Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY348805 Unique Reference Number 15 October 2007 Inspection date Sheila Iwaskow 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 satisfactory. 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 2007. She lives with her husband, adult son and two younger children aged 10 and seven years. The family live in the Latchford area of Warrington.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes; this comprises of the conservatory, lounge and kitchen. Children also have access to a bedroom and toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a cat and dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently three children on roll who attend on a variety of placements. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a varied range of activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. Outdoor play and regular visits to the park improve children's physical skills. As they play outside children can

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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 ride on a range of wheeled toys, bounce on the hopper and crawl through the tunnel. Such opportunities allow children to gain control of their bodies and develop their gross motor skills. Children are able to rest according to their needs. They enjoy a warm supportive relationship with the childminder, helping to promote their emotional well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children who are ill are excluded from the setting, which prevents sickness being spread. Accident and medical records are kept confidentially. Accident records are particularly well maintained, giving good details as to how and when an accident occurred and the steps taken to minimise any injury or upset. A first aid box is within easy reach, however, the childminder does not hold a valid first aid certificate. This compromises children's health and is a breach of regulations.

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Helping children to be healthy

The environment in which the children are cared for is warm and spotlessly clean. As part of the daily routine children learn the importance of washing hands before eating and after going to the toilet. The childminder recognises her responsibility to ensure that her pets are safe to be in the proximity of children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good knowledge of nutrition and has devised well-thought-out menus, which cater for children's individual needs and taste. These menus are readily available for parents and include a list of the ingredients for each of the meals provided. Drinks are readily available to allow children to quench their thirst. Systems are in place to record children's health and dietary needs, which are considered when planning menus.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a bright and welcoming environment. The childminder maintains her home in a good state of repair and children move around their immediate environment with ease and confidence. Toys are plentiful, safe, clean and meet the needs of all the children who currently attend. However, resources which promote children's imaginative play are not yet fully developed. Play materials are stored in low-level units allowing children to make informed decisions about their play. The layout of the furniture is well organised so that children have space to play their games, such as floor puzzles.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Close attention is paid to safety and all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. For example, there are child proof locks on low level cupboards and a safety gate prevents unsupervised access to the stairs. However, the fire place in the lounge is accessible to children and poses a risk to their safety. A good range of fire fighting equipment is in place to prevent children coming to harm. For example, smoke alarms are in place, a fire blanket is available and a fire extinguisher is mounted on the wall in the kitchen. Clear procedures are in place of how to vacate the house in the event of a fire and these are regularly practised with the children. This ensures that they are confident of what to do and where to go, should the need arise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of her roles and responsibilities with regard to protecting children. A written policy is in place and the relevant telephone numbers are close at hand should the childminder identify a concern.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very well cared for in a positive and supportive environment. They are nurtured through soothing words and hugs to provide reassurance and increase their sense of trust. The childminder is aware of each child's stage of development, which ensures that learning experiences provided are suited to their needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder spends lots of time interacting with the children and consistently talks to them to promote their language and communication skills. Mathematical concepts are skilfully incorporated into children's play. For example, children name the colour of the soap as they wash their hands and identify random numbers on the puppets. Good use is made of questioning by the childminder helping to develop children's problem solving skills. For example, she asks them to identify the number that comes after three.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children take an interest in electronic toys as they press buttons and listen to the different sounds. They have lots of fun as they play cards, laying them out on the floor and randomly turning them over to see if they can find a pair. Opportunities are available to promote children's sensory development as they make a pictures of trees with cardboard and leaves and create a college using glue and coloured pompoms. Singing and dancing are popular activities and story time is incorporated into the daily routine to help develop children's love of books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Settling in procedures are implemented to ensure that children new to the setting are happy and secure. Regular visits to playgroup and to a Sure Start centre extends children's learning experiences and help them become sociable.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder respects each child's individuality and responds to their needs in an appropriate manner. Children are encouraged to be kind and respectful to each other, share and take turns as they play. The childminder has only recently started childminding, but she recognises the importance of promoting diversity within her childminding practice to raise children's awareness of the world around them. However, at present there are limited resources that reflect positive images of race, gender and culture. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Age-appropriate strategies are used in respect of behaviour management. Minor altercations are dealt with in a calm and consistent manner and each child is treated with individual care and respect. The childminder is aware that other circumstances may affect a child's behaviour and is considerate of these factors when dealing with difficult situations. Children's efforts are praised and their contributions valued, promoting their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive relationships are established with parents to promote security and consistency in children's lives. A good range of well written policies keep them informed about her childcare practices. Other documentation, such as Criminal Records Bureau disclosures and references from previous employers are also available for parents to inspect, if they so wish. Verbal and written feedback at the end of the day keeps parents fully informed about their children's care. The complaints procedure is clearly displayed and systems are in place to record any concerns expressed by parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. As a newly registered childminder she has completed her 'Introduction to Childminding' course. She recognises the importance of accessing additional training to keep her childcare practices up to date. Children express themselves freely in the homely environment where the childminder organises her space to provide the children attending with a balanced range of activities.

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Organisation

The childminder recognises her responsibility to protect children from harm and ensures that they are never left alone with persons who have not been vetted. Her childminding certificate is clearly displayed, which makes sure that parents are made fully aware of her conditions of registration.

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Organisation

Most aspects of documentation are in place and organised to reflect confidentiality. However, an omission has been identified; an accurate record of children's hours of attendance is not consistently maintained. As a result, the childminder is at times in breach of 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 satisfactory. 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): • complete a first aid course, which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure the marble fire place does not pose a risk to children's safety • continue to develop resources that enhance children's imaginative play and promote positive images of race, gender and culture

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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 • ensure an accurate record of children's hours of attendance is maintained 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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