Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY280184 Unique Reference Number 26 November 2007 Inspection date Elizabeth Margaret Grocott 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 satisfactory. 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 2004 and lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and eight years, in Meols on the Wirral peninsular. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders home is used for childminding. On the first floor, the bathroom and twin bedroom/study is used. There are enclosed gardens to the front and rear of the property, for outdoor play.

p.2

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 10 children on a part time basis. She walks to local schools to take and collect children and also attends parent and toddler sessions. The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association. The family have two goldfish that are kept as pets.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm home where they are encouraged to follow good hygiene routines. For example, they learn to wash their hands after using the toilet and to brush their

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 teeth after they have eaten. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of preventing cross infection and this further protects the children's good health. For example, each child is provided with individual means of washing their hands with liquid soap and have their own towels labelled with their names. There is a clearly written sick child policy, which parents are made aware of.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a variety of experiences, which contributes to their good health. They regularly spend time in the fresh air, when they play in the garden or visit the local parks and beaches. As they bounce around on the space-hopper or play ball games, they learn to gain control of their bodies. They have fun and develop their physical skills when they play football and use the climbing equipment. The childminder encourages children to walk to local schools and playgroups and only uses the car when necessary. Indoors, the childminder ensures there is clear space, where younger children can crawl and learn to pull themselves up on furniture.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of the children's likes and dislikes and works closely with parents, to ensure she is meeting their individual dietary requirements. Children have frequent drinks, choosing between milk, water and fresh juices. This ensures they remain well hydrated and develop good habits for the future. Children particularly enjoy homemade macaroni cheese and are involved in choosing healthy snacks for after school. The childminder ensures there is a good nutritional balance in the foodstuff she provides, including some treats.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a child-orientated home, where the displays of children's artwork and the easily accessible resources, helps them to feel welcome and included. The children are provided with a good range of toys and resources. A good selection of the toys reflect diversity and differences in society, enabling the children to accept these differences and value them.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming home where most risks are clearly identified and minimised. The childminder provides good supervision both indoors and outdoors to ensure children's safety. She teaches children how to cross the road safely, when they are out and about and shows a good understanding of allowing children to develop their independence, whilst maintaining their safety. For example, older children are allowed to walk a little ahead but are very clear about the boundaries, they know they do not go out of sight or cross roads without the childminder. However, the risk assessment does not include the front door, which may easily be opened by a young child. This does not entirely protect the children's safety. Children regularly practice the evacuation procedure and know they must line up by the front door and quickly go outside should they hear the 'whistle'.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected through the childminder sharing her child protection policy with parents. She is aware of the signs of possible abuse or neglect and records any existing injuries. The childminder makes agreements with parents as to who is to collect the children. She is aware of her responsibility to discuss any concerns she may have with parents, if appropriate, and to report these concerns to the appropriate agency. This safeguards the children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very confident and at ease with the childminder, who knows them well and creates a friendly and homely environment. The childminder encourages children’s language through

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 reading stories and being involved in their creative activities, such as drawing and painting. She talks about children enjoying physical play in the garden and helps to construct a farmyard.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy the informally planned activities and experiences, which are stimulating and extend their learning in all areas of their development. After school, children settle happily into the home and develop warm and caring relationships with the childminder and each other, through her skilful teaching. They confidently engage in a variety of activities, which supports their relaxation well. For example, some children choose to go outside to let off steam and have a game of football, others like to help prepare the snack and become a 'monitor' for the drinks. Others like to sit and engage in a game of comparing bears, before the timer goes off with a bang!

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy music and access a range of musical toys and enjoy making their own play dough and creating with salt dough. They gather apples that have fallen from the trees in the garden and help the childminder to look after the family fish. Children constantly receive praise from the childminder for their successes, which supports them well and gives them confidence.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with respect and well cared for as individuals. They learn about different cultures and the wider world in which they live, through the childminder's positive approach and a good range of toys and resources. As they celebrate Diwali, they engage in food tasting and try samosas and onion bhajis. Children with disabilities are welcomed and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure their needs are met effectively.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes sharing, turn taking and being kind to one another, encouraging all children to be responsible for their actions. Children are very well behaved and have good manners, responding well to the boundaries and the consistent approach of the childminder. She has clear expectations of them, as defined her written behaviour policy.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents and children show their appreciation of her service through written and verbal testimonials. They find the childminder offers a flexible and caring service, which supports their individual needs well. Parents are reassured when they go to work, that their children are safe and indeed when they come to collect them, several children have difficulty in leaving the childminder without a few tears.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shares information with parents about her provision, through her written policies and procedures and also through discussions, during introductory meetings. Parents complete contracts and provide written consents, such as for the use of the car and photographs being taken. The childminder works in close partnership with parents, believing strongly that working together positively benefits the child.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home in the well organised environment, as a result they become increasingly confident and able to initiate their own play and access resources. The childminder organises her time well and the regular routines meet the children's needs effectively. The childminder is in breach of the National Standards, by not having a valid first aid certificate. However, as

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 the childminder has previously undertaken first aid training and is a qualified staff nurse, it means that children's safety and wellbeing is maintained.

p.4

Organisation

Records pertaining to the care and welfare of children are stored confidentially and kept up-to-date. A good range of written policies and procedures, make it clear to parents what they can expect from the childminder. These underpin the smooth running of the service. However, the attendance register is marked in advance, meaning it is not clear which children are present and when.

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

At the last care inspection, the childminder was asked to practise the emergency escape plan with children at regular intervals and request permission from parents to seek necessary emergency medical advice or treatment. Fire evacuation procedures have been written and children practise evacuating the premises on a monthly basis. This helps them to learn to keep themselves safe in the event of an emergency. The childminder has secured written permission from all parents, that enables her to seek emergency medical advice or treatment should the need arise. This further protects 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.

p.5

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.

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 satisfactory. 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): • review risk assessments to ensure children cannot leave the premises without the knowledge of the childminder • develop the registration system so it is clear to see which children are present at any one time; ensure a valid first aid certificate is held at all times.

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 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.6