Wirral Wrap

Inspection report for early years provision

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149638 Unique Reference Number 18 January 2007 Inspection date Sarah Catherine Jex 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 2000. She lives with her two children aged four and nine years old in the town of Hitchin in Hertfordshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the childminder's house is 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 for five children at any one time and is currently minding five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to school to take and collect children, attends local parent and toddler group as well as taking children to the local library and park.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has completed Herts. Quality Standards kite mark.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children’s care is exceptionally well fostered through highly considered routines and exemplary practices of hygiene and personal care. Children understand that cleaning their teeth after eating, reduces the bacterial build up on their teeth, keeping them strong and healthy. Children's clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and after playing in the garden, substantially reduces the risk of cross contamination. The childminder is an excellent role model for the children to follow. She adheres to exceedingly strict procedures for hygienic nappy changing which include the use of disposable gloves when dealing with bodily fluids and soiled nappies to prevent the spread of infection. Extremely sound procedures are in place for children who are unwell to safeguard the good health of the other children who attend the provision. Individual and personal information is discussed to ensure health and

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Helping children to be healthy

medical needs are identified and recorded thoroughly. The childminder rigorously maintains an accident and medication book in accordance with requirements. Children receive appropriate first aid because the childminder holds and regularly updates a suitable first aid qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are positively encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle because the childminder provides healthy snacks and meals that promotes children's knowledge and understanding of nutritional issues through discussion and cooking activities. She always ensures that fresh fruit and raw vegetables are available for children. For example, at snack time the children have a variety of fruit, vegetables and biscuits and each child is encouraged to take at least one from each category. They begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as they enjoy home cooked food from fresh ingredients. Children's favourite are home-made pizza, tuna pasta bake, roast dinner and macaroni cheese. The childminder meets specific dietary needs within the varied menu available to the children and respects parental wishes and preferences. The children sit at the table to eat, learn good manners and social rules, they respond to one another with

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Helping children to be healthy

courtesy and care. Children are positively encouraged to drink and have designated cups or water bottles. They choose their drinks from the wide selection offered by the childminder. Children access these at anytime.

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Helping children to be healthy

Everyday children benefit through either a planned or spontaneous activity to promote their physical well-being. They are encouraged through the childminder’s enthusiasm and admirable energy and discuss and decide upon the superb opportunities for physical activity. These include playing in the outdoor area with the ride-on toys, scooters and ball games. The children also benefit from taking daily walks to local amenities. They make frequent visits to open spaces like the zoo, farms, local museums and parks where children are able to freely explore their surroundings and able to extend their physical competence and coordination. Children also have access to an extensive range of indoor activities that increase their fine finger movements and hand and eye coordination. Such as, painting, threading and using malleable materials like play dough. The childminder has a good understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework,

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Helping children to be healthy

this is reflected in the exceptional and regular opportunities to enhance the development of

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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 young children's large muscle movements. The childminder has a thorough understanding of appropriate types of activities and levels of need for each child, this includes children being able to sleep or rest in a suitable quiet area of the house.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a child-orientated and well-maintained home. Space in the main room is organised to allow the children to play with different types of activities. Children are able to move independently between the indoor and outdoor areas and the childminder has an excellent understanding of how to achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits, and how to involve children effectively in organising their environment. Children independently select from a superb range of toys and play resources, which meet safety standards. Children's safety is well promoted by the childminder carrying out regular checks on toys and equipment. Children also help to check the resources, ensuring they are clean and safe. They enjoy washing them as part of a planned activity, especially when the weather is warm so they can do this outside. Children understand that it is important to make sure the toys are clean and not broken which

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from accidental injury as the childminder has taken sensible precautions in her home and garden to ensure their well-being is safeguarded. Children actively learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder has clear rules and routines in order to maintain their safety inside and outside the home. For example, the childminder reminds the children not to run in the house and explains the reason why this is necessary. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has all of the required policies and documents in place. The childminder carries comprehensive contact details on her person at all times. Excellent practices actively contribute to the safety of children such as, thorough written risk assessments, extensive and detailed emergency evacuation procedures and frequently practised fire drills. Records indicate the children have learnt the procedure. Open discussions about road safety when out on walks

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and how to keep themselves safe when away from the childminder's home. They use appropriate procedures to ensure they cross the road correctly and stay alert as they cross. Older children set a good example for the younger children. This encourages them to take on some additional responsibilities and to recognise responsible behaviours.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has stringent procedures in place for the safe collection of children. Parents inform her if the arrangements change at anytime. The childminder has completed a suitable training course to provide her with a robust knowledge of child protection issues. Parents are fully informed of the childminder's responsibilities through discussion and her written policy. Children are therefore kept safe and are suitably protected from harm or neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive and settle quickly in the friendly, relaxed family atmosphere where the childminder carefully prepares her home in readiness for them. They are learning to be confident, independent and are developing self-esteem by the childminder encouraging them to try new

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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 activities and giving praise. Children are highly motivated and able to choose from an extensive and diverse selection of toys and equipment, which are stored within easy reach, along with being provided with a superb range of stimulating and challenging opportunities and activities. These include music, cooking, creative work, outings, stories, free play and first hand experiences such as gardening, cooking, shopping activities which provide optimal challenge and enhance all aspects of their learning. These activities are adapted for individual children's development, enabling them to move forward at their own pace. Children have exceptional opportunities to go out on regular outings which are inspiring and educational such as visiting Stanborough Lake, the local farm and fire station. Their learning about the local community and the wider

