Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

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315115 Unique Reference Number 11 September 2007 Inspection date Jane Pamela Berry 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 1996. She lives with her two daughters in the Woolston area of Warrington. The family also have three small dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for five children. She is currently minding six children altogether. Children are transported to and from local schools and nurseries, sometimes walking and sometimes taking the car. She also attends a local toddler group three times a week as appropriate to the needs of the children being cared for.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from the risk of illness and infection through a clear, written sickness policy. They learn good hygiene routines as they wash their hands and use towels to dry them.

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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 Children's health is protected through clear procedures, which include an emergency contingency plan. Appropriate records of accident and medication details are maintained to safeguard the welfare of children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Arrangements for food and drink are made in consultation with parents and meet children's individual requirements. A particular favourite is pasta and bolognaise, yoghurt and fresh fruit. Children have access to drinks at all times which keeps them well hydrated. Children develop physical skills and good agility and coordination as they play in the park or at toddler groups. Children benefit from fresh air and use varied outdoor resources in the garden, including large equipment. This helps the children to enjoy the outdoors and keep healthy. For example, they enjoy being taken to the swimming baths and visiting the park to feed the ducks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children thrive in a safe and secure environment with a childminder who has a good understanding of safety issues and effectively reduces the risk of hazards to children. A checklist ensures that children are well cared for with resources maintained in a safe and suitable condition. Safe arrangements are in place for outings and children are well supervised at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children feel safe and secure in the warm and welcoming premises. Space is used well to provide a varied range of activities. Children are familiar with the environment and move around with confidence. Toys and resources are maintained in good condition and are readily accessible to the children. This enables the children to make independent choices, deciding where they would like to play and what they want to do. This helps to sustain their interest and enthusiasm and makes learning fun.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures which helps to safeguard the welfare of children. Policy information is shared with parents, so that they are aware of the childminder's responsibility to protect children. The childminder attends appropriate training to ensure that her knowledge is up to date.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and are very well stimulated in the setting. The childminder extends their learning and thinking as they play. For example, they talk about colours during activities and when reading stories. The children enjoy creative activities, such as painting, using chalks, playdough and making cakes. The childminder has an awareness of the, 'Birth to three matters' framework. Younger children have some sensory play opportunities and the toy library is used to provide additional resources for their interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children form very good relationships with the childminder, her family and each other. They develop social skills as they play together and visit toddler groups. Children benefit from consistent routines and a good range of activities. They enjoy regular outings and afterwards they enjoy time to relax or play with the toys. Children are secure and confident as they move around and select toys that interest them. The childminder engages well in their play and ensures children learn from positive interactions. She sits on the floor with them to maintain good eye contact and to keep their interest. Children learn to use books well and enjoy familiar

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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 stories and characters. They show concentration and interest as they complete one activity before selecting another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children respond very well to the positive methods used to manage behaviour. There is a detailed written policy which is shared with parents. The house rules are age-appropriate and help to promote children's safety and social skills. For example, they help tidy toys away to prevent themselves or others getting hurt. Children develop a sense of responsibility as they help to tidy up. The childminder provides them with reassurance and clear explanations, which make them feel secure and behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a written equal opportunities policy which is effectively implemented in practice. Children's individual needs are clearly met through regular discussions with parents and appropriate record keeping. Children develop positive attitudes as they become aware of similarities and differences in people and places. They have access to toys and resources which reflect diverse lifestyles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from positive working relationships being established between the childminder and their parents. There is a detailed information file which covers all aspects of childcare practices. The only exception being that the childminder's understanding of the legislation for dealing with complaints is insecure. This is a breach of a regulation. Otherwise, effective procedures are in place to share information and to ensure consistent care. For example, records of activities toddlers have been involved in and photographs are displayed for parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are very happy and are well cared for in the home. They benefit from the consistent care and well planned routines, which effectively meet their needs. Space is clearly organised and defined so that children are comfortable and well occupied. Children access a stimulating range of activities and they are making sound progress in all areas of their development.

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Organisation

Records and documentation are clearly detailed and are maintained in satisfactory order, with the exception of one of the children's information sheets being misplaced. The detailed records and policies contribute to continuity of care for children. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to providing quality care as she attends relevant courses to update her knowledge. She holds the required first aid qualification and has a reasonable understanding of the childminding regulations, with the exception of the complaints process. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to devise and practise an emergency escape plan and renew her first aid certificate. The childminder has implemented an effective fire evacuation plan and has attended a recognised first aid training course. This ensures children's safety is improved and that their needs can be met in an emergency.

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Improvements 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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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 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): • develop the complaints process to meet the requirements of the legislation • ensure all children's records are readily available for inspection.

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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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