Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY346305 Unique Reference Number 06 July 2007 Inspection date June Cotton 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 2007. She lives in the Wavertree district of Liverpool with her son aged four. The whole of the premises is used for childminding with the exception of the main bedroom. There is a fully enclosed area for outdoor activities.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to look after a maximum of five children aged under eight and to provide overnight care for one child. She presently cares for two babies under 12 months, both are cared for on a part-time basis. Children are escorted daily to and from school and nursery. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and well maintained home. Health needs are protected in good daily hygiene routines where surfaces are regularly cleaned to reduce the risk of cross contamination and infections. Children's medical and dietary needs are recorded and good procedures are in place for administering medication. However, some parents have not signed

p.2

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 their permission for emergency medical treatment. Accidents are effectively dealt with and accurately recorded to share with parents.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Regular walks to the local parks provide opportunities for fresh air. Babies make good progress in their physical development when they learn to sit up with appropriate supportive equipment, such as play rings and sit in apparatus. They gain confidence and learn to use their bodies in different ways as they have space to crawl and equipment to pull themselves up on as they learn to walk. Children are encouraged to drink on a regular basis to keep themselves refreshed. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and provides snacks, such as mashed melon and grapes for the babies. Parents presently provide their own baby foods. Babies are held when they have their drinks making eye contact with the childminder, thus making them feel comfortable.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well-organised, child-friendly, safe and secure environment. The childminder's regular risk assessments of her own home are effective in identifying and minimising potential hazards. She will have appropriate safety equipment in place, such as safety gates when the babies are able to move independently allowing them freedom of movement. Resources and toys are easily accessible, so once children are mobile, they will be able to safely select their own activities. However, present sleeping equipment is not adequate. Toys and play equipment are well maintained and meet safety standards.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder maintains close supervision of children at all times and has implemented effective procedures to safeguard children on outings. These include providing appropriate safety seats in the car and reins on the pram. The childminder has appropriate fire safety equipment in place, such as safety catches and a fire blanket in the kitchen. Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's secure knowledge of child protection procedures which has been developed through training and reading current legislation.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children share a warm relationship with the childminder as she chats to them and responds warmly to their individual needs. Children share comfortable relationships with the childminder which increases their sense of belonging and well-being. They receive frequent cuddles and hugs, for example, when being fed and sung to. The childminder makes frequent eye contact with the children, such as when she sings action rhymes and the babies respond by smiling and waving their arms. The childminder's settling-in procedure for new children, through frequent visits, helps them feel more familiar and comfortable in their care setting.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder fully involves herself in children's play and activities getting down to their physical level to play with them. She knows individual children well so is able to provide a suitable range of experiences to meet their needs, for example, babies have opportunities to kick and stretch out in preparation for moving independently. Babies are also assisted in learning to sit up as they sit in the baby ring. Children experience the wider community as they go to toddler group, sensory rooms, go for walks and visit local parks. Children's language is encouraged and enriched by the childminder as she listens and responds to the sounds they make and reacts to them positively making eye contact with them, chatting to them constantly.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for consistently and according to their usual routines as the childminder fosters positive relationships with parents and regularly exchanges information with them. Due to this, they feel secure and are gaining confidence. Parents receive comprehensive written and verbal information, keeping them well informed about the childminder's service and practices. The childminder feeds back to the parents when they collect their children as well as sending them regular photographs to their phones during the day of what their children are doing. This is reassuring to parents who state how happy they are with the care their children are receiving.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their specific needs are identified and accounted for by working with parents. The childminder has an understanding of children with learning difficulties as she has attended specific training. The childminder's policy regarding equal opportunities is positive and shared with parents. However, the children have few opportunities to learn about the wider world to enable them to understand the differences in people and cultures. This is due to there being no books, toys and visual images reflecting all areas of diversity. The childminder is consistent in her approach to managing children's behaviour with an emphasis on positive strategies. She speaks positively to children using praise which contributes to their self-esteem. Children know they are valued as the childminder gives them full attention and immediately responds to their needs, helping them feel secure.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from good levels of support and supervision, which enables them to feel safe and secure in the setting. The playroom in the childminder's home is well laid out to incorporate free play and relaxation. Children have good support in the way in which resources and activities are used for their social, emotional, physical and creative development, giving them great enjoyment.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has developed her awareness of childcare issues through attending some professional courses, such as first aid, an NVQ in 'Childcare and education' and child protection. The childminder uses this knowledge well to provide good quality care. However, she has not yet developed an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Documentation is well-organised and held securely, ensuring confidentiality for children and parents. All required documentation is in place and is shared with parents. Children benefit from information being shared on a daily basis between the childminder and parents, ensuring their individual needs are met. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

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.4

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.4

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

p.4

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): • ensure that parental permission is obtained for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment • provide resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability • further develop knowledge and understanding of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework. • ensure that sleeping equipment for babies is suitable for their stage of 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