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

world is significantly enhanced by these outings. The childminder puts a great deal of thought into children’s play to ensure they are learning whilst having fun. Themes are carried out throughout the week and children develop rapidly due to the care and excellent preparation which goes into the planning and implementation of the activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

High quality interaction provides excellent support for children’s communication skills as the childminder introduces new language when out walking in the local environment. Children develop their mathematical skills with the childminder as she makes full use of domestic tasks such as, pegging out the washing to count, sort and match. The childminder skilfully encourages children to make very rapid progress in their development. For example, a variety of sensory and cause and effect toys are available for young children, they are able to play with these whilst being in different positions such as laying on their back or front as well as being sat up. This gives children a different perspective on their world whilst exploring toys. She has a clear understanding of their abilities and uses this knowledge to set further challenges in order to promote children's continued progress. Children are highly valued and the childminder listens

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and responds to what they have to say. They respond well to the childminder who gets down to their level and follows their lead. Children begin to distinguish between right and wrong as they play together as the childminder gently reminds them to treat each other with politeness and courtesy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has an exceptionally competent understanding of child development. She effectively uses her knowledge of childcare and her constant commitment to update training to enhance and guide her practice. 'Birth to three matters' framework is used as a reference to ensure all areas of children's development is being planned for. This supports the provision of flexible, high quality care expertly tailored to each individual child's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children hold a strong awareness and understanding of others because the childminder actively provides opportunities for children to mix with others from a diverse range of backgrounds on a regular basis. Children establish a robust understanding of their local community as they travel to and from pre-school, visit parks, toddler groups and other local amenities. She provides an extensive range of resources and activities to promote a positive view of the wider world such as books, dolls, play figures, puzzles and activities to celebrate festivals and makes full use of a local toy library and other childminder’s to supplement her equipment and provide increased variety and range. All children, including those who may have additional needs, are

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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 highly valued and respected as individuals. Activities are adapted to meet the needs of all children and a sensitive approach ensures children can be fully involved. The childminder knows the children very well and is responsive to their needs. For example, if a child needs extra reassurance or cuddles this is happily provided and children respond positively knowing they can climb up for a cuddle at any time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Through the exemplary examples set by the childminder and the appropriate strategies used, children demonstrate high levels of understanding about responsible behaviours and know, for instance, how to manage their behaviour, find solutions to conflict and show respect for the needs of others. Children learn to be considerate, share, take turns and are encouraged to remember to say please and thank you. Their confidence and self-esteem is developed by the praise and encouragement received from the childminder who knows the children extremely well. This enables her to have realistic expectations to promote the children's sense of belonging. Children feel relaxed and secure and able to make independent choices and try new experiences which aids their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder effectively meets children's needs through the daily routine as discussed with their parents. A comprehensive portfolio is in place for parents which gives information detailing all aspects of the childminder's practice such as the written policies and procedures and contracts. These are reviewed regularly and are kept up to date and parents have a copy of the policies and procedures to refer to if needed. Parents are aware of how to make a complaint and a good system is in place for recording them. However, the procedure needs to be amended with up to date address information. The childminder organises highly effective open days for parents to see how their children are progressing. This initiates a highly effective two-way communication process which enables parents to fully participate in their child's development and learning. She ensures that daily discussion about the service provided keeps parents informed about

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their child's activities and maintains a detailed written diary system for children. Parents actively contribute towards their children's learning and development because they remain fully informed of the daily activities at all times. The childminder positively invites parents to make their own written contributions and they eagerly respond to questionnaires seeking their views on the service provided. Children’s well-being is fully promoted as the childminder is dedicated to working in partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is notably enhanced by the exceptional organisation. Space and equipment is prepared so that children can access resources easily and independently. This enables them to self select their activities and play safely. Children are confident and enthusiastic when participating in the various fun, stimulating and challenging activities, when initiating their own play and extending their own play and learning in a natural and imaginative way, strongly encouraged by the childminder's excellent practice.

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Organisation

The childminder's clear use of written procedures and routines which cover all aspects of the national standards effectively supports children's welfare, care and learning and underpins her professional practice. The childminder shares all documentation in confidence with parents and ensures that all records are maintained appropriately and stored securely. She organises her

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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 time very well to ensure that children have individual attention where possible. She provides a range of exciting and stimulating opportunities, and makes good use of a local toy library to support these activities.

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Organisation

The childminder adopts a highly professional, conscientious approach to her childminding and is extremely confident in her childcare practice. She uses her maternal experience, her firm commitment to continued training and her effective organisation to promote positive outcomes for children. She is committed to keeping her knowledge up to date and has attended various training courses, uses childcare literature and the local authority training manual to maintain and improve her skills. This has increased her knowledge and awareness of planning and the implications of policies and procedures, which is clearly reflected in her practice. She is constantly seeking ways to improve her skills and is happy to incorporate any suggestions which might further enhance her provision for children and their parents. The childminder offers high quality opportunities which are rooted in an expert knowledge of childcare and development. Overall

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to complete the following recommendations. To

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Improvements since the last inspection

review evacuation procedures and to review policies and recording procedures in relation to child protection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has reviewed her procedures with regard to emergency evacuation, this is evidenced in the children's drawings, fire drill book and incorporating a visit to the local fire station thus enhancing children's ability of looking after themselves. Child protection procedures also have been reviewed and amended. The childminder's knowledge and understanding has been increased by attending a child protection course, this ensures the children's safety and well-being is being protected.

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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): • amend the complaints procedure to have up to date contact information

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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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