Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

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315036 Unique Reference Number 07 February 2008 Inspection date Debra Elizabeth Jean Dahlstrom 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 1992. She lives with her husband and one child, in the Burtonwood area of Warrington, Cheshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding along with the upstairs bathroom and two bedrooms; there is also access to a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a dog as a family pet.

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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 currently has six children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local parent/toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has suitable hygiene procedures in place to help children from an early age learn how to keep themselves fit and well. She ensures children learn about hand washing and using tissues for nose blowing to promote their good health. Children also learn about the importance of being healthy through consistent routines, for example, washing their hands

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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 before snack time and after messy play or using the toilet. When children are outdoors and there are no hand washing facilities the childminder always ensures she has a suitable liquid soap which can be used without water to reduce the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily exercise through participating in various activities, such as, visiting parks. This promotes their health and physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have ample fluids as they have access to their cups, which are close by at all times. They benefit from a range of healthy food options, as the childminder is mindful of additives in foods. Where possible she avoids processed foods preferring to use foods low in sugars and salts.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children experience a warm and welcoming environment, where there is sufficient space for them to move around freely and play in comfort and safety. Children develop independence as they select from the low level toy boxes and cupboards. As the resources are of good quality and suitable for different ages and stages of development, they meet children's needs effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The risk of accidental injury is minimised as children are very well supervised by the childminder. She has clear and effective procedures in place in the event of any emergencies. The childminder also gives priority to helping young children understand how to keep themselves safe and maintain their safety outside the home. There are clear rules to be adhered to, for example, when climbing up and down steps, holding hands when walking on the pavements or crossing the roads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a commitment to protect children, as she has a clear understanding of child protection procedures in order to keep them from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely happy and settled in the care of the childminder. She encourages them to become confident and independent through her continued support and frequent praise. Children giggle, they have fun as the childminder is committed to spending considerable time and energy with them in supporting their play and learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

School age children particularly enjoy their holiday time with the childminder, they create wonderful models and scenes which they display on the wall. Under the sea, was a recent theme and using textures and colours they created a huge mural which covered the lounge wall. The childminder keeps numerous photos as records for children and provides excellent opportunities for promoting discussion and to reinforce their learning and finally to give value to children's achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children's language is promoted very well. The childminder often repeats the sounds toddlers make, giving prolonged eye contact and warm expressions, thus, encouraging them in finding their voice. She is skilled in using music, song and story to develop children's early language skills.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is skilful in her approach to managing children's behaviour. She speaks positively to children, using praise, explanation and distraction techniques to help children to learn right from wrong. She is sensitive to children's feelings and consistently turns potential conflicts into positive experiences for children with kindness and humour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are treated with equal concern as the childminder has a good understanding of their stages of development as she plans for their future learning needs. They feel secure and their self-esteem is promoted well. Young children clap their hands and laugh as their efforts and achievements are consistently recognised and celebrated by all of those present.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is strong as the childminder is committed to working with parents in the care of their children. They are well informed about her childcare practice as they have access to detailed policies and procedures about her service. Feedback is given daily about the children's day, their sleep and nappy routine as well as the activities provided for them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is enthusiastic and motivated in providing children with a wide range of experiences. She offers a child centred approach, so ensures she is flexible in her planning to offer a good balance of child and adult led activities and experiences. Young children feel at home in the warm, friendly environment because the childminder spends time with them. She makes sure that through the day children can rest or be active, according to their needs.

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Organisation

The childminder has suitable arrangements in place to ensure children are protected from persons who are not vetted. Records and documentation are organised well and generally of a good standard in order to provide for the welfare of children. There are numerous detailed policies and procedures which contribute to the smooth and effective organisation of the setting. However, the childminder has not updated her complaints procedure in line with the revised guidance.

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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 last inspection the provider agreed to changes to improve the practice for children. She has a written sickness policy for parents which she discusses with them prior to placement. The childminder is happy to relax this policy however, for some childhood illnesses, if all parents are in agreement to this. The childminder also has in place written consents from parents to transport children in her car and for the use of photographs.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1st April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider 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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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

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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 the complaints procedure is in line with the revised guidance.

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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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