Childminder in Knowsley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY136367 Inspection date 09 December 2005 Inspector Michele Anne Villiers

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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 satisfactory. 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 2002. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 13 in Halewood, Liverpool. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under 5 and three children over 5 after school. The childminder walks to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group. The family has a cat.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes appropriate steps to help prevent the spread of infection and ensures that children's individual needs are catered for. Children have their own beaker, flannel and toothbrush, and are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before handling food. During the summer months children wear sun-hats and sun-cream is provided to protect them from burning. Children's medical and dietary needs are carefully recorded, and parental consent is in place for the administration of medication and the seeking of emergency medical help. All accidents are recorded and the information shared with parents. Children take part in regular physical play and have trips out each day with walks to either the local park, library, playgroup or nursery school, benefiting from the fresh air. During nice weather children play in the garden on a range of toys that help to

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Helping children to be healthy

develop their balance, co-ordination, strength and stamina. They climb and balance on the climbing frame, access a range of wheeled toys and enjoy planned activities such as football. Appropriate procedures are in place to protect children who are ill or infectious, but the childminder has a limited knowledge of reportable communicable diseases and the procedure to follow. Children learn about healthy eating and are encouraged to eat fruit each day and fresh vegetables on some days. Snacks and meals are suitably nutritious and include fresh meat, rice and pasta, as well as beans or tined spaghetti on toast. Consideration is given to parents' preferences and the children's likes and dislikes. Children are offered drinks regularly and have free access to their own cups of water to develop their independence. Play activities, such as collage and cutting out pictures of healthy meals, fruit and vegetables, also help children to learn about

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are secure and satisfactorily supervised to keep them safe. They have adequate space to freely move around in order to access activities, plus a designated area to rest and relax. The environment is welcoming and children display their artwork, providing them with a sense of belonging. Children access a wide range of safe and suitable toys and resources. They are stored in low-level containers so children can independently choose from them, and toys are frequently changed, offering variety and interest for the children attending. Most safety measures are in place within the home to protect children from harm. Safety gates are positioned to prevent children from entering specific areas. However, the kitchen gate does not fit properly and is easy to open, and low level kitchen cupboards do not have safety catches. Smoke alarms are on both levels of the home and the childminder practises the emergency evacuation procedure with

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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. Children learn about safety and the childminder takes positive steps to help protect children on outings. Young children and babies are securely strapped into buggies, with reins and wrist straps available for toddlers. In the event of a child becoming lost children wear plastic identity tags with the childminder's mobile phone number on them, and the childminder carries a photograph of each child with her to help police or security staff identify children. Trips to the local fire and police stations help children to understand and learn about those who help us. The childminder has a good awareness of child protection and has attended training to further her knowledge and understanding, in order to protect children. She has devised written policies and procedures in line with the local authority guidance, and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content in a warm, caring relationship with the childminder. They settle quickly and eagerly become involved in activities. Young children laugh and smile and initiate interaction with the childminder, enjoying frequent cuddles and support during play. Children sit and concentrate to complete puzzles and discuss shapes and colour with the childminder as they study individual pieces and the whole picture. During story time children count the number of balloons and retell the story of 'Percy the Park-keeper'. They have access to an excellent range of books for enjoyment and reference, suitable for all the ages of children attending. Play is used for learning experiences, such as finding the number 9 on the novelty Christmas tree to hang the snowman, and singing the Alphabet song. The childminder uses repetitive language to reinforce young children's communication and vocabulary

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills, and children excitedly talk about events in their lives as they discuss Christmas and the 'sparkly lights' on their tree at home. Good support is given by the childminder who sits on the floor with children, motivating their learning and showing interest in their achievements. Babies and young children explore a range of tactile and sensory resources with different sounds, colours and textures. They explore treasure baskets filled with different materials, such as shiny silver paper and soft and hard toys. During art and craft, children make collage pictures using a range of different materials and coloured paint. Children's imaginations are fostered well as they play hospitals, set up a tea-party for their dolls and play with the wide range of dressing-up clothes. Children also benefit from organised activities outside of the childminder's home. They go for regular walks to the local park, library and shops. During the summer

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they visit 'Acorn Farm' and help feed the lambs, and older children may have pony rides. Each week children socialise with others at the local playgroup and enjoy celebrating birthdays and different festivals, such as Christmas. The childminder plans a range of interesting 'themed' activities. They learn about 'underwater life' and activities are organised appropriate for the age and ability of the children attending. Children create water scenes using a green sheet. They look at books on fish for reference, drawing and colouring fish and different sea creatures. Each child has

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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 their own folder of artwork and the childminder records their activities and achievements to share with parents. The childminder has introduced the Birth to three matters framework to plan activities for babies and young children in order to further their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children form positive relationships with each other and with the childminder. The childminder gathers information about each child, and a 'Get to Know Me' document is completed to help the childminder learn about their individual needs. Children learn to value diversity and to consider differences. They sponsor a dog for the blind called Zita, and photographs of Zita from a puppy to adulthood are displayed along with newsletters. This is used to help young children understand disability, and older children learn about simple sign language and to sign their name. Children also access some resources such as books, puzzles and dressing-up clothes reflecting different cultures and positive images. The childminder ensures that children understand the need to share and take turns. Praise and encouragement are consistently used to reinforce the children's good behaviour and children happily respond to simple instructions when tidying away.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Older children contribute to house rules and sign their name in agreement to sharing and caring, and not fighting or swearing. The close relationship the childminder has with parents contributes to the children's welfare. Parents receive copies of written policies and procedures, and information is shared through informal daily discussion. The childminder records the activities of babies and young children for parents to see, and uses questionnaires to evaluate their satisfaction with the care provided. Parents speak positively about their child's progress and their happiness with the care provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a commitment towards her own personal development in order to improve her knowledge. She is attending relevant courses in childcare, including Language and Learning, Play and Activities and Business Success for Childcare. However, she has not accessed first aid training prior to her current certificate expiring, although she is booked on the next available training course. The home is suitably organised for children to play and be supervised. The childminder keeps a good standard of records on the children in her care. This includes information on the children's needs, their development and significant milestones. All legally required documentation is in place, and there are many written policies and procedures to further develop the effective management of the provision. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder should acquire more resources that reflect disability. The childminder has devised various activities to help children learn about disability and has introduced some books reflecting positive images.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004. 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 satisfactory. 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 a current first aid certificate is maintained at all times • become more familiar with reportable communicable diseases as defined by the Health Protection Agency, and the procedure to follow • ensure that children are not exposed to hazards in the kitchen.

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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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