Childminder in Halton

Inspection report for early years provision

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303357 Unique Reference Number 14 August 2007 Inspection date Janice Linsdell 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 1998. She lives with her husband and adult son in the Norton area of Runcorn, Cheshire. All areas of the property are used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder's husband works as an assistant on occasions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and she is currently minding eight children, four of whom are over eight years. Children attend on a part time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from school and attends local toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy good health because the childminder follows effective practices to ensure they are cared for in a clean, tidy and healthy environment. There are clear procedures in place to minimise risks of cross infection and protect children from illness. Nappy changing procedures

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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 are hygienic and tables are cleaned with antibacterial spray after messy play activities. Children learn about good hygiene standards and know why they need to wash their hands at appropriate times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating because the childminder offers a variety of healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit and rice cakes. They have choices about what they would like to eat for their lunch and have regular drinks of juice or water throughout the day. The childminder promotes healthy living and encourages children to be active. Children have regular access to the garden where they can play with a variety of outdoor equipment, such as a slide, wheeled toys and a small trampoline. They enjoy visits to local parks and toddler groups, which benefit their physical health and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is safe, secure and welcoming for children. She is vigilant about children's safety and takes positive steps to keep them safe. For example, emergency arrangements are discussed and agreed in writing with parents. Sleeping children are checked at frequent intervals, and the childminder explains why toys with small parts must be kept away from younger children. This helps to keep children safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have easy access to a variety of resources and play materials which are good quality, safe and well maintained. They learn how to keep themselves safe on the premises and outside, because the childminder provides close supervision and makes sure children are aware of hazards and dangers. For example, children understand certain safety rules, such as why they cannot run around in the house. They know they have to 'look with your eyes and listen with your ears' on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and her role in keeping children safe from harm. She has attended training in this area and has access to relevant information and procedures. This helps to ensure children's safety and protection from abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop secure and trusting relationships with the childminder because she is very caring, supportive and attentive to children's needs. She shows much interest in what the children say and do and they enjoy their time with her. This means their care, learning and enjoyment are very well promoted. Children's sense of belonging is further promoted, for example, as they all have their own fish which they enjoy feeding each day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make choices in their play and enjoy activities such as colouring, art work and play dough. They concentrate well as they create their own designs using the sand art, and enjoy building their own models using construction materials. Babies show interest in their surroundings and enjoy exploring items in the treasure basket. Children attend various toddler and childminding groups, where they can play and socialise with other children. They enjoy choosing books from the mobile library and make lots of things to take home. The childminder promotes learning with younger children and helps them to recognise shapes, colours and letters.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows all the children well and makes sure their individual needs are addressed. She is a good role model and encourages children to value and respect others. Children are clear about expectations of behaviour because the childminder sets clear boundaries and guidelines, so they learn the difference between right and wrong. Children enjoy offering their assistance, for example, as they volunteer to fetch nappy changing items or help to tidy up. Their efforts are acknowledged and appreciated, which helps them to feel good about themselves and develop confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the effective and supportive relationships the childminder establishes with parents. She shares information regularly about the children, such as through daily chats and via the children's diaries. Parents also receive detailed information about various policies and procedures. Several very positive letters and cards from parents confirm a high level of satisfaction with the standard of care that children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is experienced in caring for children. She has been minding for several years and has supported other childminders in her previous role as a 'mentor'. She shows a commitment to the children in her care and keeps up to date with training and developments in childcare. Courses she has attended include first aid, child protection, promoting positive behaviour and 'Birth to three matters'. As a result, children are happy, comfortable and well supported in a safe and secure environment.

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Organisation

Detailed policies and procedures are available and shared with parents, which helps to keep them fully informed of all childcare arrangements. Most documentation to promote children's care and safety is available and well organised. However, some accident records lack sufficient detail and the registration certificate is not displayed as required. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, one issue was raised as an area for improvement which related to recording existing injuries and significant events. This has been appropriately addressed as the childminder keeps a note of any important incidents in her diary. She also has a separate book to record any existing injuries which the children may have. This promotes their safety and welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns relating to National Standard 6 (Safety). An investigation was carried out and an action was raised, which the provider appropriately addressed. Ofsted is satisfied that the provider remains qualified for registration.

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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): • improve the recording of children's accidents to include full details of the accident and any injuries sustained, and make sure the record is consistently signed by parents • make sure the certificate of registration is displayed as required.

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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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