Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

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314925 Unique Reference Number 08 October 2007 Inspection date Susan Patricia Birkenhead 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 outstanding. 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 1992. She lives with her partner in the Appleton area of Warrington. Minded children have access to the main lounge, conservatory, kitchen and ground floor toilet. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five on a full or part time basis, two under fives on occasions when space is available and three children of school age, of these one is over the age of eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local childminders group and has completed the National Childminding Association 'Quality First' assurance scheme, however, she is not in receipt of funding for three and four-year-olds.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The childminder follows highly effective practices and procedures to promote the good health of children. Children of all ages understand the need to wash their hands using anti-bacterial soap and paper towels, and they remember to cover their mouth when they cough. As a result, they develop a very good understanding of personal hygiene from a young age. Clearly written policies, reference materials and records of children's immunisations ensure children are protected from the risk of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are involved in excellent opportunities to develop their physical well-being, experiencing fresh air daily irrespective of the weather. They enjoy playing in the garden using an extensive range of resources to promote skills, such as climbing, balancing and manoeuvring wheeled toys. They experience the wider community as they walk to the woods with the dogs and visit the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The comprehensive menus and the written healthy eating policy highlight the well-balanced, nutritional diet children receive. Through regular discussions, they begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Meals and snacks are freshly prepared and the childminder is aware of each child’s dietary needs and makes sure these are met. Children contribute to the meals, for example, younger children prepare fruit jellies, and older children make their own pizzas selecting toppings of their choice. Drinks are readily available to children, using individual beakers, which they access independently. They sit together during snack and mealtimes and enjoy the relaxed, social time. Some parents receive a detailed record of their child's food intake daily.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an extremely welcoming environment. For example, play materials are readily available to children on arrival and child friendly posters and artwork decorate the playroom attractively. The setting is clean and maintained to a high standard. Children of all ages can relax, play and eat in considerable comfort according to their needs. The efficient use of the space and the extensive range of good quality play materials and equipment significantly enhance all aspects of the children's development, independence and care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's safety is of paramount importance and the childminder is vigilant in carrying out both written and visual risk assessments. Risks are effectively minimised during outings because the childminder visits the places of interest prior to the outing to conduct a thorough assessment. In addition, a high level of safety equipment is accessible in accordance with the children's ages and stages of development. The childminder explains potential hazards to children and outlines the consequences of their actions. They discuss road safety through the books they read, which they practise during outings. As a result, children effectively learn to keep themselves safe. Children learn about safe evacuation because the childminder follows the highly effective procedures outlined in the written fire safety plan, which is on display. They practise fire drills monthly and a comprehensive record is in place. The written health and safety policy outlines

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the safeguards in place to protect children.

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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 The childminder has a secure understanding of the role she plays in protecting children, which safeguards them effectively. For example, she clearly recognises the signs to look for and is well aware of the local safeguarding procedures to follow for reporting concerns. She has an efficient system for recording existing injuries and policies are in place for parents to read. This makes them aware of the childminder's role in the protection of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely relaxed and happy in the childminder's company. They develop very good relationships with her because of the consistent care they receive from a very young age, promoting a home from home environment. The extensive range of indoor and outdoor opportunities children enjoy are reflected in the monthly planning records. Children's interest in play is sustained due to the rotation of play materials weekly and the regular change in emphasis during the day. This significantly enhances their learning and skills. Children play freely, making choices from the range available and confidently ask for alternatives or help. The extensive level of imaginary play materials captures the children's attention. They use resources to dress, feed, change and take the dolls for a walk. Children extend their learning of the natural world during the ‘autumn theme’ collecting items on the nature walks. They use

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

a variety of materials for creative play and make models using natural materials, such as conkers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have considerable opportunities to socialise with other children, which include visits to the local music group and meeting other childminder's and their children weekly. The exceptional outings, which are reflected in the activity plans and photographic evidence, include trips to the 'monkey farm' and the 'shire horse centre'. They attend the concerts at school in support of the older children. These provide interesting opportunities for children, which effectively broaden their knowledge of the wider world. The childminder interacts extremely well with children to promote and extend their learning, offering support and guidance where necessary. Children's understanding of number and colour is promoted effectively, resulting in children of a young age counting spontaneously during play and identifying colours accurately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a very secure understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, incorporating aspects into her daily practice. She effectively monitors the children's developmental progress by completing observations daily and transferring the information to their developmental records.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met exceptionally well. For example, children have equal access to play opportunities, without stereotyping, and the childminder respects their individual likes and dislikes. The childminder promotes a policy of inclusion for all children. She obtains all the relevant information regarding the child's needs and works closely with parents to maintain a consistent approach. Children learn to appreciate diversity using cultural resources, activities and discussions are held. This helps them to gain an awareness and understanding of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is of a consistently high standard. The childminder provides a positive role model for children, speaking calmly and encouraging the good use of manners. As a result, children show respect to others, take turns and share resources. They join the toddler group in a sponsored walk to raise funds for a national children's charity. Older children ask younger

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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 children if they are ok as they stumble, therefore developing consideration for others. Children receive a high level of regular praise and encouragement for their good behaviour and achievements, which is reinforced using reward charts. In addition, children are presented with certificates in recognition of achievements, which successfully builds their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the excellent partnerships with parents and carers. This is supported by the exceptional recording systems used for communicating with parents. For example, daily diaries for most pre-school children contain detailed information about the child's day. Comprehensive written policies are shared with parents, making them aware of the childminder's practices and procedures. Extensive information is recorded about the children, which results in an effective and consistent approach to the children's care. The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of the procedures followed in the event of a complaint. Parents are aware of this information and a copy of the complaints form is made available to them when reviewing the childminding contract.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of children. She supervises them effectively to protect them from persons not vetted, which is reflected in the detailed policy. Effective use of the space available contributes to the children's good health and safety. The childminder is extremely committed to attending additional training to extend her knowledge and enhance the excellent care provided for children. Examples of courses attended include 'Birth to three matters', understanding Autism and the Disability Discrimination Act workshop.

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Organisation

The childminder is extremely organised and keeps an excellent standard of records. Children's individual files contain a wealth of information to support their care, in addition to the legally required documentation, which she is required to keep. Examples of the work children complete regarding the development of letter, number and shape recognition are dated, contributing to the monitoring of children's developmental progress. A comprehensive approach is in place for obtaining parental consent for a variety of situations to safeguard children’s welfare. Information is easily accessible and confidentiality is maintained. The well written policies and procedures are reviewed regularly and fully support the childminder’s very good practice. Impressive 'year books' are being developed for each child, which contain many photographs of their involvement in various experiences and outings. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the

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Improvements since the last inspection

During the last inspection the childminder was asked to continue to develop her existing skills and knowledge in caring for the children. Since the last inspection she has achieved this by developing her practices supported by a good level of additional training attended, further supporting children's learning and care.

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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. 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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