Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY347778 Unique Reference Number 17 October 2007 Inspection date Elizabeth Margaret Grocott 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 and works with another childminder in Wavertree in the city of Liverpool. The co childminder lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 13 years. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders home is used for childminding. On the first floor the bathroom is used. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under eight years. When she works with another childminder a maximum of six children may be cared for between them. She walks to local schools to take and collect children and also attends parent and toddler sessions. The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association. The family have a cat.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because they are cared for in a clean and welcoming environment where they are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through daily routines. The childminder is a good role model and maintains an acceptable standard of hygiene to prevent the spread of infection, for example, she disposes of soiled nappies hygienically in the outdoor rubbish

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 bin. Children are further protected from cross infection as the childminder has a written sickness procedure in place which informs parents that they should keep their child at home if they are unwell or infectious. Children’s health needs are clearly recorded and discussed with parents. The childminder has up to date knowledge of first aid training to respond to accidents and to administer appropriate treatment to children. The family pet's are well looked after so that they present no risk to children's health.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy their meal times when they join together in eating their snacks and lunch. They enjoy yoghurt and raisins as part of their lunch. They are provided with meals that promote a well balanced diet and include a range of fresh fruit and vegetables. Children have access to water whenever they want to quench their thirst. They learn to enjoy physical exercise as they make regular use of the garden for outdoor play and have visits to the local park. They also develop a healthy lifestyle as they walk to school, to groups and take part in regular outings.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are settled and relaxed as the childminder's friendly nature creates a warm and welcoming environment. The walls are adorned with examples of children's art work and photographs giving them a sense of being valued. The wide range of play equipment and furniture is in good safe condition and children independently select their own activities from easily accessible storage. The childminder has some procedures and documents in place in relation to promoting children's welfare and safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in an environment where safety is a high priority. This means they can move around freely, independently and safely. The childminder teaches children to keep themselves safe, for example, by practising the fire evacuation procedure regularly. Children are always supervised and remain within the childminder’s sight at all times. The under two's are exceptionally well supervised and respond positively to the childminder warning them of dangers. For example, the childminder takes a small car from a one-year-old child and swaps it for a larger more robust model. Risks are managed to ensure children are kept safe. For example, chemicals are inaccessible and safety equipment, such as stair gates, cupboard locks and socket covers are installed.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected and their welfare safeguarded because the childminder is familiar with local safeguarding procedures and understands her responsibilities with regard to recording and reporting concerns of possible abuse or neglect. The childminder has the "What to do if you suspect abuse" book and demonstrates an understanding of this, for example, she is able to identify different aspects of abuse and understands her role with regard to recording and reporting any concerns.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder establishes positive relationships with children. Strong bonds are demonstrated between childminder and children as they cuddle up to look at a book together. Children show an interest in books and stories shared with them by the childminder. She signs the story to the children and they in turn copy and learn the signs. Children enjoy a variety of activities using a wide range of stimulating resources, which support and challenge their development. For example, they enjoy matching their homemade fish and playing animal snap. They enjoy teddy bears picnics and trips out to the local petting zoo.

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 The childminder has recently undertaken 'Birth to three matters' framework training and demonstrates a good understanding of the individual ages, stages and developmental needs of the children she cares for. The childminder understands children's interests well and their differing personalities. She uses this to plan a range of activities for them and is flexible in her approach. Although the children normally have access to sensory play out of doors, this area was unavailable at the time.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well catered for as the childminder takes time to communicate with parents, finding out about their wishes and children's preferences. Children are encouraged to be kind to one another and to recognise when others are out of sorts. For example, when one child finds it difficult to share a toy, another is encouraged to make allowances as they are having a difficult day. Children's awareness of their local community is raised by regular outings to local shops and parks. They are encouraged to think of others as they all help in making a rug to give as a gift. There are a range of resources which children use to talk about people's similarities and differences and the childminder encourages children to take an interest in the world around them to value diversity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is profoundly deaf and encourages all children in her care to sign as well as talk. Babies in her care use sign as a means of communication, meaning they are less frustrated in having their wants and needs understood. Children who use sign are very well supported by the childminder as it is her first language. Children, whose first language is English, benefit from having signing as an additional language.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is good. They are encouraged to share and to say sorry if they upset each other. They respond well to the childminder, who is extremely calm and patient in her approach to the children. Suitable methods are used to share information with parents about how the service operates. Children take home things that they have made and the childminder takes photographs to show parents what the children have been doing. They exchange information informally on a daily basis and a daily diary is written.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's positive approach to her professional development. She continues to attend a range of training courses and has a positive attitude to developing her knowledge and skills. For example, she has attended the introduction to childminding practice course; the 'Birth to three matters' framework training and first aid. Children are very happy and settled in this well-organised and welcoming home because the childminder has a high regard for their well-being.

p.4

Organisation

Parents receive regular, informative updates about their children's progress and the childminder's enthusiasm helps to support children's progress and development. All documentation is maintained to a high standard, and firmly underpins the running of the service. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements 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

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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): • continue to develop children's chances to learn through sensory play, in line with the aspects and approach described in the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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