Childminder in Sefton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 310739 Inspection date 06 September 2005 Inspector Ann Lee

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1995. She lives with her 3 children aged 13, 10 and 6 years in Litherland, Liverpool. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding three children who attend for different sessions. She takes children to local schools, toddler groups, shops parks and other places of interest.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable home where good health and hygiene procedures help to prevent the spread of infection and cross contamination. Children are developing an awareness of simple personal hygiene, such as, hand washing and there are sickness, medication and accident procedures in place to safeguard their health. The childminder offers children a healthy, varied diet which includes plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and regular drinks and also takes into account their likes and dislikes. Children become more independent because they are given choices about what they eat. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities as they walk to school, run and climb in the park, ride bicycles and dig in the sand in the garden. The children are very lively and practice their dancing and acrobatic skills in the house.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder develops close and affectionate relationships with the children so that they feel happy and at ease. She talks to them, answers their questions and provides plenty of hugs and cuddles which increases their sense of security and well being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminders house is warm, safe and welcoming so that children feel happy and secure. Their art work is displayed which fosters their self esteem and helps them to feel that they belong. For example, life sized paintings of the children decorate the walls which they are very proud of. Children are kept safe because they are well supervised and are able to move around freely in the child friendly environment where the risks have been identified and dealt with. There are child proof locks on the kitchen doors and cupboards and the children understand how to get out of the house in an emergency. The fully fenced garden has an area which is covered in bark to provide a soft surface and minimise the impact of falls. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe as they practice fire drills and learn about road safety. Children's independence is promoted because they move freely between the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

downstairs rooms and select their own activities from the see-through containers and easily accessible boxes and shelves. The childminder is able to safeguard children as she has completed training in child protection and knows the procedures to follow if there are concerns about a child.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminder's house where they are relaxed and comfortable. They play happily together and enjoy one another's company while learning to share and negotiate. They benefit from the warm stimulating environment where they feel comfortable and are well occupied. Children's creativity is fostered through arts and craft activities, music, stories and role play. The daily routine is flexible to allow children freedom of choice and help them to become more independent. The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and her knowledge and experience enable her to meet the needs of the children. They benefit from her enthusiasm and interest in arts and crafts and she uses her skills to help children to develop to their full potential. Children's self esteem is promoted because their efforts are appreciated and photographs and art work are displayed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made welcome and are involved in the activities. The childminder has an understanding of equal opportunities and children learn about the wider world through books, toys and activities which provide positive images of different cultures, religions and disability. Children are well behaved and they respond positively to the childminder's sensitive handling of situations. She uses meaningful praise and encouragement to foster their self esteem. Children play well together and they learn to share and to take turns. They become more independent because they are encouraged to tidy away their toys and equipment before starting a new activity. Children benefit from the good relationships which develop between the childminder and their parents who work together to meet the needs of the children. Parents give positive feedback about the quality of care provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's experience and knowledge of childcare. She attends training courses to help her to improve her practice but her first aid certificate is out of date. The childminder protects children in the setting because she ensures that people who have not been vetted do not have unsupervised contact with them. She always operates within the correct ratios so that she can support children well and give them plenty of individual attention to help them to feel secure and valued. The warm, comfortable home is organised to meet the needs of the children and they gain confidence as they move freely between the rooms and choose their own toys

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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 and activities. All of the necessary documentation, policies and procedures are available to safeguard the welfare of children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved her documentation to safeguard the welfare of the children and she has reviewed her procedures relating to child protection, and notifying Ofsted about infectious diseases.

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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): • improve the outcomes for children from Birth to three by using an approach in line with Birth to three matters • ensure that first aid certificate is up to date.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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