Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY319618 Unique Reference Number 26 February 2008 Inspection date Elaine Murray 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 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged five, three and one in Upton, Wirral. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a pet cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where good hygienic practices prevent the spread of infection. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene due to the childminder's effective guidance and support. Children are reminded to wash hands before eating. The childminder follows hygienic procedures with regard to nappy changing and regularly cleans

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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 work surfaces, toys and equipment. These measures protect children's health. The childminder takes effective measures to ensure that children's health is protected with regard to pets. The pet cat is well cared for and children wash their hands after any contact. The childminder’s clear sickness policy and a list of communicable illnesses is shared with parents and helps to protect children from the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from fresh air and exercise as the childminder walks to local schools and toddler groups. They have access to a broad range of equipment in the back garden to develop physical skills. The childminder has a good understanding of the milestones for babies physical development. She effectively encourages babies to sit or to move for toys.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides balanced and nutritious meals which promote children's good health. She provides a carefully planned menu, which aims to ensure that children have the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Children enjoy healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit. Fresh drinking water is always available to children, helping to promote their 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 welcoming setting. The main room is bright and many toys are accessible to children in tubs or on low shelves. There are photographs of the children on display, helping to foster children's sense of security and belonging. Children are able to access a broad range of good quality toys which are appropriate to their stage of development. Space is well organised to allow a quiet room for sleep and separate areas to eat and be involved in activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of safety issues and takes effective measures to minimise the risks to children. The premises are secure and hazardous substances are kept out of children's reach. The childminder has taken advice from the fire safety officer to ensure that all the necessary fire safety measures are in place. The childminder has a clear written fire evacuation procedure which is practised with the children, developing their knowledge of how to protect themselves from harm. A pictorial guide to the evacuation procedure is displayed on the playroom door, and this is discussed with children to develop their understanding. Childrens' safety is further protected as the childminder has clear written policies regarding safety, such as an accident and emergency policy, and written procedures to follow in the event of a child being lost or uncollected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and is familiar with the procedures to be followed. She has undertaken training in this area to develop her knowledge and understanding. The childminder's written child protection policy is shared with parents. These measures help to ensure that children are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder establishes very positive relationships with children. She gives ample praise and encouragement and meets babies' and young children's need for comfort and reassurance. As a result, children are happy and settled in her care. The childminder is attending training regarding the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She makes good use of the knowledge gained to promote children's enjoyment and learning. She takes care to provide well planned experiences

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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 for the children which are appropriate to their stage of development. Children show interest and enjoyment as they explore a treasure basket of items made from different materials. They show excitement as they pop the air bubbles in a plastic sheet by jumping on them. The childminder develops children's language skills by introducing words to describe the different materials. She responds warmly to babies verbal communications, developing their early language skills and promoting their self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder makes effective use of routines, such as nappy changing, to give individual attention and encourage children to feel valued. Babies and young children are talked to and enjoy tickling and singing games. Children explore paint as they take part in making footprints. Children are involved in regular outings, for example, to the library and local farm to broaden their experiences. The childminder has begun to make observations of children's learning which she intends to use to inform children's next steps.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and included due to the childminder's positive approach. All children are able to participate in the activities offered which helps to promote their self-esteem and sense of belonging. Children are encouraged to show care and consideration for others. Children show affection for younger babies and are encouraged to help to gather the resources for nappy changing. The childminder provides a broad range of books, jigsaws and other resources which help to increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children behave well as the childminder gives them plenty of praise and support for their efforts and achievements. Her written policy includes house rules which are shared with parents and children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has established a positive partnership with parents, which benefits children. The childminder’s written policies and procedures are shared with parents before placement begins, so that parents have clear information about her service. Information about children's routines and preferences is requested before placement begins. This information is used effectively to meet children's needs. The childminder has established a good level of communication with parents regarding children's activities and development. Parents receive a daily sheet informing them of their children's experiences, and share information through informal talks. This helps to ensure that children's needs are well met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised environment. The childminder has completed the required childminding and first aid courses. She shows commitment to further improving the quality of her service by undertaking training in the 'Birth to three matters' framework and child protection. This has a positive effect on the quality of care offered. The childminder plans activities and the organisation of the day effectively to meet children's needs and develop their learning. Children benefit from a good level of support and individual attention as the childminder keeps within the required ratios by limiting the numbers of children she cares for.

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Organisation

The childminder uses records effectively to support the care of children and comply with regulations. The childminder has written aims, policies and procedures which work well in practice, to promote children's welfare, care and learning.

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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 Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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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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): • further develop the system for planning and observing children's learning, in line with the aspects and approach described in the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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