles and hugs, speaks in gentle tones and smiles, as a result the children are happy, confident and secure in her care. The childminder makes good use of local amenities to offer different play environments to the children. This increases their awareness of the world around them. Regular visits to toddler groups and activities in the local area provide children with opportunities to socialise with their peers. This enables them to develop social skills while playing and learning alongside other children. Children are occupied in a range of age appropriate activities which they clearly enjoy. They benefit from routines which are consistent with their experiences at home. The childminder promotes early communication skills by responding to the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

young child's babbling and reinforcing speech patterns by repeating words for older children. Children's mathematical skills are enhanced through daily activities such as choosing the correct coloured brick from a selection on offer and matching shapes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the wider community through discussions and the range of resources available that reflect our diverse society. This helps children to become aware of differences and develop a positive attitude towards others. The childminder shows an effective understanding of special needs and works in close liaison with parents and other professionals to ensure the needs of each child are fully met. Children benefit from the positive relationships that the childminder has developed with parents. A parent's information book and informal discussions at the end of the day keep parents informed about the provision and their children's activities. Children behave well and respond to the boundaries set by the childminder. The childminder uses gentle reminders to reinforce good behaviour such as sharing. Children's efforts and achievements such as including the baby are celebrated. This

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Helping children make a positive contribution

promotes the children's confidence and self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is supported by the childminder's appropriate organisation, children feel at home and at ease in a supportive environment. Most records and documentation are in place and of a satisfactory standard which contributes to the continuity of care for the children.

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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 The childminder is committed to improving the quality of care that she provides for the children and undertakes relevant childcare courses. She ensures that the children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort and organises her resources to promote children's independence, encouraging them to make choices about their play and learning. Overall the provision meets the needs of the 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): • seek written consent from parents for emergency medical treatment, maintain individual contracts for all children and ensure parents are provided with the telephone number and address of Ofsted.

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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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