Childminder in Sefton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 310665 Inspection date 23 June 2005 Inspector Michele Anne Villiers

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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 satisfactory. 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 1997. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 15, 13, and 11, in a residential area and within walking distance of the local shops, schools, parks, and bus routes. The whole of the ground floor, with the exception of the front lounge, is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for the children to play in. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and has contact with a development worker from the Early Years Development Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). She is registered to care for a maximum of three children at

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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 any one time and is currently minding four children under the age of five years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She also cares for one child over eight years of age.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about simple hygiene practices and wash their hands after using the toilet and access tissues for wiping their nose. The home is maintained to a satisfactory standard and the children's welfare is taken into account if they are sick. Appropriate documentation is in place for the recording of medication and accidents. Children particularly enjoy physical activity in order to keep themselves healthy. They develop good control and balance as they play on wheeled toys and use their large motor skills on the slide. They enjoy activities such as golf, fostering good co-ordination skills, plus walks to the local park and trips to 'Time Out'. During physical activities, children learn about their bodies and needing a drink to replenish fluid. Children respond well to routine, eating together, and they rest and sleep when they need to. Children's growth and development is promoted with the provision of sufficient food

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Helping children to be healthy

to meet their needs. However, children are unable to make healthy choices with only a limited range of fresh vegetables and nutritional snacks being offered regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children confidently and freely move around the designated play areas, having access to the kitchen, rear room and garden. Boundaries and limits are set, helping children learn about safety, with gentle reminders such as not jumping over the low wall outside and not touching the toaster when helping to make snack. During outings children learn about road safety and the importance of holding hands and staying near the childminder when walking near roads. Children access toys and resources that are suitable and safe. These are displayed at a low level, creating a welcoming environment for children. All necessary safety requirements, and most documentation, are in place to protect children. The childminder has some awareness of child protection issues but little knowledge of what to do if she suspects a child is being abused, in accordance with the Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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 Children enjoy a range of activities which support their language, mathematical thinking and imagination. They listen with interest to stories, ask questions and discuss the pictures. During a game of golf children choose a coloured club and count the golf balls. Their imagination is fostered well during role play activities and art and craft. Children play with puzzles and construction, and outside they enthusiastically run around and access a range of wheeled toys and a large slide. Children learn to socialise with each other and are confident in their relationship with the childminder, initiating conversation and interaction. Children have opportunities to mix with other children when they visit a parent and toddler group and during outings to Time Out. Children become more independent as they freely explore their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

environment and choose their toys. Older children are encouraged to toilet themselves and help tidy away. Babies and toddlers feel secure and happy as they receive lots of attention, with regular cuddles and contact. They learn to develop communication skills, as the childminder talks to them and reads stories, and all children are included in activities, with good support to promote their all-round development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected as individuals and information is gathered about each child's needs through regular discussion with parents. All children have access to all activities, without discrimination, and children learn about different cultures through festivals such as Chinese New Year. However, children have access to insufficient resources to fully develop an awareness of the wider world, with few toys reflecting positive images of race, culture, gender and disability. Children learn to share and take turns and demonstrate sensitivity towards others. Older children help younger ones during play, and remove toys that may be hazardous to babies. Children are well behaved and the childminder reinforces good behaviour through constant praise and encouragement, fostering the children's self-esteem. Children gain confidence through the close relationship with the childminder and the support provided. Children are comfortable in expressing their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs; a child asks for a drink after playing outside. Children benefit from the friendly relationship the childminder develops with parents. Information is exchanged at the end of the day and parents are welcome into the home when dropping children off and collecting them.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and at ease in the friendly, family environment. The play space is appropriately organised for children to access a range of interesting toys and resources. There is a small area for children to display some of their artwork,

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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 providing them with a sense of belonging. Children are protected as the childminder is aware of her responsibilities. All adults in contact with children are vetted and the necessary regulatory documentation is maintained. Most policies and procedures are in place, with the exception of child protection, which the childminder is not so familiar with. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder should improve fire safety precautions, obtain parental consent for emergency medical advice, up-date the complaint procedure and improve resources reflecting disability. The childminder now has a smoke alarm fitted on the first floor and has revised the emergency evacuation procedure, which is practised with the children. Parental consent is now in place for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment. The written complaints procedure is displayed for parents to access. The childminder has some displayed images of disability, but there are still insufficient resources to help children learn about diversity and the wider world in which they live.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • provide nutritional choices of food to help encourage children to develop healthy eating habits • become more aware of child protection issues and obtain the Government booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused' • continue to increase resources that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability.

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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 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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