Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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322316 Unique Reference Number 27 July 2007 Inspection date Michele Anne Villiers 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 good. 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 1995. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a suburb of Liverpool. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and 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 four children under five, and two children over five. She regularly works with another childminder and is currently minding three children. The childminder walks or transports children in a car to local schools, toddler groups and places of interest.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children's health is promoted and the childminder takes positive steps to help protect children from cross infection. The home is clean and well maintained and children remove outdoor shoes on arrival. They learn about personal hygiene and dental care throughout the daily routine. Children know to wash their hands before handling food and to clean their teeth

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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 after meals. Written procedures are in place and followed should children be ill, require medication or have an accident. However, the sickness and exclusion policy does not include the incubation period for infectious diseases, or how medication is to be administered.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides a balanced diet, helping children to make healthy choices. They snack on different fruit, such as kiwi, banana, apples and strawberries. Hot meals include fish, chicken, spaghetti, pasta and rice. During role play children set up a 'Healthy café' that just serves fruit because 'we like to keep people healthy'. Children help themselves to drinks of water or juice to quench their thirst, and older children help to prepare food and make their own sandwiches.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physical activity and fresh air are very much encouraged. Children develop good coordination, balance, strength and stamina. They enjoy running around in the garden, manoeuvring wheeled toys, and playing with bats, balls, and hoops. Regular walks to the park are organised where children feed the ducks. Indoors children enjoy music and movement. They become competent at using their small motor skills when cutting paper and material, completing puzzles and drawing and painting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe and secure environment. Risk assessment is conducted regularly, helping to minimise any hazards. Children access a huge range of suitable toys and resources that are creatively displayed in a child-centred environment. Child size furniture enables children to sit together in comfort, and low level storage for toys promotes their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about keeping themselves safe. On outings they learn how to safely cross the road and to 'look for the green man'. During walks they wear wrist bands with the childminder's contact number, and young children are strapped into buggies or wear reins. Children become aware of 'people who help us' and, when attending the playgroup, listen to talks from the police and fire fighters about safety. During role play children dress up as doctors and nurses, pretending to make people better. In the summer months children use sun cream and sit under a gazebo to protect their skin from the sun's rays.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder vigilantly supervises children. Young babies are regularly checked when they are asleep and the childminder has attended a Sudden Infant Death Syndrome course in order to further help protect babies. Children are further safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection. She has devised written child protection policies and procedures, in line with current legislation, and shares these with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children eagerly participate in activities and confidently explore their environment. The childminder plans and provides a wide range of interesting and fun play opportunities in a caring and stimulating environment. There is a very good balance between providing play in the home and visits to the local playgroup and places of interest, enabling children to socialise with others and broaden their experiences. The 'Birth to three matters' framework has been introduced and the childminder uses observation to monitor the children's progress. Tracker books, detailing the children's development, are completed at the parents' request.

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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 The children's imagination is fostered particularly well and they creatively express their own ideas and thoughts through art and craft, role play, and story time. Older children demonstrate good concentration and dexterity as they use a variety of materials to make dolls' houses, complete with wallpaper, curtains, and furniture. They help themselves to an assortment of coloured and textured paper, boxes, fabric material, glue, scissors, crayons and paints. The childminder offers help and support when it is required, but allows children to independently explore and experiment. They enjoy setting up a café, using a wide range of role play resources, and serving the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children access a wide range of puzzles, construction, board games, and books. Many sensory toys are provided for babies, plus soft toys and baby gyms. The childminder constantly talks and listens to children, motivating their play and promoting their learning and development. They have many opportunities to practise mark making and writing, and enjoy books. Throughout their play children count and discuss shape, size and colour. They go on many outings to places of interest and educational value, such as the museum and the planetarium.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a strong sense of belonging and confidently express their needs. Their artwork is displayed, along with photographs and children's posters. Children learn about diversity and the wider world in which they live. They play with several toys and resources that reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability. All children participate in all activities and play is not gender specific. Activities are adapted according to the children's individual needs, and the home routine for babies and young children is followed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved and respond positively to sharing, taking turns and helping to tidy toys away. The childminder is calm and consistent in her approach, using plenty of praise and encouragement to help children feel good about themselves. Children learn to respect each other and play well together, and with older children, showing good consideration for young children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents speak very positively about the provision and the care provided with comments, such as 'professional', 'caring', and 'stimulating environment where my child thrives'. Parents are welcomed into the home at any time and information is shared through informal daily discussions. All written policies and procedures are shared with the parents and a 'suggestion book' is available for parents to contribute their ideas and thoughts.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very keen to improve upon her skills in order to provide a good service of care. She has attended several training sessions since her last inspection and has received a certificate for 'Quality First' in childcare. She uses her knowledge to create a caring child friendly environment where children happily play and form close relationships.

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Organisation

The home is very welcoming for children and parents, and information about her service is made freely available. All regulatory documentation is in place and she has devised many written policies for the effective management of her provision and the welfare of the children. Records and documentation are well organised and securely stored. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to implement guidelines for notifying Ofsted of any communicable or infectious diseases. There is a written statement and a list of notifiable diseases on file, helping to safeguard children.

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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 good. 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): • revise policies and procedures to include the incubation period for infectious diseases and the administration of medication.

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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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