Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY274894 Unique Reference Number 03 October 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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and two daughters in the Kirkby area of Knowsley, Liverpool.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children use the ground floor, which comprises of a living room and a kitchen-dining area. The bathroom is on the first floor. An enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for five children and she currently has one child on roll. She is experienced in caring for children with a disability and is a member of the National Childminding Association. The children are taken to places of interest including shops, open green spaces, a library and early years provision. The childminder also offers a school collection service.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and comfortable home. The childminder maintains reliable and consistent standards of hygiene, making sure that floors and surfaces are regularly

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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 cleaned. Children begin to learn about the importance of hand washing after they have used the toilet and before eating, this is consistently promoted throughout the day. The childminder protects children from the risk of infection by advising parents that she is unable to care for children with illnesses, such as sickness and diarrhoea. She makes appropriate arrangements if children become ill while they are in her care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise, which contributes to their good health. They walk to and from school and also to local places of interest. They have access to an enclosed garden and to suitable physical play equipment, such as a small slide and tricycles. They have space to move around indoors and play with jigsaws, pencils and construction toys, which helps to develop their coordination and fine motor skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder keeps her first aid training up to date and has first aid materials readily available in case of need. This enables her to deal appropriately with any accidents that may occur. The required accident and medication records are maintained and are shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular meals and snacks so that they are well nourished throughout the day. They are offered fruit and vegetables and the childminder tries to incorporate fresh fruit and vegetables into their daily diet. This encourages children to eat foods that are good for them. Children have a drink with their lunch and cups are left out for them so that they can then help themselves when they are thirsty. They sit together sociably at the table for meals. This gives them a sense of responsibility and involvement in family life.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder gives priority to safe supervision and has few recorded accidents. She ensures that she can easily oversee children's activities, in order to keep them safe. Children begin to develop an understanding of safety issues. For example, during outings and walks to school they learn how to keep safe near the roads, by holding hands and staying close to her.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes appropriate measures to maintain a safe environment for children. For example, she ensures that exposed sockets are covered. Fire safety is addressed satisfactorily with a fire blanket and smoke detectors being fitted, however, the external garden gate is fixed to the casing and cannot be opened. This prevents it being utilised as an additional escape route. Evacuations are practised with the children to ensure that they know what to do in case of an emergency situation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a variety of safe and suitable resources, which are stored in low level boxes and shelving units. This enables children to make their own choices, although they understand that they should not have too many out at one time. The childminder makes routine checks of equipment and discards any that are damaged. The childminder has an adequate understanding of her responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children. She has attended relevant training and keeps information about local procedures and telephone numbers readily accessible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. She fully understands that some children need reassurance and stays nearby so that they can see her. She talks to children about the routines of the day enabling them to understand and to feel emotionally secure.

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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 The children enjoy a balanced range of activities each day, with opportunities for adult-led and free play. The childminder plans some time for structured activities, to support children's learning, but also recognises the need for children to develop their own play independently. They enjoy setting out the cars and trucks on the mat, using their imagination to create and develop their own ideas. The childminder ensures that the children are learning new skills as they play with jigsaws and construction toys. They also enjoy role-play and themed activities, such as baking biscuits and celebrating Halloween.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children build positive relationships with the childminder and with one another. She encourages them to be helpful and to play cooperatively. They learn that they should be gentle and kind towards others. The childminder has many years experience of caring for babies and toddlers and she is starting to familiarise herself with the 'Birth to three matters' framework, to support and develop activities for any younger children that may attend. Children recently benefited from an excursion to a safari park where they enjoyed seeing the wild animals roaming freely.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works closely with parents to understand children's needs and ensures appropriate links with parents are well established. This helps children to feel secure and included. There is written information available for new parents about the service and the registration certificate is clearly displayed. The childminder spends time talking with parents and arranges gradual introductions where possible. She encourages parents to share any concerns with her, recognising the importance of open and friendly communication.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The feedback from parents is very positive and encouraging and no complaints have been received to date. The childminder has a written procedure, which she shares with parents on admission, should they need to raise concerns at a later date. A poster is prominently displayed to guide parents of their rights. Although, the system for recording written concerns from parents is not secure. Discussion took place regarding confidentiality being appropriately maintained, whilst providing this information to parents on request.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder helps children to begin to understand about the needs, wishes and feelings of others. They learn about the wider world through outings and conversations, using books and resources to good effect. Books and dolls, which reflect positive images of different cultures are readily accessible. Children behave well and are beginning to develop a sense of responsibility. They are encouraged to help with routines, such as the tidying away their toys. The childminder is gentle and kind in her interactions with them, setting them a good example. They respond well and learn to play harmoniously.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to make suitable arrangements for the protection of children from persons who are not vetted. She never leaves children with others or unsupervised at any time, helping to ensure they are safe.

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Organisation

Space and resources are organised appropriately to meet children's needs and to support their well-being. The childminder ensures that children become familiar with the routines of the day, which helps them to feel secure in the setting. All of the required documentation is securely

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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 in place and is organised for ease of access. 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 provider was asked to practise emergency evacuations with children at regular intervals; to request written permission from parents for the seeking of emergency medical treatment and to ensure parents sign the records of medication administered to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved records in respect of the above matters and practises fire evacuations to ensure children's safety is maintained in an emergency. This has improved the care afforded to children and contributes to keeping them safe from harm.

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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): • review fire procedures in respect of exiting the property safely • develop documentation in respect of complaints.

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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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