Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 322254 Inspection date 19 May 2005 Inspector Wendy Brooks

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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 1994. She lives with her partner and her two daughters in Liverpool. She works with her partner who was registered 2000. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. Minded children do not use the upstairs except for the toilet and bathroom. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools, and visits local parks, libraries and places of interest.

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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 registered to care for a maximum of 8 children under 8 years when working with her partner. There are currently 12 children on roll, who attend part time. The family have a pet dog and homing pigeons.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good hygiene by following daily routines such as washing hands after visiting the toilet and wiping hands clean after eating and helping to wipe the table after having snack. An effective sick child policy ensures the children's medical needs are well met and they are cared for appropriately if they are ill. Children benefit from a variety of outdoor activities such as trips to the park where they can run around and use large equipment to encourage physical development. The fully enclosed garden at the rear of the house provides opportunities for children of all ages and abilities to develop their large and fine motor control as they ride bikes, use the slide, dig in the sand and crawl through the tunnel. Children are becoming aware of their own needs such as when to sleep or rest. The childminder is attentive to these needs and provides opportunities for quiet times throughout the

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Helping children to be healthy

day. Children enjoy a healthy diet. They help themselves to drinking water and a range of juices throughout the day. Dietary needs and preferences are met as the childminder provides nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children. Children eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables although they do not always understand why this is necessary to maintain good health.

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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 well maintained environment where risks are identified and minimised allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. Children learn how to keep themselves safe on the premises, for example fire drills are carried out regularly so that children know what to do in the case of an emergency. Children are kept safe from harm through the childminder's understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee guidelines. Children independently select toys and resources from a wide range of good quality equipment which is maintained and monitored by the childminder. Resources are stored within easy reach for all children and they choose which area of the house they want to move to. The large, fully enclosed garden at the rear of the premises provides an attractive, stimulating and safe environment in which children can

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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 develop their confidence and ability in physical skills. Children are provided with a quiet area to rest or sleep and show an understanding of their own needs which are respected by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They enter the house confidently and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other and to the childminder and are relaxed in her care. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of books, toys and activities which appeal to all. Children develop their confidence when selecting what to play with. Activities are planned to suit the development needs of the younger children by using the Birth to Three Matters framework. For example, children enjoy exploring textures and developing senses through the use of treasure baskets including a variety of natural and man made materials. Children listen and respond to stories, rhymes and songs and enjoy sensory experiences such as making marks in sand, paint and paste. Children's activities are planned around a different theme every month. The children enjoy playing musical instruments, listening to music, dancing, and role play

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

linked to the theme of music from around the world. Children spend their time purposefully and explore a wide range of activities, which contribute to their creativity and imagination. Activities are planned to suit children's individual needs and interests. As a result, children are motivated and make many good links in their learning. Children are confident speakers and good listeners. They have access to a range of books which they share with the childminder, listening to stories and asking questions which encourages their communication skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are well met. Children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. An effective behaviour management system using praise and encouragement ensures that children behave very well. Children are supervised well, allowing them the freedom to develop independence but ensuring their safety and well - being at all times. They are aware of their own needs and the needs of other children in the setting. Children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is developed through a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. For example, the children learn about different religious celebrations around the world by listening to stories and music, painting pictures, tasting foods and small world play. Children also learn about their local community by visiting

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Helping children make a positive contribution

shops, local parks and libraries on routine visits.

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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 Effective partnerships with parents enhances the care provided to children. Daily verbal exchanges keep parents informed of their child's day. Parents of babies benefit from written information daily on all aspects of their babies day. Each child has a written record of their progress which is updated on a regular basis and shared with the parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means that they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children's welfare, care and learning are promoted through effective policies and procedures and by ensuring that adult - child ratios are always met. Parents are kept informed of their children's progress and details about the provision. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Planning systems are monitored and adapted to keep children safe and to enable them to make progress in their development. Each child has a day focussed on their individual needs and interests, with activities planned so that all children can participate and benefit from the learning experience. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved children's safety. She now has a recording system of risk assessments carried out on the premises so that children can move safely and freely around the childminder's home. In addition, children are kept healthy because the childminder has obtained information on infectious diseases, and the policy for sick children has been updated.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

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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): • To further develop children's understanding of healthy eating by involvement in preparation and discussion of foods they eat.

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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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