Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

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502435 Unique Reference Number 11 January 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 2001. She lives with her husband and one adult child, in the Appleton area of Warrington, Cheshire. The minded children have access to the conservatory, dining room, hall and kitchen and 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 currently has three children on roll. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group, soft play centre, music group and other appropriate pre-school groups within the area. The family has one cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The environment is very clean and well maintained for children. The childminder shows a strong and secure knowledge of how to promote children's good health. She talks with children about the need for good hygiene practices so that they remember to wash their hands before meals. Children learn then the importance of good hygiene and the effects that germs may have on

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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 their bodies. The childminder ensures children are encouraged to wash their hands as she provides them with their own small hand towels complete with their own names embroidered on each one. Dental care is also promoted as one child has brought their toothbrush to use after meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates a clear awareness of the importance of promoting lots of opportunity for healthy exercise for children. She organises visits to local parks, or for children to play in the garden, this means they have good opportunity to develop physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder shows a clear understanding of the importance of a healthy, balanced diet with lots of fresh foods and homemade meals. She encourages children's awareness of the importance of a healthy diet, through conversations, for example, as to how milk makes your bones stronger.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young children are cared for in a safe, secure, bright and welcoming environment, they relish their time in the home and with enthusiasm make use of the good quality toys and play materials and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has generally very good systems in place to keep children safe both inside and outside the home. She has a number of safety features in place within the home to protect children, the alarm system, for example, is also linked directly to the emergency services. The childminder regularly conducts a thorough risk assessment to ensure the environment is safe and secure. In the event of a fire there is a clear evacuation plan in place, this is displayed on the wall and regularly practised with children. Children from an early age learn about staying safe when outdoors, as the childminder places great importance upon explaining why children should stay close to her when walking near the roads. She makes these experiences fun and meaningful for young children as they are often rewarded with colourful stickers obtained through road safety organisations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is committed to protecting children. She has a written statement, which outlines her responsibilities and ensures this is discussed with all parents at the beginning of any childcare arrangement. However, she is hesitant with small yet relevant detail of the correct procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from extremely warm and supportive relationships with the childminder. She offers cuddles, encouragement, uses smiles and speaks to the children in gentle tones. The childminder is involved in children's activities, she spends considerable time listening and talking to them. As a result children are very happy, confident and secure in her care and their language is promoted well. She often repeats the sounds babies make, giving prolonged eye contact and warm expressions, thus, encouraging them in finding their voice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder actively contributes to children's care and learning as she plans for children using the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She offers a variety of exciting and stimulating activities, experiences and spontaneous events, which ensure children make rapid progress in all aspects. She provides a wealth of interesting learning opportunities which are attractively

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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 laid out and easily accessible to children. First class home made materials including matching games and sensory boxes, inspire and extend children's imagination and learning. Children are eager to explore the wider world as they plant bulbs or care for the wildlife in the garden, making balls of fat for the birds and squirrels. Children are beginning to recognise the types of birds with the aid of reference books which are positioned close to the window for easy access. Children are also actively involved in caring for the environment as the childminder places great importance on cycling materials, enabling them to expand knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Young 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

The childminder is a very good role for children. She is sensitive to children's feelings and consistently turns potential conflicts into positive experiences for children with kindness and humour. Children respond well to her as she helps them to learn right from wrong because they are secure and happy in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is very strong as the childminder is committed to working with parents. 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. There are written observational records which ensure parents receive good ongoing information about their children's progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is enthusiastic and well motivated as she ensures she keeps abreast of current practice through further reading and undertaking numerous relevant training courses. This contributes greatly to children's care and well-being. The childminder has gained the Quality First certificate credited by the National Childminding Association as confirmation of the high quality care provided.

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Organisation

Organisation is of a high standard. The childminder is committed to a child-centred approach, so ensuring in the planning for children, there is a good balance of child and adult-lead activities and experiences. She keeps an excellent standard of records for the children in her care. These include detailed information on the children's needs and their development.

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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 one recommendation to practise the fire evacuation procedure on a regular basis. An evacuation procedure is practised regularly with children, there is also a plan displayed on the wall. Therefore children's safety is promoted.

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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 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted which required the provider or Ofsted 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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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): • consolidate knowledge of child protection procedures.

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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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