Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY344902 Unique Reference Number 26 April 2007 Inspection date Julie Firth Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children, aged four and two years, in St Helens.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor, which includes the playroom, is used for childminding. The second floor, which includes the lounge and the kitchen/dining area, is also used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for four children under eight years and there are currently three children on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects children from the local primary schools. She attends the local adult and toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They have the opportunity to develop control of their bodies, for example, young children who can sit up unaided are encouraged to reach out for toys, developing coordination, and are encouraged to learn to walk. A good selection of indoor and outdoor play equipment in the childminder's home and garden fosters under threes' and older children's physical development. Children also benefit from regular visits to the park and local groups. They dance with great delight to the musical tapes and they are becoming aware of their own needs, such as time for a rest or drink.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are consistently learning the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after messy play and using the toilet reduces the risk of cross-contamination. The childminder constantly talks about why they should wash hands. Children have their own toothbrushes and are encouraged to clean their teeth after meals. Stringent nappy routines are carried out as part of the daily routine, which further safeguards children's health. There is an effective sick child policy, which excludes children who are ill from the setting, preventing infections being spread.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's growth and development is promoted by the provision of healthy meals and snacks. A wide selection of fruits and vegetables is offered to the children with their meals. She works with parents and respects their wishes when planning children's menus. She records children's food intake in diaries sent home each day to their parents. Children have access to drinking water or juice, which is accessible in their own beakers at all times.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a safe and secure environment for children to play in comfort, enabling them to move freely from room to room. The playroom is bright and welcoming for children. She has given thought to making areas used by children safe, with effective risk assessments and detailed procedures in place. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussions with the childminder about road safety on the way to groups, school and the park. The childminder invited the fire service to the premises and children enjoyed speaking to the fire officer about how to keep themselves safe in the event of an emergency evacuation. The appliances and equipment were thoroughly checked, which gave the childminder reassurance in how to keep children safe.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's independence skills are well fostered as they access a varied range of good quality materials and equipment which meet safety standards. Resources are stored in low-level crates and shelves in the play room. The childminder carefully monitors children's choice of toys and activities to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their ages and stages of development. Care is taken to ensure babies do not have access to toys which may cause them any harm, and older children learn to keep small items out of reach.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has clear and consistent procedures in place. She has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures that are in line

p.3

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 with the Local Safeguarding Children Board's. She has booked on a course to keep up to date with the new legislation.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy the company of the childminder, who has developed warm, caring relationships with them. She offers appropriate physical contact by means of cuddles and hugs, maintains eye-contact and smiles; as a result the children are happy, secure, content and relaxed in her home and care. Children relate well to the childminder's own children and socialise with other children through regular attendance at the local groups. Children are engaged in a range of appropriate activities which they clearly enjoy, such as art and crafts, painting, books, counting games, construction toys and board games. Babies enjoy playing in flour and water, jelly and shaving foam to enhance their sensory development. Sensory and sound action toys are readily available for exploratory play. Young children plant seeds and grow tadpoles to learn about the environment, and recognise their own name as they hang their coat on their own name

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

peg. Children's imaginative skills are enhanced as they access a wealth of dressing up clothes from the rail in the playroom and during role play in the home corner. They are developing good language and communication skills through a variety of informal and planned activities, such as when the childminder reads to the children and during meal times. She regularly counts with the children and promotes sounds of letters, which develops their language and communication skills.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Routines and progress of young babies are discussed and reviewed frequently with parents to ensure good quality care. She is aware that the children have been in her care for a short time and works extremely hard to get to know the children. The childminder confidently follows the 'Birth to three matters' framework and has a good knowledge of the aspects of the curriculum. She has written observations and assessments in place to monitor children's progress. However, planning is not fully developed to link with the children's next steps of learning.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Young children show an interest in the routine activities of the day. The childminder talks to them about what she is doing as she prepares their activities. She sets herself as a positive role model and treats all children with individual care and respect. A good settling-in policy enables children to become familiar with their surroundings. Children have access to a good range of resources which reflect equality of opportunity, and she has thought of festivals to celebrate with the children in the future. This allows children to have an awareness of the diverse society in which they live.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show care and concern for each other and they behave well, with the childminder adopting consistent procedures to manage their behaviour. Their self-esteem and confidence are fostered as she praises children's efforts and achievements and makes space around the room to display their work.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive, close relationships that have developed between the childminder and their parents. The childminder seeks a wealth of information from parents to ensure that she is in a position to offer the best possible care. Effective systems and detailed written policies are in place to keep parents informed about the provision and their children's care. The childminder works with them to meet the children's individual needs, and they receive

p.4

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 written information regarding their child's day. They are welcome to view their child's assessment record at any time and they are aware of the new complaints procedure.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is committed to improving the quality of care she provides to children and to support her professional development she attends regular training. She has recently undertaken food hygiene and first aid training.

p.5

Organisation

Children are encouraged to explore opportunities available in clearly defined areas in the childminder's home. She spends time with all her children to help them feel safe and secure and support them in their play. A notice board in the playroom displays information for parents and her certificate is clearly displayed. She works closely with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. There is a clear timetable in place to facilitate taking and collecting children from the local school. A comprehensive range of written policies and procedures are in place which contributes to the safety and well-being of children cared for.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 planning of activities to enhance children's development.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5