Childminder in Halton

Inspection report for early years provision

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502870 Unique Reference Number 26 February 2008 Inspection date Michele Anne Villiers 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 2001. She lives with her partner and two children aged six and 11 in Widnes, Cheshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed outside play area.

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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 three children under five. She also cares for children over eight after school. The childminder walks or transports children in a car to local schools and places of interest. The childminder attends local toddler groups with children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes appropriate steps to help protect the children's health and minimise cross infection. Children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through daily routines, such as hand washing after using the toilet. Individual hand towels are provided, and a children's step in the bathroom aids their independence. The home is suitably maintained and appropriate

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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 documentation is in place for the recording of accidents and the administration of medication. The childminder has completed training in first aid in order to deal with minor injuries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks to quench their thirst. Meals and snacks include sandwiches, crisps and some healthy options, such as fruit. Occasionally home-made hot meals are offered. The children's dietary requirements and preferences are taken into account. Children enjoy baking activities with the childminder, exploring new tastes and textures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physical activity is encouraged and during nice weather children access various wheeled toys in the outside play area. They also play on a small trampoline, helping them to foster their stamina and balance. The childminder walks with children to various places of interest and to the local park where they can run around. Indoors children have sufficient space to freely move around.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a secure home that is suitably organised. The premises are made welcoming and children access a good range of safe toys and resources, including child size furniture. Safety measures are in place within the home in order to protect children from harm. However, the large wooden dog kennel, stored outside, is rotting in several places. It has jagged wooden edges, posing a possible hazard to children. Not all outside drains are suitably covered in order to prevent young children from touching them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about safety during play, and whilst on outings. The childminder uses buggies, reins, wrist straps and suitable car seats to help keep children safe. She talks to the children about road safety, and staying close together when on outings and walks. The childminder has devised a written policy to share with parents should a child become lost.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of safeguarding children and child protection issues. She has a comprehensively written policy and procedure that includes contact numbers should she have any concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and enjoy their time in the childminder's home. They eagerly participate in activities and confidently explore their environment, independently selecting toys from the wide range made available. The childminder uses opportunities during play to make it a learning experience. For example, when children complete puzzles or create colourful pictures, the childminder discusses shape, colour and pattern. Children demonstrate good concentration and enjoy art and craft activities, making Easter cards using various coloured crayons and paper.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children use their imagination and access various role play items, such as dressing up clothes, small world play people, a doll's house and a workbench with various tools. Children develop good communication skills. The childminder listens to and values what children say, talking to them and using questioning to challenge their learning. They enjoy looking at books and have a wide assortment of board games to play with, helping to promote their mathematical, language and literacy 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 Young children explore their senses as they bake chocolate crispy cakes, discussing the texture and taste. The childminder provides a good balance between play at home and weekly visits to the local playgroups. She encourages children to be confident, independent and to develop their self-esteem. Activities are planned and the 'Birth to three matters' framework is used to help children make good progress in their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel secure in a welcoming family environment. They are valued as individuals and form close relationships with the childminder. Children learn about diversity and the world in which they live, through play with some toys and resources that reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability. Activities are not gender specific and all children play with all of the toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved, polite and cooperative. They help to tidy away and the childminder uses praise and encouragement to reinforce their good behaviour. The childminder is calm and consistent in her approach, taking into account the children's age and understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Information is exchanged with parents through daily discussion and written documentation. Parent contracts are in place and they have access to a 'Parent Pack' that includes several written policies and procedures. However, some consent forms have not been fully completed, such as consent for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment. Letters and cards from parents evidence their satisfaction with the care provided, with comments such as 'Home from home environment' and 'Excellent childminder'.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has attended some briefing sessions and workshops since the last inspection and has kept up to date with her first aid. She has many years experience of childminding and uses these skills to provide various activities in a warm and friendly family environment. The home is suitably organised enabling children freedom to move around.

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Organisation

Most regulatory documentation is in place and the childminder has devised many written policies and procedures for the effective management of her provision. She uses her time well in order to meet the children's needs. 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 it was recommended that the childminder practises the emergency escape procedure with children, and records any accidents or injuries. The childminder has devised an emergency escape plan which she practises with the children to help them become aware of what to do if there should be a fire. All accidents and injuries are appropriately recorded and the information is shared with parents.

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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 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): • make safe or inaccessible to children the outside dog kennel • ensure all outside drains are appropriately covered • make sure written consent is obtained from all parents for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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