Childminder in Wirral

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 306034 Inspection date 20 July 2005 Inspector Jean Evelyn Thomas

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged 4 years and 1 year. The family live in a house in Wirral. The home is situated within walking distance of schools, shops and parks. The rear lounge and kitchen diner on the ground floor are used for childminding. The toilet facilities are on this level. The sleeping area is situated on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time. There are 12 children on roll, of which 5 are aged under 8 years.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where the childminder implements good hygiene procedures which minimise the risk to children of cross infection. The children play with toys, which are clean and sterilised on a regular basis. Good standards of hygiene protect babies in nappy changing routines. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene and the need to protect themselves from germs through discussion and following simple hygiene practices. For example, children wash their hands before eating, after toileting and use their own towel. The childminder's sickness policy is shared with parents. The childminder follows the appropriate procedure to make the children comfortable when they become ill and contacts the parents. Children have regular drinks and a well balanced diet. The childminder is aware of the nutritional value of food and most of the meals are home prepared. This

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Helping children to be healthy

contributes to children's physical well being and develops their understanding of a healthy diet. A good selection of outdoor play equipment and regular visits to the park fosters toddlers and the older children's physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely, secure environment that offers ample space to play in comfort. Children enjoy the garden throughout the year, weather permitting. This further extends the learning and play opportunities for children. Babies sleep comfortably in a quiet area. Children relax on the comfortable domestic furniture. The childminder has the appropriate equipment to meet the individual needs of the children attending, such as high chairs, car seats, prams and reins. This equipment conforms to safety standards. There is a good stock of play materials, which sustains the interest of the varying ages of children attending. The childminder extends the range of toys available by regularly using the toy library to provide a wider range of play experiences for children. Children are well supervised and cared for in a generally safe setting. The childminder has completed risk assessment training, although this is not fully

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

implemented in practice. The childminder organises toys in an orderly system, using boxes or low level drawers, from which children can self-select. However, children can access toys which are not of appropriate design for their age. The childminder is aware of the problem with an interior door and the safety device is not always in place. Brambles are accessible to children in the outdoor play area. Children are protected in the event of a fire. The childminder has produced an evacuation plan and practices it with the children, to ensure they are familiar with the

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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 procedure to be followed to protect themselves. The childminder recognises her responsibility to protect children from harm and has an understanding of child protection issues. However, she is not secure in her knowledge about the procedures to follow which could compromise a child's safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children take part in a variety of activities and use a good range of resources to promote their all round development. The childminder is aware of children's individual play preferences and plans activities accordingly, to be of interest to the children. Children are introduced to new concepts which they may be initially wary of, but are given support by the childminder to gain confidence, for example the recent foot painting and printing activity. Children are not expected to pursue activities they do not feel comfortable about. Children have opportunities to develop their imagination and to be creative using different resources including construction sets, play dough, art, craft, small world and role play. Children can freely select books, learning how to handle them and encouraging their understanding of the written word as a means of communication. The childminder offers appropriate physical contact by means of cuddles and hugs,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as a result the children are happy, secure and relaxed in her care. Together they enjoy stories and sing nursery rhymes. The wide age range of children present enjoy each others company. Through this positive interaction with the older members of the group, the younger children extend their social and intellectual capabilities. Children's social skills are further fostered by regular visits to toddler groups where they play alongside other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works closely with parents, sharing information to ensure children's individual needs are recognised and their welfare promoted. Information is exchanged either verbally or in writing. Parents are kept informed about events of their child's day through discussion and the children taking home art work, craft and baking. Parents countersign recorded information about their child, for example the accident book. The children have equal access to play materials and the childminder does not limit a child's choice in play. However, the childminder does refer to toys being for girls or boys which may influence a child's impression about what they can and cannot play with. There are limited opportunities for children to develop positive images of the diversity of society through activities and resources that the childminder provides. Children are well behaved. With support and guidance, children are happy to share

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and take turns during their play and are learning to play co-operatively. The

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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 childminder presents herself as a good role model and gives an appropriate explanation if behaviour is not acceptable, to develop the children's understanding of right from wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are safeguarded as the childminder ensures persons who have not been vetted do not have unsupervised access to the minded children. Children feel at home and at ease in a well arranged environment. Children confidently self-select toys and relax as they choose. The facilities allow children to enjoy both quiet and more robust activities, with the garden being an integral part of the service. The outdoor area is accessed directly from the main playroom and children can easily direct their play to be either indoor or outdoor. The children's welfare, care and learning is promoted through the childminder's recording systems. Overall, the provision meets the needs of all children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has completed First Aid training to ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of an accident. A record of fire drills is being maintained and keys are positioned for immediate use. These practices contribute to an effective evacuation in an emergency. The childminder has purchased play equipment to reflect the diversity of society.

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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):

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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 children cannot access play materials which are not an appropriate design for their age • ensure the interior playroom door and the brambles in the garden do not present a hazard to children • develop knowledge of the Area Child Protection Committee procedures to be followed when concerned about a child • further develop knowledge of equal opportunity issues and the resources available to promote positive images of the diversity of our society

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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