Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY285133 Unique Reference Number 26 November 2007 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and under one year in Upton, Wirral. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with the exception of the dining room. The first floor is also used with the exception of the childminder's bedroom. 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding four children, some of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and attends local parent and toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder recognises the importance of fresh air and exercise to promote children's good health. Her planned weekly routine helps to ensure that children have regular chances to play outdoors or go for walks in the locality. Children learn to enjoy physical exercise as they make

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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 use of the garden for outdoor play and have regular visits to the local park. They also develop a healthy lifestyle as they walk to school and back and take part in outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder pays attention to keeping her home clean, and regularly cleans toys and equipment. This helps to protect children from possible health risks. The childminder protects children from the risk of cross contamination by providing individual towels for hand drying. Children are developing an awareness of simple hygiene procedures as they wash hands after using the toilet. However, they do not always wash hands before eating. The childminder has a clear written sickness policy, including a list of communicable illnesses and exclusion periods. This policy is shared with parents and helps to protect children from the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides balanced and nutritious meals which promote children's good health. Children are provided with healthy, home cooked food which helps to promote their awareness of healthy eating. The childminder ensures that the meals and snacks provided each day include the recommended five portions of fruit or vegetables. Children readily help themselves to drinking water, to which they have constant access. This helps to ensure that children remain healthy.

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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 welcoming setting. The playroom is bright and many toys are accessible to children in tubs and baskets. This helps to foster children's sense of security and belonging. Children are able to access a broad range of good quality toys which are appropriate to their stage of development. Space is used well to ensure that children can play safely. The main play area is securely enclosed from the kitchen area, and a separate room is available for rest or sleep.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant about children's safety and takes effective measures to ensure that risks are identified and minimised. She has clear written policies regarding safety, such as an accident and emergency policy, and written procedures to follow in the event of a child being lost or uncollected. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder discusses with them, for example, the importance of tidying toys to prevent a tripping hazard. The childminder has a clear fire evacuation procedure which is practised with the children, further developing their knowledge of how to protect themselves from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and is familiar with the procedures to be followed. Her clear written policy is shared with parents and helps to ensure children's protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder establishes high quality relationships with children. She pays excellent attention to promoting children's confidence, self-esteem and sense of belonging. As a result children are enthusiastic to be in her care and are happy and settled. Children show a high level of confidence as they talk to the childminder, expressing their ideas and requesting resources. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of the children's stage of development and this is reflected in her approach to activities. Children are encouraged to think and their learning is extended through the childminder's quality interaction and skilful questioning. For example, children's vocabulary is developed as they give an 'injection' during a role play activity about

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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 being a doctor. Young children's language is also developed well, as the childminder repeats words and phrases to promote their understanding. Children confidently make choices as they select their own resources and activities. The childminder enthusiastically follows children's interests to develop learning. As a result children enjoy and are fully involved in their tasks. For example, children choose to build a rail layout and are supported to solve problems as they complete it. The childminder produces written plans which show that children are involved in a broad range of activities, such as dressing up, painting, craft, baking and outdoor play. 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

The childminder knows the children very well. She makes regular observations and assessments of their learning which are recorded. The childminder uses this information effectively to plan the next steps in children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are able to participate in the activities offered which helps to promote their self-esteem and sense of belonging. The childminder shows respect for children as she talks to them and values their opinions. The childminder provides books and other resources which help to increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. The childminder has a positive approach to managing children's behaviour, which is reflected in her written policy. Children are familiar with the routines of the setting and behave extremely well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has established a positive partnership with parents, which benefits children. Parents receive helpful written information, including copies of some of her policies and procedures, and a list of answers to common questions from parents. The full range of policies and procedures are shared with parents, so that parents have clear information about her service. The childminder requests information about children when the placement begins and obtains relevant parental permissions. This information is used to help meet children's needs. Information about children's daily experiences and care is shared through informal talks with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This good level of communication helps to ensure that children's needs are effectively met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised environment which keeps them safe and secure. Children are able to access many toys and make choices in their learning due to the childminder's good organisation. This contributes to developing children's independence and helps to ensure that their needs are met. The childminder plans activities and the organisation of the day effectively to meet children's needs and develop high quality learning. The childminder has a positive attitude to improving her knowledge and understanding. For example she has recently attended a training course regarding the 'Birth to three matters' framework. This has a positive effect on the quality of children's learning. All legally required documentation that contributes to the children's well-being and safety is in place. In addition to this, the childminder has clear written policies which are shared with parents and used effectively to promote children's welfare,

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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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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 previous inspection the childminder was required to ensure that all harmful products are out of children's reach. This recommendation has been met, with positive effect on the protection of children's health and safety.

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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): • ensure that hygienic practices are consistently followed with regard to hand washing.

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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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