Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

314954 Unique Reference Number 05 September 2007 Inspection date Sheila Iwaskow 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 1994. She lives with her husband, two adult sons and daughter, aged 15 years, in the Appleton area of Warrington.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to two reception rooms, kitchen and first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently six children on roll who attend on a variety of placements. The childminder also cares for older children before and after school and supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is protected as the childminders practice promote good standards of hygiene. For example, she maintains good levels of cleanliness across her home. Children confidently follow established daily routines, such as washing hands when coming in from school, before

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 eating and after toileting. Suitable equipment is in place to encourage children's independence, such as a step stool to allow children to reach the sink. The childminder talks to the children about germs, giving them an awareness of the underlying concepts of good hygiene routines. A clear policy regarding the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious enables the childminder to act in the best interests of all the children. The childminder has first aid training, which means that children's needs can be met appropriately in the case of an accident or emergency.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children flourish as they access good opportunities for physical play and development. Daily walks to school and the park help children understand the benefits of exercise to a healthy lifestyle. When playing in the back garden children enjoying taking part in interactive games, such as football and playing in the ball pool. Young children gain confidence and learn to move with control as they pedal bikes, play on the swing and position their bodies in different ways using hoola hoops.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Snack time is a relaxed social occasion where children sit together, either at the table or close by in high chairs, and chat. Good manners are promoted and the use of brightly coloured and attractively shaped plates makes eating a more pleasurable experience for children. Food provided is healthy and children excitedly tell the inspector that their favourite meal is pasta, tuna and sweet corn. Regular access to drinks ensure that children remain hydrated throughout the day.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a warm, friendly and child friendly environment for children to play. Children move around their immediate environment with ease and confidence. Space is made available for older children who may want to do their homework or simply relax and watch television after a busy day at school. Children access a wide range of play materials, which are safe, clean and in good condition. Resources are stored in boxes on a low level unit, allowing children to make choices about their play. They have lots of fun choosing from toys that appeal to their interests.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well supervised, which protects them from harm. All reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that children are cared for in safe and secure environment. Safety features, such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket minimise the risk of accidental injury to children. Children are aware of how to get out of the house in the event of a fire, which ensures that they are confident of what do and where to go, should the need arise. However, potential risks to children's safety have been identified; cleaning materials are accessible to the children and a low level cupboard containing an electrical meter is not secure. Written consent is in place to leave the children with other registered childminders in the event of an emergency and children are restrained appropriately when in their buggies or travelling by car. Children are beginning to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe as the childminder explains

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

boundaries. For example, she reminds children not to tamper with the safety gate in case they hurt themselves.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has a clear knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and is aware of the correct procedures to follow in the case of a concern.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with a wide range of age appropriate activities, which enable them to learn new skills whilst at the same time enjoying themselves. The childminder dedicates her time to playing and talking to the children. She shares warm, caring relationships with them and offers lots of positive physical contact, such as hugs and cuddles. As a result, children are happy, content and relaxed in her home and care.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children ask questions to gain knowledge. For example, children ask the inspector why she is using her lap top. The childminder explains that the inspector is using it to work. She then extends this learning opportunity by asking the children if their parents have laptops and what they do with them. New and interesting words are used to develop children's language and communication skills. For example, at snack time the childminder asks the children if their toast is 'crunchy'. Story time is a popular activity and the childminder points to words as she reads to encourage children's understanding that print carries meaning and repeats words to further enhance their understanding. Thinking of words beginning with 'b' helps to develop children awareness of sounds and letters.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Playing with snow, sand and water give children opportunities to experience natural materials and electronic toys are available, which support and help develop children's mathematical skills. Children delight in using their imagination and developing their creativity, as they dress up as Spiderman, feed the dolls and make pigs and sheep from pompoms and sticks.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Visits to local amenities, such as the park, library, and shops help to widen children's experiences. This increases their awareness of the world around them and allows them to observe the squirrels, feed the ducks and to help choose their own books. Children are able to socialise with others their own age when they visit the local toddler group. This offers them opportunities to access different resources and helps them become confident and independent.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected for their individuality and individual needs are well met. They learn to develop a positive attitude to others and gain an understanding of the world around them through different play experiences and discussions. For example, the childminder talks to the children about similarities and differences in society and encourages them as they learn sign language. A range of resources, such as dolls and books further promotes children's awareness of diversity. The childminder ensures that children with learning difficulties and disabilities are welcomed into a sharing and inclusive environment. All children are encouraged to participate in all games and activities to the best of their ability.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are delightful and very well behaved. Children play well alongside each other, learning to share and take turns. The childminder acts as a positive role model and treats all children with care and respect. Children's efforts are celebrated and their contribution is valued, which helps children feel good about themselves.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed positive relationships with parents, which promotes security and consistency in children's lives. Detailed information is gathered about children's specific needs and a weekly diary and informal chats at the end of the day keeps parents informed

p.4

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 about their children's welfare. The childminder has systems in place to record any complaints or concerns expressed by parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder complies with her conditions of registration and ensures that her certificate is clearly displayed to keep parents informed of her conditions of registration. The day is well planned to meet the children's needs with consistent routines to ensure their well-being. Good use is made of space to ensure children access a balanced range of activities, which covers all areas of their learning.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder divides her time well so that children feel supported. The sharing of experiences together contributes to children feeling secure and at home in their surroundings.

p.5

Organisation

Records are well organised to maintain a safe and efficient service. Most aspects of legally required documentation is in place and each child has their own file to ensure confidentiality. However, a minor omission has been identified; parents do not sign to acknowledge medication that has been given to their children. The childminder is aware of her need to inform Ofsted of significant events and contracts are reviewed on a regular basis.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder was requested to continue to develop her existing skills and knowledge in caring for children. The childminder is committed to ongoing professional development and since the last inspection has attended training in the 'Birth to three matters' framework and has obtained a food hygiene certificate. This ensures that she is able to offer a high level of care to minded children

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required Ofsted or the provider 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 may see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

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.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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 the meter cupboard and cleaning materials do not pose a risk to children's safety • ask parents to sign for medication that has been administered to their children.

p.6

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.6

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.6