Childminder in Sefton

Inspection report for early years provision

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310677 Unique Reference Number 20 February 2008 Inspection date Elizabeth Margaret Grocott 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 satisfactory. 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 1994. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 20 in Kew, Southport. The ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. On the first floor the bathroom is used. To the rear of the property is a small garden with a pond.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding nine children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an organised and clean environment. They benefit from the good level of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the home, which effectively contributes to limiting the risk of cross infection. The childminder provides a first aid box and a current first aid certificate

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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 prompt and effective action is taken on any accidents that occur. Satisfactory systems are in place to record accidents and medication given to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children bring their own food, which is refrigerated to keep it fresh. They have access to drinking water throughout the day, helping them to form good habits for the future. Children's individual dietary needs are known, promoting children's health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy playing outside in the fresh air where they access a range of resources to promote their physical skills. For example, they have fun playing on the sit and ride toys, in the ball pool, and joining in races with the childminder. At the park, children can go on the slide, the swings and balance on the monkey bars. All this combines to promote healthy exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe in a welcoming and friendly environment where they have sufficient space to move around freely. Rooms are maintained at an adequate temperature with plenty of natural light. They mainly play in the conservatory where they can access toys stored at their level. The toys are well maintained and suitable for the ages of children minded. For example, they play with dolls, which they can feed and change.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Hazards are generally reduced because the childminder has a satisfactory awareness of safety issues. Discussion with the childminder demonstrates that she clearly understands how she can promote children's learning in keeping themselves safe. For example, the children are encouraged to practise evacuating the house in case an emergency ever arises. The childminder has devised a plan to accommodate children safely with another childminder, in case an emergency arises. However, the pond in the rear garden is not safe as children can easily climb the fencing surrounding it. This puts children at serious risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop good relationships with the childminder as they invite her to take part in their play. For example, children in role-play make hamburgers with lettuce and cheese in a bun. They ask the childminder what the little things are on top of the bun. The childminder informs them that these are sesame seeds. Children enjoy craft with the childminder, painting, drawing and making cards. They ask how to use a camera and the childminder explains which button to press. They are offered praise and acknowledgment for their efforts and achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is responsive to the children's individual needs. They develop their self-esteem, confidence and become independent through her sensitive approach. Children are provided with learning opportunities, such as imaginative play, using small world toys and dolls, creative activities and trips to the shops. The childminder does not plan activities but allows the children to decide what they want to do. Children are confident to explore and investigate but the childminder does not plan how to help them progress. She has not undertaken any training in early years practice in recent years and does not have regard for the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enhance children's learning. This means that children's play and learning is not maximised.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected by the childminder who ensures that she has a good understanding of their individual needs. Children are taught to be kind to each other and to share toys, helping them to start thinking about and respecting others. The childminder talks to the children about disability issues. This helps them to understand that people have differing needs and abilities. However, children's learning of diversity in society is limited as the childminder only provides minimal play equipment showing positive images. They learn about the local community as they walk in the environment and make visits to the park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective house rules teach the children how to behave well. For example, they tidy up toys after they finish playing with them. The appropriate use of strategies such as 'time out’ encourages children to reflect on negative behaviour. This helps them to understand that their actions have consequences and teaches them right from wrong. Children behave well as the childminder has high expectations of them. However, there is no system to record incidents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are very pleased with the service they receive and talk about the childminder being warm and friendly and having a firm but pleasant manner. A selection of policies and procedures keep parents informed about the childminding service. Although the childminder has the necessary documentation regarding complaints, she is not fully aware of the procedures involved.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a family environment where they feel secure and confident. All adults are checked for their suitability to be around children. The registration certificate is not prominently displayed, but held inside an information folder. This means parents cannot easily scrutinise it should they wish to.

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Organisation

Basic training requirements, such as first aid, have been completed to safeguard children. However, the childminder has not developed a full understanding or undertaken training courses on developments in early years practice, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework. This has a negative impact on young children's learning. The childminder keeps records accurately and maintains confidentiality in the storage of these. She uses policies and procedures adequately to promote the welfare, care and learning of children.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to increase her awareness of child protection issues; obtain written consent for the administration of medication; keep written records signed by parents and implement a system to record incidents. She was also asked to review and formalise the safety procedures in place to prevent children accessing the pond. This safety issue was brought as a recommendation at the last inspection, but has not been addressed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has increased her awareness of child protection and holds relevant contact numbers and a flow chart for referral. She is due to attend training shortly. She holds a medication policy that ensures permission is sought before a child is given any medicine, and parents sign their acknowledgement when medication has been given. This promotes children's safety.

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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 However, the childminder has failed to address the other two recommendations. These remain as improvements for the future.

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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.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure that children do not access the garden until the fence surrounding the pond is altered to prevent children climbing • gain knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and have regard to it to enhance opportunities for young children • provide resources which reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability to help children understand the world around them • develop knowledge of the National Standards with particular attention to incident recording and the complaints procedure and display the certificate of registration.

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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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