Childminder in Wirral

Inspection report for early years provision

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306173 Unique Reference Number 01 November 2007 Inspection date Jean Evelyn Thomas 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 2000. She lives with her husband and children aged 12, 14 and over 16. The dining room, rear lounge and hall way on the ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding. The toilet facilities are situated on this level. There is a fully 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 three children under five all day, and two children over five during school holidays. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a pet rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted as they are cared for in a clean environment. There are good hygiene practices in place to help prevent the spread of infection, such the nappy changing procedure, routines for cleaning toys and the provision of individual children's towels. There is a sick child policy and the childminder is aware of the procedure to follow if children contract

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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 a communicable illness. The childminder's secure knowledge of appropriate first aid treatment ensures children receive good care and attention.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides meals and snacks that are nutritious and varied. The foods for the meals are primarily home cooked; the childminder uses low sugar and salt ingredients to contribute to the children's health. Information is obtained from parents to ensure children's individual dietary needs are met. Drinks are available to children at all times. Babies are offered drinks on a regular basis to ensure their bodily needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which promotes their physical development. They benefit from regular walks and visits to the parks and the urban farm. The garden is used through out the year. There is a good range of outdoor equipment including riding toys, balls and a play house. Children gain new skills and develop their confidence because the childminder has a good understanding of appropriate activities and the level of support individual children require.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. There is ample space for children to play in comfort and for their individual needs to be met. For example, facilities are organised to enable children to sleep in a quiet area undisturbed. Resources and toys are easily accessible both indoors and in the garden enabling children to safely select their own activities. Toys and play equipment are well maintained and meet safety standards. The childminder has equipment to meet the needs of the younger children in her care, for example travel cot, high chair and prams.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder's risk assessments of her own home are effective in identifying and minimising potential hazards. The childminder has appropriate safety equipment in place which enables children to freely explore and play independently, such as safety gates, socket covers and a fire guard. Children learn to look after themselves through practising the emergency evacuation procedures and following the road safety code when out and about.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's secure knowledge of child protection procedures which has been developed through training. She recognises her responsibilities towards the children in her care and is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children happily and confidently separate from their parents and form a close and positive relationship with the childminder. They enjoy their time at the childminder’s home, where they relax and settle quickly into an environment which is extremely warm and welcoming to them. Children obviously enjoy hugs and cuddles they appropriately receive from the childminder to meet their emotional needs. Home routines are followed as closely as possible which contributes to the children's sense of belonging and security.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's time is extremely well organised as the childminder provides them with an extensive range of activities to gain their interest. For example, growing their own vegetables, baking activities and creatively using a variety of painting techniques. The childminder effectively uses

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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 the 'Birth to three matters' framework to provide a foundation for planning activities to promote children 's learning and development. The childminder completes observations on the children based on this framework to plan for the children's next stage of the their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's enjoyment and achievements are greatly promoted through high quality adult-child interactions. Babies respond to the rhyming songs with the childminders support. Children learn to enjoy books from an early age. These are positioned in the different registered areas for children to freely access and use as resources in play and for reference in activities. Babies are excited when they share their favourite book with the childminder. The childminder responds to their vocalisation to support their early communication skills. There are many opportunities for children to be creative and use their imagination. Younger children participate in the role play using resources to help them make connections with the world around them. The childminder uses everyday situations and activities to help children count and notice patterns and shapes. For example, counting the squirrels in the park and singing number rhyme songs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

From the earliest age children learn through using their senses as they explore different textures, sounds and smells. For example, accessing different textures in the treasure basket and investigating paint. Children select from a range of resources which provide optimal challenge. Babies are responsive as they clearly enjoy the colours and noises of manufactured toys and develop skills in operating these play materials.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are welcomed, acknowledged and affirmed by the childminder. She promotes their individual needs and encourages them to achieve their full potential. A wide range of resources and activities promote positive images of diversity. Play materials, books, food and craft work supports children's exploration of differences and similarities in their play. The childminder plans activities based on cultural events which encourages a growing awareness of the local community and wider world in children. Children who are disabled or have learning difficulties are superbly supported through the practice of the childminder and her commitment to the development of each child. She works closely with parents to ensure that the care offered meets the children's needs and contributes to their progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good behaviour is positively promoted by the childminder. Appropriate strategies are in place to manage children's behaviour, such as praise and encouragement. The childminder uses play resources and books to support children's understanding of acceptable behaviour. The behaviour management policy is discussed with parents before the arrangement commences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children’s well-being in the setting. Parents are fully informed of the planning and their own child’s progress. The childminder actively seeks parents’ views about their children’s needs and interests before their child starts and on a regular basis throughout their time in her care. She ensures that all parents know how their child is progressing and developing through verbal exchanges, the daily diary and the development file. Information shared with parents includes a written statement clearly outlining how she intends supporting children in their progress. Information on display and the detailed policy and procedure manual keeps parents informed about all aspects of the service. These steps ensure extremely effective continuity of care for the children.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children benefit from an extremely well organised environment, planning and clear and comprehensive policies to keep them safe and give consistency. The childminders flexible approach to implementing the plans to respond to spontaneous situations and regular visits outside the home contribute to children's learning and enjoyment. However, the plans are not shared with parents for information or for them to contribute to. The childminder is committed to her own personal development and improves her knowledge by attending relevant courses and workshops, for example, the 'Birth to three matters' framework and disability discrimination training. She uses this knowledge effectively to provide children with a range of learning experiences.

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Organisation

The children's care, welfare and learning is promoted through the childminders well maintained recording systems. All required documentation is in place and securely stored for children's protection. 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 it was recommended that the childminder extends the range of resources which reflect positive images of gender. This recommendation has been met as the childminder has purchased a range of books and uses the toy library for resources help raise children's awareness of gender issues.

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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

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): • organise the planning of activities to be shared with parents for information and to give opportunity for them to make their contributions to the process.

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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 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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