Childminder in Sefton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 310741 Inspection date 01 November 2005 Inspector Ann Lee

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 1992. She lives with her husband, two adult children and ten year old son in Formby, near Southport. The family have two pet rabbits. The whole of the ground floor with the exception of the front lounge is used for childminding. Two upstairs bedrooms are also used for the younger children requiring a rest. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from infection and cross contamination because the childminder follows hygienic procedures when changing nappies and preparing meals. For example, she use anti- bacterial spray and disinfectant wipes for cleaning surfaces and uses separate chopping boards when preparing meat and vegetables. The health of children is further safeguarded because the childminder follows appropriate procedures when children are ill and knows what to do in the event of an accident or emergency. Children begin to learn how to keep themselves healthy because they learn about simple personal hygiene such as washing hands before eating. The childminder provides a varied diet which contains home cooked meals and some ready prepared foods. Children learn the value of healthy eating because they are encouraged to eat fruit every day and are offered regular drinks. The childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

takes into account the wishes of the parents when preparing food and she provides them with a sample menu and daily information about what children have eaten so that they can work together to provide children with a balanced diet. Babies and toddlers become more independent because they are encouraged to feed themselves at meal times. The childminder develops close, loving relationships with the children. She cuddles the babies and is kind and patient so that they feel happy and secure. Children's physical development is not always well promoted because there are few opportunities for outside play or walking outdoors and toddlers are not able to practice and develop new skills such as climbing, running and jumping. Children practice their fine motor skills as they play with pop up toys, play board games and complete puzzles.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder protects children from accidents because she identifies hazards and ensures that all dangerous objects such as sharp knives and dangerous substances are inaccessible to children. They are further protected as all of the necessary safety equipment such as smoke alarms, fire blanket, safety gate and electric socket covers are in place. Babies sleep upstairs in travel cots and they childminder checks them regularly to ensure that they are safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 have limited opportunities to explore and become more confident because they play mainly in one room and the floor space is mainly taken up with toys. They play with a range of toys and equipment which is appropriate for their age and stage of development. For example, children can choose from baby toys, puzzles, dolls, books and small world figures. The childminder brings out different items each day so that the children do not become bored. Children learn how to keep themselves safe because they practice the emergency evacuation procedure and the childminder warns them of potential dangers. For example, children are warned not to climb on the furniture so that they do not fall and hurt themselves. The childminder has an understanding of child protection issues and has devised a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

policy for parents so that they can understand her role and responsibilities in relation to protecting children from abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is inadequate. The childminder develops close, affectionate relationships with the children which helps them to feel happy and secure. She talks to them, cuddles them and is kind and patient. However, she can provide little individual attention and there are limited opportunities for her to play with the children and interacting with them because of the physical demands of caring for a group of infants. Although a selection of age appropriate toys and equipment is scattered around the play room the items are not organised to encourage children to choose activities, make the most of their play experiences and develop their learning. They have few opportunities to explore their environment as there is insufficient space to allow much freedom of movement and children sometimes stand, uncomfortably, on the hard construction toys which litter the floor. Outings are also infrequent because of the difficulties of transporting several very

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

young children. This means that they are not given sufficient opportunities to investigate the environment and develop an awareness of the world around them. They cannot practice their physical skills such as climbing, running and jumping as they do not visit the local park or play in the garden. Children communicate well using language and non-verbal communication skills and they enjoy looking at books and listening to stories. However, the childminder rarely has the time to look at books with children and activities are not planned which help them to make progress in all areas of development. For example, there are few opportunities for creative play using different kinds of materials such as paint, sand and water and babies are not encouraged to explore interesting objects, different textures and natural materials. All of the children are bright and responsive and older children are confident, talkative

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and have a good knowledge of colours, shape and number. They are relaxed and comfortable with the childminder, play well together and older children show kindness

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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 and consideration towards the younger ones. Children are generally content and the childminder responds as quickly as possible to their requests for attention. However, babies sometimes become upset because their needs cannot be attended to quickly when the childminder is involved with another child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. `The childminder welcomes all children and treats them with equal care and concern. She gathers information from parents which helps her to meet the individual needs of the children. For example, she provides food to meet cultural requirements. There are some resources available such as books, dolls and small world toys, which reflect positive images of different cultures and disability. However, the childminder does not provide sufficient activities or outings into the community to raise children's awareness of their local environment and the wider world. The childminder feels that she develops close relationship with parents and she often minds children from the same family. They share information about the children during daily chats and with the help of a daily diary for babies which records what they have eaten and other useful information. This promotes good communication

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with parents and helps to maintain continuity of care for children. Children behave well because the childminder uses appropriate methods of behaviour management and provides clear boundaries for behaviour. She uses praise and encouragement for good behaviour and achievement and children learn to share, to take turns and to be polite. The childminder is a good role model and she treats children with respect and consideration. She works with parents to ensure that children's behaviour is managed in a consistent manner.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children are not fully protected in the setting because the childminder does not always inform Ofsted of changes such as when a member of the household reaches 16 years of age. The childminder is experienced and has a good understanding of child development so that children are generally well cared for. She has enrolled on the 'Birth to three matters' training course in order to improve her care of babies and young children. The areas used for play are clean and bright but space is limited and it is not well organised to help children to become independent. The childminder does not plan a wide range of play experiences which meet the individual needs of children and help them to make progress in all areas of development. Children's needs are not always met because older children have to wait for attention until the childminder completes practical tasks involved in caring for babies. For example, at lunch times when the

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Organisation

baby is fed first and the older children have to wait a long time for their meal. At other times, children's sleep is interrupted because the childminder must get them ready

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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 for the school run. All of the necessary documentation, records, policies and procedures are in place to safeguard the welfare of children. The childminder has devised a number of written policies which are shared with parents and which help her to promote children's welfare. Overall the needs of the children who attend the childminder are not met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve communication with parents and the resources to reflect equal opportunities. She has devised a complaints policy and has also obtained some resources which reflect positive images of different cultures and disabilities to help children learn about differences and the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There has been one complaint which relates to Standard 6 of the National Standards ( Safety). The complaint was dealt with during the inspection and Ofsted is satisfied that appropriate steps have been taken to address the concerns. The childminder meets the standards and continues to be qualified for registration. 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • plan and provide activities and play opportunities to meet children's individual needs and develop children's emotional , physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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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 • ensure that space, time and resources are organised to meet the children's needs effectively. • ensure that Ofsted are informed of changes in persons over the age of 16 living in the household and other significant events These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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