Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY248205 Unique Reference Number 10 January 2008 Inspection date Elaine Murray 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 2003. She lives with her partner and their two children aged three and eight years in Irby, Wirral. The whole of the ground floor and upstairs bathroom of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn to enjoy physical exercise and develop control of their bodies as they make use of the broad range of equipment in the back garden. They also make use of facilities in the local park to develop physical skills. Children are developing an awareness of simple hygiene procedures, such as hand washing at appropriate times. The childminder protects children from

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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 the risk of cross contamination by providing individual towels for hand drying and by regularly washing toys and equipment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy snacks. The childminder provides a broad range of fruit and raw vegetables which the children happily choose from along with other foods, such as toast. Children’s dietary needs are partly met by parents as they provide packed lunches for their children. If required to provide meals, the childminder provides balanced and nutritious meals which promote children's good health. Children have their own beakers of dilute juice to drink, however, fresh drinking water is not available to children at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and comfortable environment. The main room has comfortable furniture and toys are accessible to children. This helps to foster children's sense of security and belonging. The childminder organises space to allow a quiet area for sleep rest and areas for play. Children are able to access an extensive range of good quality toys which are appropriate to their stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken measures to minimise risks and hazards within and outside the home. The premises are secure and hazardous substances are kept out of children's reach. The childminder is vigilant about fire safety and acts on advice from the fire safety officer. She has a clear written fire evacuation procedure which is practised with the children, developing their knowledge of how to protect themselves from harm. Children develop an awareness of safety as the childminder discusses the importance of keeping small toy parts away from younger children, for whom there may be a choking hazard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected and the childminder has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and is familiar with the procedures to be followed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder establishes very positive relationships with children. She pays good attention to promoting children's confidence, self-esteem and sense of belonging. As a result children enjoy being in her care and are happy and settled. Children happily talk to the childminder about their interests and experiences. The childminder shows genuine interest and values their contributions. The childminder encourages children to make choices. Children confidently select their own resources and decide which activity they will do next. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and makes effective use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to inform her planning and practice. She works closely with parents to devise an individual learning programme for younger children. This helps to ensure that learning is developed well. Children are involved in a range of activities, such as role play, painting, music,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

craft activities and dance. They have chances to develop learning through sensory play as they take part in creative activities and explore different materials and textures. The extensive range of resources available contribute positively to children's enjoyment in learning. The childminder pays attention to following children's interests to develop learning effectively.The childminder also takes children on regular outings to broaden their experiences.

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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. The childminder has a positive approach and ensures that children are valued and included. All children are able to participate in the activities offered which helps to promote their self-esteem and sense of belonging. The childminder provides resources which promote a positive view of the wider community and diversity which helps to develop children's awareness and understanding. As a result of the childminder's positive and consistent approach, children are learning to value differences and be kind and considerate towards each other. Children are familiar with the ground rules and routines of the setting. They behave well in response to the childminder's clear expectations and calm manner.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has established with parents. The childminder’s policies and procedures are shared with parents before placement begins, so that parents have clear information about her service. She works closely with parents to ensure that their wishes are taken into account and that children's needs are met. Information about children's daily experiences and care is shared through informal talks with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised environment. The childminder has several years experience of caring for children and has completed a further qualification in child minding practice. This has a positive effect on the quality of care offered. The childminder is committed to improving her knowledge and understanding through attending further training, for example, she has attended a training course regarding the 'Birth to three matters' framework. This has a positive effect on the quality of her service and children's learning. The childminder does not care for the maximum registered number of children. As a result children receive a good level of support and interaction to feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

The childminder has some written policies which are shared with parents and used effectively to promote children's welfare, care and learning. The childminder uses records effectively to support the care of children and complies with regulations.

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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

At the previous inspection the childminder was required to devise a system to record any complaints, ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding hand drying facilities and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All of these recommendations have been met, with positive effect on the protection of children's health and welfare.

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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): • ensure that fresh drinking water is available to children at all times.

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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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