Childminder in Halton

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

502867 Unique Reference Number 07 February 2008 Inspection date Janice Linsdell 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and seven years. The family live in the Sandymoor area of Runcorn. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has no pets.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding five children, two of whom are over the age of eight years. Children attend on a full and part-time basis. The childminder's husband works as her assistant on occasions. The childminder walks and drives to school to take and collect children, and she runs the local toddler group. She holds a level 2 qualification in childminding practice and a level 3 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in childcare and education.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy excellent health and rarely become ill because the childminder implements very effective practices to promote a healthy lifestyle. She encourages children to brush their teeth after breakfast, enabling them to learn the importance of good dental care. She also provides individual towels for the children to dry their hands, which helps to reduce the spread of germs. Various written health policies are available to ensure children remain healthy and protected from illness.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are extremely well nourished and receive a very healthy and nutritious diet because the childminder is a qualified food scientist. She fully understands the nutritional content of various foods and the benefits of healthy eating. Children's meals are well prepared using fresh ingredients and the childminder does not use unhealthy processed foods. Children eat fresh fruit every day and enjoy tasty meals, such as beef stew or mince and vegetables. They have milk or water to drink and the childminder reminds children to take regular drinks throughout the day.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder understands exercise is very important for children, so she makes sure they have numerous opportunities for physical play. Children enjoy outdoor play in the well equipped garden where they can practise their skills at jumping on the large trampoline or climbing on the climbing frame. They walk to school and enjoy regular trips to the local park. This fully promotes children's physical health and general well-being.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The playroom is very inviting and stimulating for children and the childminder displays their artwork, photographs and posters around the room to create a welcoming and child-friendly environment. A wide range of good quality toys and equipment are available and well set out to support children's play. Toy boxes are stored securely and the childminder ensures all resources are kept safe and well maintained. Most resources are readily accessible to the children or they confidently request certain toys to play with.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder makes sure children are kept safe on the premises by ensuring all safety items are in place, such as smoke alarms, safety gates and door slam protectors. She provides a good level of supervision and completes safety checklists to ensure toys and outside areas are safe. However, an oversight in the garden poses some risks to children's safety. Children's welfare is well safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures. She has completed training in this area and devised a written policy which is shared with parents.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The quality of care, attention and support that children receive is excellent. The childminder has a 'settling in' form that she completes with parents, so she can obtain detailed information about the children and provide individual care according to their needs. Children form close relationships with the childminder and her children. They thoroughly enjoy their time and have

p.3

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 lots of fun taking part in many interesting and exciting experiences. Children make lots of choices in their play and they are constantly busy and stimulated. They concentrate well as they create their own animal pictures using various craft materials. They become excited as they experiment with paint and show skill as they use the computer.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's experiences are enhanced by the many different outings provided, such as attending the toddler group and library, visiting indoor play areas or going to see the animals in the garden zoo. Children also very much enjoy taking part in organised toddler and pre-school events, such as the Easter egg hunt, toddler walks and visits from the fire brigade.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The 'Birth to three matters' framework is used extremely well to promote children's learning and development. The childminder plans activities around the interests of the children. She observes children regularly and carries out a review and assessment of the weeks activities. Plenty of photographic evidence shows children enjoying an extensive range of play opportunities, such as painting on canvas, baking, building and construction, and playing imaginatively with the dressing up clothes.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected as individuals and have their needs well met. They learn to value and appreciate the wider world by taking part in activities, such as learning about Chinese New Year and finding out what year they were born. They also have access to some good quality resources that reflect positive images of culture and disability. The childminder has some experience in promoting the care and welfare of children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good and the childminder uses a positive approach to encourage them to learn the difference between right and wrong. They receive consistent praise and encouragement, which boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Older children learn about responsibility as they help the younger children with tasks, such as putting on their shoes. Children benefit from the strong relationships the childminder establishes with parents. They communicate well about the children's needs and the information booklet provides them with details about the childminder's policies and procedures. This helps to keep parents well informed and promotes consistency in the children's care. Feedback from parents is very complimentary about the childminder and the care she provides for the children.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is qualified, experienced and shows a commitment to the children in her care. She has a good understanding of the National Standards and is beginning to familiarise herself with the Early Years Foundation Stage in preparation for the change in legislation. She has completed required basic training and attends additional training to support her in her role, such as child protection and managing children's behaviour. She is well organised and always meets required adult-child ratios, which ensures the children's needs are consistently well met.

p.4

Organisation

Children are cared for in a stimulating environment and receive a high level of care and attention. They enjoy their time with the childminder, who makes sure their health, safety and well-being is positively promoted. All legally required documentation to promote children's care and welfare is easily accessible and well organised. A good level of written information regarding the childminder's policies and procedures is available and shared with parents, which helps to keep

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved the range of outdoor play resources available for children. A new decking area has also been fitted in the garden to enhance facilities for the children.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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): • make sure the garden gate is always secure and any hazards, such as ladders are inaccessible to children.

p.5

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.5

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.5