Childminder in Wirral

Inspection report for early years provision

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306045 Unique Reference Number 22 October 2007 Inspection date Elaine Murray 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 good. 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 husband and two children aged 13 and 10 in Irby, Wirral. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor 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 and is currently minding five children on a part time basis. The childminder drives and walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have a dog and two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes care to protect children from possible health risks by ensuring that pets are well cared for and that her home is clean and warm. Children are developing an awareness of simple hygiene procedures such as hand washing at appropriate times. The childminder protects children from the risk of cross contamination by providing individual towels for hand

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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 drying and by regularly washing toys and equipment. The childminder’s clear written sickness policy is shared with parents and helps to protect children from the spread of infection. The childminder has clear procedures in place for the administration of medicine. However, parents do not sign the record book to acknowledge the entry.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to enjoy physical exercise as they make use of the garden for outdoor play and have regular visits to the local park. The childminder encourages children to develop a healthy lifestyle by ensuring that children walk part of the journey to school, and have regular local outings. Children also have chances to enjoy physical play and develop skills using the broad range of resources provided, including some large, soft equipment for indoor use.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides balanced and nutritious meals which promote children's good health. Children enjoy healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit. Children are offered regular drinks, including water, further promoting their good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides children with a very welcoming, comfortable environment. The main playroom has an excellent range of toys in clearly labelled tubs or on low shelves. Many of the resources are accessible to children, helping to develop their independence. There are samples of children's art work on display, helping to foster their sense of security and belonging. The childminder organises space well to allow a quiet area for sleep and rest, and areas for play and messy activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant about children's safety has taken measures to minimise risks and hazards within and outside the home. She has written policies for action to take in the event of an accident or emergency. There is a clear emergency evacuation procedure and safety procedures for outings. The premises are made secure, as the front and back doors trigger an alarm if opened. These measures help to ensure children's safety. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder discusses with them, for example, why they should not swing toys around.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Her written child protection policy is effectively shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder establishes very positive relationships with children. She pays good attention to promoting children's confidence, self-esteem and sense of belonging. As a result children enjoy being in her care and are happy and settled. Children talk happily to the childminder and she encourages them and values their contributions, promoting close relationships and further developing their self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning is developed well through a wide range of activities. Children are involved in a range of activities such as dressing up, painting, craft, baking and outdoor play. The childminder also takes children on regular outings to broaden their experiences. Children show pride in models they have made. They confidently select which resources they want to use to make a calendar. The childminder pays attention to following children's interests to promote

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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 learning effectively. Children show interest and enjoyment as they make pictures, play with construction sets and a dolls house. The childminder interacts well with the children, joining in their imaginary play and encouraging them to make choices. Children's language is developed well as the childminder talks with the children, questioning them and encouraging them to express their ideas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and included due to the childminder's positive approach. They are able to suggest what they would like to do next and select their own resources, demonstrating increasing independence and confidence. Individual differences are positively acknowledged through discussion, for example, about wearing glasses. The childminder provides resources which promote a positive view of the wider community and diversity, and so help to develop children's awareness and understanding. Children's behaviour is good. They respond well to the childminder's consistent and positive approach which helps them to understand what is expected of them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has established with parents. Parents receive a helpful information pack when their child's placement begins, including copies of her written policies and procedures. Details about children's individual needs are requested before the placement begins, enabling the childminder to meet children's requirements. The childminder shares information with parents through regular informal talks. Parents of babies and younger children receive daily written information about their care. This good level of communication helps to ensure that children's needs are effectively met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised environment. The childminder has several years experience of caring for children. She holds a child care qualification and has completed courses in child protection and food hygiene. This has a positive effect on the quality of care offered. Space and resources are organised well to promote children's safety, care and learning. The day's activities are organised to provide opportunities and experiences both inside and outdoors. Local facilities are effectively used with visits to toddler groups, the library, parks and play areas. The required records are in place, helping to ensure continuity of care for children. The childminder has clear written policies which are shared with parents and used effectively to promote children's welfare, care and learning.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was required to continue to build on information already written for parents. Parents are provided with a high level of written information and this has a positive effect on children's welfare.

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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

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 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 good. 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 that parents sign to acknowledge medication administered.

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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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