Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346140 Unique Reference Number 17 July 2007 Inspection date Jane Pamela Berry 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 two children in the Crosby area of Liverpool. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered for six children, when working alone and this increases when working with an assistant or co-childminder. There are currently 10 children, under the age of eight on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and to visit local places of interest.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from the premises being kept meticulously clean and exceptionally well maintained. For example, the kitchen area is scrupulously cleaned daily and all surfaces are wiped with antibacterial cleanser to ensure that it is hygienic. The older children are able tell you about good hygiene and how to minimise germs. They are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after going to the toilet. If the younger children forget, adults remind them sensitively. Children who are sick and present a risk of infection are excluded. The childminder

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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 ensures that nobody smokes in the presence of children, to ensure that their health is fully protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder helps children to learn about health, by talking to them about healthy options. For example, children who are fussy eaters are given lots of encouragement to try new tastes and textures. Children's likes and dislikes are taken into account when serving meals to add to their interest and to promote their good health. They enjoy fish pie, meat and mixed vegetables, and plenty of fresh organic fruit. The childminder and her assistant successfully encourage the children to eat different fruits and a wide range of vegetables to supplement their dietary intake. They follow the ‘five a day’ healthy eating programme. In addition, the childminder offers sample menus and gives parents very detailed information about what the children have eaten on a daily basis. This is really helpful, particularly where children are poor eaters.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children remain very well hydrated as they are offered fresh organic fruit juice or water with no added sugar at regular intervals. The childminder ensures the younger children have easy access to their feeder cups to drink from them when they are thirsty. The children from an early age competently make their needs known and are responded to immediately by the adults.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children relax and play in the childminder's home, which is warm and welcoming with bright posters and pictures adorning the walls of the playroom. There is plenty of natural light and good ventilation. The children’s individual needs for rest and sleep are followed and parents are consulted regarding their preferences. The childminder is adept at recognising when children are tired and need to rest, offering opportunities to relax in comfort in the quiet room. The children benefit from low level furniture in the playroom suited to their different ages and stages of development. They are all encouraged to sit down together at the dining room table for meals. This ensures that they learn to socialise and that the adults act as effective role-models for them. The childminder is aware of toy libraries and uses them to provide additional interest and challenges for the more able children. Children have easy access to a fantastic range of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

toys and equipment, and have ample space to manoeuvre their toys indoors. Children learn about keeping themselves safe outdoors. For example, they discuss crossing the road safely whilst out and about, and read quality books to help them gain a fuller understanding of risks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder supervises children extremely well to minimise risks. Children's access to chemicals is restricted as they are located well out of reach. Medication is stored in a locked cupboard to keep children safe. The childminder is able to meet the needs of children in an emergency situation, as she has attended and acquired a qualification in paediatric first aid training. Furthermore, the first aid box is frequently checked and replenished.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder and the children have early warnings of fire through smoke detectors being installed on all floors. A couple of minor hazards were identified, such as a low level cable in the outdoor area, although, the childminder acted promptly by fixing this to the wall. Also, the external gate required attention and a more secure lock has been fitted to the side gate. The childminder has acquired a fire blanket, which is placed for easy access. The childminder has a clear plan of action for fire evacuation, which is practised frequently, to ensure children know what to do should a fire break out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected through the childminder's comprehensive understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Boards procedures. She is able to recognise signs and symptoms

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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 of abuse and has a copy of the flow chart relating to the booklet 'What to do if you think a child is being abused'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy many excellent opportunities to go out in the community. They go for walks daily as they accompany children to and from the local school. If the weather is good they go to local places of interest, such as the library or the park. They gain satisfaction and real enjoyment from feeding the ducks and using their large muscles climbing, energetically on the large equipment in the park. This actively promotes their physical development and agility.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder encourages children to choose from an extensive range of toys and play equipment. They learn about early science and explore different tastes and textures, for example, children ask enthusiastically if they can make cakes or home made bread. The children make animals out of bread dough, such as hedgehogs. This develops their physical skills, offers an opportunity to promote their natural creativity and enhances their knowledge of the wider world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder extends the children's play by introducing different concepts, such as colours, numbers and rhymes. Children re-enact different roles during pretend play. They sing their favourite songs spontaneously. Creative materials, such as feathers, paints and coloured paper are used to support children's expression and sensory development. The childminder puts her knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework training into practice and her knowledge of the individual children is extensive. She talks to babies, making sounds and gestures to them, whilst undertaking simple care routines, like nappy changing. This extends children's vocabulary and a positive sense of self-worth. This is further promoted by encouraging them to look in the mirror to see their reflection. The babies respond with delight, cooing and babbling with occasional squeals of laughter. They particularly enjoy playing hide and seek, and initiate the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

game themselves by crawling into the den. The babies are learning to be aware of others, as they look at and pat one another affectionately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a good selection of role-play and dressing up costumes. They use these resources imaginatively. Subsequently, children learn through rich play experiences and stimulating activities, which promote sharing, taking turns and cooperation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about different lifestyles, through positive attitudes being well fostered regarding inclusion. The childminder has appropriate knowledge and an excellent awareness of the importance of treating children with equal concern. The individual needs of children are fully discussed with parents and appropriate records are suitably maintained to enable her to meet the children’s varied needs. Children have good access to positive images of race, gender and disability. The childminder supplements her resources by loaning equipment from the toy library. Posters show images of disabled people and help to reinforce the rules, such as sharing and cooperating with others. Children integrate with other people in the community, which assists them to learn about different lifestyles and to develop respect for other people.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are made welcome, and sensitive introductions are planned to support the children's emotional welfare. Parents benefit from being very well informed of the policies. These are

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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 available in a file for parents' information. The childminder reviews children's placement plans with parents frequently to ensure effective communication. She keeps records on children's interests to share their activities and ongoing development with parents, carers and other professionals as appropriate. However, as the provision is relatively new these records are still in their infancy. There are accounts of the feedback obtained from children's parents in the operational plan. This shows how parents value and appreciate the quality of care that their family receives. They speak very highly of the adult carers at the childminder's home. Parents report that their children are happy and love attending the provision. The children have all made close relationships with the adults and the other children who attend.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is very experienced caring for children with disabilities; she recognises that all children are individual and have different levels of need. These are discussed with parents at the outset and occasionally one to one care is provided. The childminder knows and understands the role of other agencies with regards to supporting the child and the family.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive language and occasional rewards are used effectively to promote good behaviour. Children behave well and the childminder uses very effective strategies to teach them to play harmoniously. For example, with children who have limited vocabulary she explains the boundaries and consistently applies them, so that they fully understand the expectations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware of her responsibilities in respect of complaints received from parents in writing and the need to provide a timely and professional response. She has a system in place to log any entries to be appropriately shared with parents, as required. Although, none have been received to date.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The children are appropriately and diligently safeguarded, through contact with any visitors being well supervised. The childminder is aware of the importance of informing Ofsted of any changes or significant events. Children are exceptionally well cared for and benefit from the childminder having updated her knowledge, through extensive training, and from the high adult-child ratios, which afford children personal attention.

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Organisation

All the required forms and records are securely in place to provide extremely high quality care. Children's care is significantly enhanced through meticulous planning, contracts and children's details all being readily available, including their personal routines. The childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of the National Standards and is committed to high quality care being afforded to all of the children in her care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of 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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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): • continue to develop the outdoor area to include safety aspects and for children's enjoyment.

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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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