Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

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314827 Unique Reference Number 11 January 2008 Inspection date Susan Patricia Birkenhead 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 1993. She lives with her partner and son aged 16 years in the Great Sankey area of Warrington. The whole of the ground floor area of the childminder's house and the bathroom on the first floor is used for childminding and there is a small 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding six children under five and five children over five, all part time. She walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has a recognised childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are generally protected from the risk of infection because the childminder promotes personal hygiene from a young age. For example, hygienic procedures are in place for nappy

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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 changing and children learn to cover their mouths when they cough. They clean their hands and faces using individual flannels at certain times of the day, such as before and after meals. However, the storage of these does not fully promote the prevention of cross infection. The childminder does not care for children when they are ill and parents are made aware of this practice through the written policy in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is promoted well through various activities. They walk to and from school daily, visit the local soft play areas or the park where they can access larger apparatus for climbing and take balls with them to play games. They dance to music indoors and set up the tunnel, which they can crawl through. Children rest and sleep according to their needs in close proximity of the childminder. As a result, they begin to learn about the positive effects exercise and rest have on their overall well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are generally met because the childminder incorporates aspects of healthy eating into their diet, for example, fresh fruit and vegetables. Children's likes and dislikes have an impact on what meals are provided, however, the childminder limits children's favourites, such as biscuits, until after their meals. Children sit together at meal times which provides a socially interactive time for the children. Drinks are routinely given to children during snack time and meal times and they can ask for a drink in between these times. However, children cannot access drinks independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for within an environment that is warm and welcoming. For example, the art work they complete is on display in the kitchen and play materials are set out for them to access on arrival. The positive approach to settling children in contributes to the smooth transition from home to the childminder's care. Children have access to different areas of the house for different purposes. For example, the lounge provides a comfortable area for children to relax, watch television and play. The dining area of the kitchen provides opportunities for children to sit at the tables to eat their meal and complete creative activities. The conservatory accommodates sleeping children where they cannot be disturbed. The small garden area is used for children to play with sand, water or listen to stories in the warmer weather. Therefore, children can relax, eat and play in comfort, which contributes to them feeling secure and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of age appropriate play materials and resources, which are safe and contribute to promoting children’s enjoyment and learning. Children in the main stay safe because the childminder follows effective procedures, for example, visual risk assessments are completed daily and equipment is used to protect children from certain hazards. However, the heater in the conservatory is not guarded, which poses a risk to the children as it is hot to touch. The written emergency evacuation procedure is kept on file, however, drills have not been practised with the children. Children develop their awareness of how to stay safe because they are made aware of the house rules and during outings they practise road safety. They learn about potential hazards and the childminder explains the consequences of their actions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates a positive understanding through discussion of the role she plays in protecting them from abuse. She clearly recognises the signs to look for and would follow the local safeguarding procedures should she have

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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 concerns about a child in her care, therefore addressing the best interests of children at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the care of the childminder because positive relationships are developed. Children who are less confident are supported well through a reassuring voice and comfort through physical contact. As a result, they begin to leave the childminder to access play materials that interest them. The efficient organisation of the children's day and the consistent approach to the daily routine, positively contribute to the children's learning and enjoyment. The childminder has a good understanding of children's developmental stages and their individual needs. Older children can make decisions for themselves about their play as well as relax after their school day, promoting a more independent approach. Play materials for the younger children are regularly changed to sustain their interest in play and vary their stimulation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in various activities and opportunities outlined in the written structure of their day according to their age and stage of development, under the close supervision of the childminder. They play alongside each other with the train track, use their imagination well and develop their understanding of the need to share toys, as a result of the childminder's positive interaction and communication. They effectively develop their understanding of colour as they correctly name the coloured shapes when playing with the shape sorter. They learn new skills as the childminder demonstrates how to attach the carriages to the train, promoting their fine physical skills. This means the development of independence and self-motivation is supported well. Children show an interest in books from a young age because it is part of the daily routine. They ask for their favourite book or make their feelings known through gestures, such as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

pointing, to which the childminder is very responsive. Children benefit from the range of activities outside the setting to further extend their learning. For example, they socialise with others as they visit other local childminder's and go on outings to places of interest where they experience train and bus rides.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder consults the 'Birth to three matters' framework to confirm and refresh her practices with children to further meet their needs, positively influencing outcomes for children. Their developmental progress for children under five years is monitored through the individual files the childminder develops. These contain examples of the creative activities, pictures they produce and photographs of outings. However, entries to this record are not dated to support this practice. The childminder is effective in her interactions with children because they are responsive to her involvement. They are confident to ask for help and she assists them when using construction materials, demonstrating how pieces fit together, which they attempt for themselves. Children are guided when completing puzzles and are supported in completing tasks, therefore contributing to the development of their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder respects children as individuals and the written policy outlines the childminder's commitment to equality of opportunity. Children have equal access to play materials without stereotyping. They use an appropriate range of resources to promote their understanding of the wider world, such as books, play figures and the jigsaws, which reflect positive images of diversity. They recognise and celebrate festivals, such as Christmas and Easter in the main

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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 through their art work and discussions. The childminder has limited experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities. However, she is willing to consider requests taking into account other children in her care, the necessary adaptations to her home and specific care needs of the child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and learn about acceptable behaviour through the effective methods the childminder uses to manage their behaviour. These include, the development of house rules to establish boundaries, explanations and distraction techniques appropriate to the children's ages and stages of development. The childminder approaches situations very calmly and intervenes to diffuse minor squabbles. Children are encouraged to apologise to others who are affected by their behaviour and some offer a hug. As a result, they learn to share, take turns and play cooperatively. Children receive very regular praise for good behaviour and achievements. They applaud each other's achievements and use words, such as 'wow wee' when sharing pictures they complete. As a result, children's confidence and self-esteem is developing well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in close partnership with parents and shares appropriate information with them about her practices and procedures. These include the childminder's personal profile, some policies, and an account of the children's daily routines. Parents are made aware of the procedure for making a complaint through the written policy and a system for recording complaints is in place. The childminder develops friendly, open, professional relationships to ensure children are secure and settle well. Parents receive written or verbal feedback regarding their child's well-being and the content of their day depending on their age. Parental consent is generally in place for certain aspects of care, such as emergency medical advice or treatment, transporting children in a vehicle and outings. However, written consent for the application of sun creams and the taking of photographs have been omitted. Information exchanged with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents in the main enables a consistent approach to the children's care and safeguards their welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder protects children through close supervision when in the company of persons not vetted and they discuss 'stranger danger'. Therefore, positively safeguarding the children's welfare and providing an environment where they can feel relaxed and secure. The childminder holds a recognised child care qualification and has a certificate in paediatric first aid, however, additional training is not accessed.

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Organisation

The childminder is generally organised, in her approach to record keeping. Suitable systems are in place to record the hours children attend. The details of accidents and medication administered clearly reflect the necessary detail and entries to individual records are acknowledged by parent's who sign against them. Details of emergency contacts are available, however, persons authorised to collect children from the childminder's care are not on record. The childminder respects confidentiality in the systems she uses to record information and records are stored securely.

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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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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

During the last inspection the childminder was asked to record children's hours of attendance in the daily register. Since the last inspection the childminder now records the hours children attend on a daily basis, therefore safeguarding 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. 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 the current arrangements for the storage of the children's flannels in between uses to prevent cross infection • ensure emergency evacuation is practised with children and make safe the heater in the conservatory • further extend parental consent in writing to include the application of sun creams and the taking of photographs • review the children's details to include persons authorised to collect 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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