Childminder in St Helens

Inspection report for early years provision

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323069 Unique Reference Number 04 February 2008 Inspection date Jannet Mary Richards 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 1997. She lives with her husband, one adult child and one teenager in the Newton-Le-Willows area of St. Helens. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is an 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 and is currently minding four children under the age of eight years. She also cares for one older child. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups. The family has a dog and cat. Within the immediate area there are schools, shops, a library, open green spaces and a public transport network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic home environment. The childminder ensures that the children wash their hands regularly and wipes their runny noses, to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. The children are familiar with the routine, they are able to reach the sink by using a small step, and know that they must use the soap to make their hands clean.

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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 Healthy snacks are provided each day which the children enjoy. They are able to choose from the different fruits available. They help themselves to drinks which are placed in their own beakers within easy reach. This enables the children to make healthy choices, to drink when they are thirsty and to develop their independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Every day the children spend some time outdoors, providing them with fresh air and exercise to promote their health. They go for walks in the local area, visit the parks, play in the garden and walk to school, for example. The children learn why this is important as the childminder talks to them about the value of spending time outdoors and taking exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are made to feel welcome in the childminder's home, which is comfortable and has plenty of space for the children to play. They play with a very wide range of good quality toys. These are placed in boxes within their easy reach and provide them with many good choices about what they do. The children are very interested in the toys and concentrate well as they play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's home offers a safe environment. Safety measures, such as fire guards and socket covers minimise the risks to the children. The childminder conducts risk assessments and supervises the children well to keep them safe. However, one minor safety concern posed a hazard to younger children at the time of the inspection. The children learn about safety issues through routines and discussions with the childminder. They follow the rules to keep them safe in the house, such as no climbing on furniture, for example. They practise fire drills regularly to ensure they are familiar with emergency procedures, and discuss road safety when they are out and about.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of safeguarding procedures, in order to promote the welfare of any children she may care for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy in the care of the childminder. They settle very quickly in her care, as they visit with their parents before minding commences. This enables them to gradually become familiar with the childminder, her home and other children. As a result the children settle very well and soon develop the confidence to explore and investigate the surroundings and toys. The childminder gets to know the children very well as she spends time interacting with them and observing their characteristics and interests. The children clearly enjoy being in her company.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A wide range of interesting play activities provide the children with opportunities to learn, develop and have lots of fun. Children delight as they explore the toys, they are fascinated and amused at the sounds they can make with the different percussion instruments, for example. They sing along, reciting their favourite songs and developing their communication skills. The childminder has a sound knowledge of how children learn through play and supports the children well. They talk together about what they are doing, for example, which encourages the children's thinking, speaking and listening skills. The childminder plans and provides many interesting outings and experiences for the children. They visit toddler groups regularly, for example, and go on exciting outings, such as pond dipping and picnics.

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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 good. Children behave well in the care of the childminder. They learn how to share their toys and take turns during play. The childminder gently reminds them when they forget and supports them very well. The children show care and consideration, passing toys and fetching drinks for each other. The childminder encourages this effectively by praising the children and thanking them for being kind. The children play with a very good range of toys and books which reflect different people in society. This provides them with opportunities to discuss differences and raises their awareness of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder meets the individual needs of the children very well by consulting with parents and following their familiar routines. She has a sound commitment to meeting the needs of, and including all children. Parents are well informed through written policies and the daily informal discussion to share information about the children. Parents are happy and reassured when leaving their children in the childminder's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder effectively organises her time, home and toys so that children are safe, happy and well cared for. She is a very committed childminder, attending training events on a very regular basis, to develop her knowledge of childcare. She is able to use what she has learned in her day to day practice to the benefit of the children.

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Organisation

The documentation which supports the care of the children is maintained to a good standard and meets requirements. In addition the childminder provides parents and carers with useful written information about how she cares for children, ensuring that parents are well informed.

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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

Since the last inspection the childminder has reviewed her documentation to ensure that relevant consents and contact details are in place. This has led to improvements in the documentation supporting the care of the children. The childminder has also provided additional toys and books which have positive images of race, culture, gender and disability. This means that children have more opportunities to recognise, discuss and value diversity. Finally, the childminder has re-stocked her first aid kit and now practises fire evacuation drills with the children on a regular basis. This has led to improvements in the safety and emergency procedures for the 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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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 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): • conduct a risk assessment of small space next to the doorway and take action to minimise identified risks.

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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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