Childminder in Wirral

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

306153 Unique Reference Number 07 April 2008 Inspection date Jean Evelyn Thomas Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1990. She lives with her husband, who is registered as her assistant and children aged over 16 years. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

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 on a part time basis. Older children attend. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group. The family has a dog.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from the risk of infection and cross contamination. They are cared for in a clean and well maintained setting. The children play with clean toys. Effective procedures are in place regarding the pet care. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene because they consistently follow hand washing routines before eating and after using the toilet.

p.2

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 The children have their own towel, flannel and drinking beaker. The childminder follows stringent hygiene procedures when changing nappies and in food preparation. Children's health needs are met as the parents are made aware of the sick child policy before the arrangement commences. The childminder is qualified to administer first aid to ensure the appropriate procedures are followed in the event of an accident.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating and the childminder provides a nutritionally balanced diet. Fruit and vegetables are included in the children's daily diet. The childminder works closely with parents to meet children's individual dietary needs. The childminder offers children new foods to try, for example, kiwis at snack time. She respects their wishes if they do not wish to taste the food. Drinks are available at all times although water is not readily accessible to the children to promote this healthier drinking option.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy fresh air and exercise which contributes to their understanding about a healthy lifestyle. In doors they play with balls and balloons. There is lots of laughter as they chase and catch the balloons and skilfully kick and throw the balls. They regularly visit different parks to use a range of equipment and enjoy the freedom of open spaces where they can run and gain control of their bodily movements. Children experience different physical challenges as they play on equipment at parks and child-centred groups.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming setting. Child-friendly posters are displayed in the main play room and play materials are attractively set out. The childminder encourages children's to be independent and make their own choices in play through the positioning of play materials and the use of accessible low level storage units. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the choice of toys to ensure safety in play. The childminder changes the range of play materials set out in the playroom from her stock of play equipment to sustain children's interest. There is sufficient space for children to pursue play in comfort and move freely around the registered areas of the home. The childminder has equipment to meet the needs of the younger children, such as cots, prams and low level table and chairs. All play materials and equipment conform to safety standards.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe setting. The childminder has risk assessed the environment and uses safety equipment to isolate hazards which gives her the confidence to allow the children to move around freely. Children cannot leave the premises unsupervised due to the door security systems. Children learn about keeping themselves safe both in the home and outdoors through discussion and guidance from the childminder. For example, following road safety procedures, practising the fire evacuation procedure and use of car seats.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the child protection issues and the procedures to follow. The record keeping systems in place contribute to safeguarding children. Parents are informed about her responsibility to protect children from harm.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. They have a close and affectionate relationship with the childminder which significantly contributes to their sense of belonging and their overall development. The childminder has a good knowledge of children's individual

p.3

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 personalities and preferences and organises activities accordingly. For example, because the children are interested in trains the childminder organises walks to watch the trains and train journeys to Liverpool. The children develop their understanding of the community and the wider world as they enjoy outings to a variety of places including activity centres, toddler groups, parks and shops. The childminder ensures the children have a balance of time pursuing home based play and being out and about in the community. Children benefit from a good range of play of play experiences, however, the childminder is not planning for individual children's developmental and learning outcomes.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children confidently select toys of their choice and determine the direction of their play. They play independently or with the positive interaction of the childminder, who listens and shows enthusiasm in what they are doing. For example, when playing with the cars and trains she talks about the different types of vehicles, the journey and where they are visiting which promotes their language development. The children develop good levels of concentration as they pursue the activities which interest them, such as carefully putting the vehicles in a row in order of size. Children have many opportunities to be creative and use their imagination. They enjoy the play kitchen, practising skills as they play cutting up foods, sorting utensils, brushing and tidying the area. The children are confident communicators involving the childminder and visitors in their conversation.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals; they receive lots of praise and encouragement from the childminder. All children have equal access to play materials which means they benefit from a wide range of play experiences to promote their overall development. The childminder has a range of resources including books, posters, play foods and small world play people which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. The children's access and use of these resources and the childminder's positive attitude in promoting equal opportunities contributes to their understanding and respect for the diversity of society.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's behaviour is good. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing children's behaviour. This helps children learn to understand behaviour boundaries and to accept the needs of others. The childminder presents herself as a positive role model for children to learn from example about being respectful and caring towards others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good working partnership with parents and ensures that parents are kept up to date about the progress of their child through discussion and the daily diary for which is maintained for the younger children. Children are cared for according to their parents wishes as consents are obtained, such as to apply sun protection cream, to take photographs, to go on outings. Parents are given a 'welcome' pack which informs them in detail the service their child will receive and includes the policies and procedures.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safeguarded as the childminder ensures people who are not vetted do not have unsupervised access to the children. The childminder continues to attend training, such as 'disability discrimination' and the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enhance the quality of care provided. The childminder is aware and implements the requirement to keep Ofsted informed of any significant changes for children's well-being.

p.4

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 Children feel at ease in the warm, friendly environment. The childminder effectively organises the registered areas of the home to meet children's individual needs, for example, an area where children can sleep undisturbed and where older children can pursue activities without presenting a hazard to the younger children. The children receive good levels of adult support which promotes their play and learning.

p.4

Organisation

The children's records and all other mandatory documentation is well organised for children's welfare. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the recommendations raised have been met. As recommended the childminder is maintaining a record of when the evacuation plan is practised to evidence it is carried out on a regular basis for children's safety. It was also recommended to obtain written parental consent for the childminder's assistant to be left in sole charge of the children for short periods. This has been obtained and positively contributes to the systems in place to work in partnership with parents for children's welfare.

p.5

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. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • arrange for drinking water to be readily accessible to the children at all times to promote this healthier option to quench their thirst • develop the planning to promote individual children's learning and development outcomes.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5