Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY250920 Unique Reference Number 25 September 2007 Inspection date Jean Evelyn Thomas 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 2003 and works with an assistant. The childminder lives with her husband, two children aged six and eight and her assistant in Caldy in Wirral. All areas of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding except for the front lounge. 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 a maximum of five children at any one time when working alone and eight children when working with an assistant. The childminder and assistants are currently minding four children under five and seven children over five, before and after school. Older children attend. They walk to the local school to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health needs are met. Procedures are in place to administer medicine. The sick child policy requests that children who are unwell are kept at home and gives information about exclusion periods. The childminder ensures children play in a clean environment and follow

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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 good personal hygiene procedures to prevent the spread of infection. Good hand washing facilities are provided including liquid soap and disposable towels. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she can give appropriate care to children if there is an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's snacks and meals are healthy and nutritious. The diet helps children learn about healthy eating. Comprehensive menus are devised by the childminder detailing the ingredients used, and these are shared with parents. Children's dietary and cultural needs are always respected. The childminder is aware that children need to drink plenty of water. Children know that they can have a drink at any time.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical activity either at the home or in local open spaces. Regularly after school the children visit a local park or use the school playing fields to pursue an energetic activity. The children walk to and from school which contributes to their understanding about a healthy life style.

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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 and homely environment. There is ample space for children to pursue activities of their choice. Children are able to relax on comfortable settees after a busy day at school. Play materials and equipment are easily accessible to the children as they are stored at low level in boxes or drawers allowing children to make independent choices. Play materials are clean and in good condition and suitable for the age range of children attending. The childminder rotates the range of toys set out to sustain the interest of the children. Books are set out at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a secure environment where they can move around safely. The childminder takes precautions to prevent accidents, for example, by using socket covers and garden gates in areas where children could be at risk. Although the garden area was not used during the inspection an open container in this registered area was full of rainwater therefore a potential hazard to children. The childminder arranged for a fire officer to check her home, seeking advice in relation to her evacuation plan and the fire equipment. Children learn to look after themselves as they practises the evacuation procedure on a regular basis and always follow road safety procedures.

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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 to protect children from harm. She has completed child protection training to ensure the correct practice is implemented. The written policy is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and familiar with the routines which contributes to their sense of security. They settle well as the childminder gives children plenty of attention. Children respond well to the childminder, the assistant and each other, chatting and laughing together. Both the childminder and the assistant involve themselves in the activities of the children's choice. The younger children pursue pretend play being doctors. The assistant is their patient. They wrap her arm in bandages and check her legs using instruments from the doctors kit. The children play in a relaxed manner and confidently change the direction of their activity as they wish. Children have good opportunities to be creative and use their imagination through art,

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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 craft and junk modelling. These resources can be freely accessed. The family piano is used by the children to practise or develop skills. The childminder has knowledge of children's individual needs and interests. For example, the older children enjoy the computer games, however, the childminder monitors the length of time they spend on this activity. The childminder supports the children if they wish to complete their homework at the setting, she organises a quiet area to help them concentrate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals. Their preferences are respected which contributes to their confidence and self-esteem. All children have equal access to play materials and activities which enables them to enjoy the full range of play opportunities and experiences. There is a selection of books and play resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability to contribute to children's awareness about the diversity of society. Through training the childminder has developed an understanding about an inclusive service for all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. The childminder and the assistant are consistent in their approach to working with the children giving frequent praise and encouragement which helps them understand when they have done well. The childminder and the assistant show a genuine interest in what children are doing and saying and act as positive role models.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s individual needs and welfare are promoted through the childminder’s positive relationship with parents. The childminder puts a strong emphasis on working in partnership with parents which is detailed in a written statement. Children are looked after according to parents’ wishes. These are discussed before children start and written consents are obtained, such as transporting children and emergency treatment. Parents are kept well informed about the service as an information manual is available detailing all the policies and procedures including the complaints procedure. There are opportunities for parents and the childminder to exchange information.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder ensures persons who have not been vetted do not have unsupervised access to the minded children to protect them from harm. This policy applies to newly appointed assistants. The childminder ensures they are not left unsupervised with the children until they are fully vetted as being suitable. New assistants have induction training where they familiarise themselves with written procedures and routines. The childminder continues her personal development through training and keeps herself well informed about current childcare practise through use of the internet. This enhances the quality of care children receive. The childminder has attended the 'Birth to three matters' framework training to extend her knowledge base and further improve the outcomes for younger children. Children feel at home and are relaxed in the bright, welcoming and well organised environment.

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Organisation

Most required documentation and record keeping systems are in place, available for inspection and stored safely. However, the childminder has not maintained a daily record of the names of the persons who look after the children. This omission by the childminder is a breach of regulations. 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

Since the last inspection the childminder has completed the recommendations raised. The childminder maintains a record of the practised emergency evacuation procedure and a list of the communicable illnesses is available for reference for children's well-being.

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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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • ensure water can not collect in containers in the garden for children's safety • ensure a daily record is maintained detailing who is looking after the children.

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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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