Childminder in WirralOfsted inspection, 14 Jun 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 306072 Inspection date 14 June 2005 Inspector Elaine Murray

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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 1992 . She lives with her husband and two children who are aged over 16 in West Kirby, Wirral. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house except for the rear lounge and conservatory is used for childminding. There is an enclosed area of the back garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 12 children at any one time when working with an assistant and is currently minding 10 children all of whom attend part time. The childminder employs three assistants on a part time basis.

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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 are developing an understanding of simple good health and hygiene practices such as washing their hands at appropriate times of the day. This is due to the childminder's guidance and establishment of clear routines. The childminder follows babies and young children's individual routines with regard to sleep. This means that they are able to sleep according to their needs, which contributes to their overall good health. Children learn to enjoy physical exercise and develop control of their bodies as they frequently play with the good selection of outdoor and indoor play equipment. The childminder has a good understanding of babies' physical development and promotes this effectively. Children are offered regular drinks through out the day, helping them to keep healthy. They begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as the childminder provides balanced and nutritious meals which promote children's good

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Helping children to be healthy

health. Parents preferences and wishes are taken into account in providing food, helping to ensure that children's needs are met. Children are protected from the spread of infection due to the childminder's clear sickness policy, which is shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in organised, welcoming surroundings in which they can feel secure. The large, bright, split level room is organised creatively for the children's benefit. Children's work and photographs are displayed, equipment and activities are easily accessible. This means that children's security and sense of belonging are well developed. Children can access a very good range of toys and equipment that meet the needs of different ages, helping to create a stimulating environment. The childminder has taken measures to minimise risks and hazards within and outside the home. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder establishes clear rules, such as always bolting the gate to the lower floor level after passing through it. This means that children are able to move round safely and independently. Children are protected in case of fire. The childminder has produced a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

fire evacuation plan and practices it with the children, ensuring they understand procedures to be followed. The childminder recognises her responsibility to protect young children from harm and has a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures. This means that children are well protected.

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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 The provision is good. Children appear confident, happy and settled in their surroundings. The childminder and her assistant foster relaxed and warm relationships with the children. They talk happily to children, encouraging them and valuing their contributions. This promotes close relationships and further develops their self esteem. Children are confident to initiate activities and share ideas with the childminder. Children show positive relationships with each other as they play together and happily take cushions to put around a baby who has just learned to sit up. Babies and young children are cuddled and their needs acknowledged and met, helping to foster a sense of security. Children are involved and interested in the activities available. The daily routine provides a good variety of activities to promote all round learning. Children enjoy role

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play, joining in action rhymes, construction toys, drawing, craft and outdoor play. They are interested and involved in the activities provided, helping to develop learning and concentration skills. The childminder and her assistant talk to the children about what they are doing and question them to make them think. As a result children's language, concentration and understanding is developed well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are able to participate in the activities offered which helps to promote their self esteem and sense of belonging. The childminder provides resources such as posters, books and dolls which promote a positive view of the wider community and diversity and so help to develop children's awareness and understanding. This understanding is further developed through craft and food tasting relating to festivals such as Chinese New Year. Children behave very well due to the childminder's positive approach. Children are respected and valued as individuals. They respond positively to regular praise and encouragement from the childminder, promoting their confidence and self esteem. Children are able to suggest what they would like to do next and select their own resources, demonstrating increasing independence and confidence. They are kind and considerate towards each other and offer extra concern and attention towards

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Helping children make a positive contribution

very young children. The childminder works well with parents to meet individual children's needs. A regular sharing of information between the childminder and parents through informal talks also helps to ensure that children's needs are effectively met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised environment which keeps them safe and secure. They are able to access many toys and make choices in their learning due to the childminder's good organisation. This promotes their confidence and independence. The childminder plans activities and the organisation of the day

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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 effectively to meet children's needs and develop their learning. Children are well protected as the childminder ensures that all adults at the premises have been appropriately vetted. The childminder has up to date first aid and food hygiene training, which has a beneficial effect on the quality of care offered. She has not undertaken recent training to further her professional skills, such as 'Birth to 3 matters' training. The childminder has clear written policies which are shared with parents and used effectively to promote children's welfare, care and learning. All records and documentation is in place and meets the required standard, which contributes to continuity of care for children. The childminder and her assistants work well together to meet children's needs. Overall the needs of all children who attend

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was required to: renew clearances for adults in the house and assistants; practice the emergency evacuation procedure on a regular basis; improve the level of information shared with parents about child protection and complaints; obtain parental permission to take photographs of children. The childminder has ensured that all adults living at the house and assistant have appropriate clearances, which helps to ensure that children are well protected. The childminder now practices the emergency evacuation procedure regularly with children, and at different times of day to ensure that all children are familiar with the procedure. This means that children have a greater awareness of how to keep themselves safe in the event of an emergency such as a fire. The childminder has improved the partnership with parents by ensuring that they are appropriately informed about her role with regard to child protection and are given details of the

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Improvements since the last inspection

complaints procedure. She has also ensured that parental permission for the childminder to take photographs of children is obtained. This means that the childminder is working more effectively with parents to meet children's needs.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since April 2004.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • further develop professional skills through access to relevant training such as 'Birth to 3 matters'.

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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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