Childminder in Wirral

Inspection report for early years provision

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306155 Unique Reference Number 17 December 2007 Inspection date Christine Stewart 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 has been registered since February 1997. She lives with her husband and four children all of whom are over eight years and the older members of the family are aged over 16 years. The family live in Wallasey, Wirral. The schools, park, library and shops are within walking distance from the home.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The front lounge, hall and rear kitchen/diner are used for the childminding service. The toilets facilities are on the first floor. The rear garden is available for outdoor play. The family has a pet hamster.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable setting and good hygiene procedures help to prevent the spread of infection. The resources are checked on a regular basis to ensure their

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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 continued safe use. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through following basic hand washing routines before eating, after using the toilet and after messy play activities. There is a sick child policy in place to ensure children are protected if they become unwell.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder prepares all meals daily using mainly fresh produce to provide children with a healthy nutritious diet. Children are regularly given drinks and drinking water is made available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily access to activities in fresh air which promote a healthy lifestyle. Children learn to enjoy physical exercise as they access equipment for use in the back garden. They can develop a sense of space as they move freely around the area. They regularly visit parks and open spaces, or commercial indoor play areas where they can use the large apparatus to help gain control of their bodies. Children develop their fine motor skills when they use baking utensils, paintbrushes and writing tools and handle small play equipment.

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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 warm, welcoming and secure environment. Space is used well to enable children to move around during their play. The children have a designated playroom and they know where everything is kept. Most of their toys are stored in here and are accessible so children can choose what they want. This encourages their independence. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor activities and for children to get plenty of exercise and fresh air. Children benefit from a broad range of toys and play equipment which are clean and well maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of safety issues and has various items in place to minimise the risk of accidents. However, the fire blanket is not in place in the kitchen following recent refurbishment. This compromises children's welfare. There is in place an emergency escape plan and children are well practised in this area so they know what to do in the event of a fire. Effective systems are in place for the safe collection of children and the childminder has a written policy in the event of uncollected children. Children are well protected as the childminder has a sound knowledge of how to identify signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and is confident in implementing the procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children access a good and varied range of play experiences, all of which contribute to their learning and development. Activities available to them are age appropriate and meet their individual needs. The childminder is introducing the 'Birth to three matters' framework, providing younger children with good opportunities to learn through exploring and investigating. The activities provided help the children make connections with life situations and learn through using their senses.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children access outdoor play activities either in the childminder's garden, or by going out with the childminder to local places of interest. They enjoy planned outings which extend their learning and are fun, such as visits to the local urban farm and park.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident and secure in the childminder's care. She fosters relaxed and warm relationships with the children which helps to promote their self-esteem and create an atmosphere in which learning can be developed well. Interaction between the childminder and

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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 children is good, as she spends time playing, listening and talking to the children, helping them to learn.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of child development which is reflected in the appropriate and balanced activities she plans which keep children occupied and interested.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is calm and positive with the children, and she uses praise to promote good behaviour and develop a child's self-esteem. Children are cared for consistently and with regard to their usual routines as the childminder fosters positive relationships with parents and regularly exchanges information with them. Parents receive some written and mainly verbal information, keeping them well informed about the childminder's service and practices.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides some resources which promote a positive view of the wider community and diversity to help to develop children's awareness and understanding. However, the resources and activities that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice are limited. The children benefit from visits to local parks, libraries and the urban farm which helps them to develop an understanding of their local community.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised environment. The childminder meets the needs of the children well because she has a sound knowledge of the individual children, provides interesting activities and effectively uses the space available. The children benefit from a balance of active play times and quiet times.

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Organisation

Written policies are in place and are shared with parents. Daily information is exchanged verbally and parents are kept informed about the service and their child's development. All required documents to protect children’s well-being are maintained.

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Organisation

The childminder continues to attend training to further her knowledge to support children's well-being and help them make progress.

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Organisation

Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection six recommendations were made: to inform Ofsted of significant changes; practise the devised evacuation plan; obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment; ensure the record of medicine having been administered is countersigned by parents; devise and implement a system to record any incident of physical restraint and further develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These recommendations have been met with positive effect on children’s safety, welfare and learning.

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Improvements 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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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): • ensure fire blanket is sited in kitchen • extend the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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