Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY229616 Inspection date 06 July 2005 Inspector Barbara Redmond

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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 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 2002. He lives with his wife and three children aged 15, 14 and 3 in the Woolton district of Liverpool. The whole of the ground floor is used for child care consisting of a rear play room, a front lounge and a kitchen. Upstairs, children use a bathroom with a toilet and a front bedroom for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The provider is a joint childminder with his wife. There are currently four children on roll who attend on different days. The childminder supports children with additional needs.

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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 He attends regular toddler groups and Sure Start activities with children and visits local shops and parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have access to a clean, well ordered environment that facilitates positive learning and play experiences. The childminder implements effective procedures, for example when changing nappies and cleaning surfaces, to limit the chance of cross-infection for children. Children are encouraged to practice appropriate self care routines such as hand washing to promote their own well-being. They are provided with individual hand towels that further limits a risk of cross-infection. Children's medication details are recorded accurately and consistently with appropriate parental authorisation to ensure that they are given the correct dosage and remain well. A sickness policy is in place that ensures that the best interests of children who are ill are met. However, there is no written permission to seek emergency advice or treatment which is a potential risk to children. Children benefit from home cooked nutritious meals using mostly fresh ingredients.

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Helping children to be healthy

Fresh fruit is also included in children's diets, contributing to their well-being. Children are provided with regular healthy drinks that help to limit their intake of sugar. Outdoor play is provided most days in a well resourced garden to promote children's physical well-being. A good range of equipment is provided so children can improve their physical skills such as climbing and using wheeled toys.

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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 well maintained environment, which minimises the risk of hazards. The space provided is suitable for children to enjoy their play experiences and is organised to meet their needs. Children have access to a wide range of good quality toys and equipment to help them make progress in all areas of their development. The toys and equipment are changed regularly so children have a good variety of play experiences. The childminder supplements his provision using the toy library to maximise children's experiences. Children's interests regarding safety are protected because the childminder has appropriate documentation and safety features installed at the setting. All documents are in place to ensure children are transported safely by car. Children can play safely indoors as electric sockets are covered and safety gates are fitted in appropriate areas. Fire safety equipment is also in place to protect children and they have the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

opportunity to practice the fire evacuation procedure so they know what to do in case of fire. Most areas outside are safe for children, although an uncovered drain is a potential risk to them.

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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 are protected at the setting as the childminder has completed a child protection course and demonstrates a good awareness. He has the necessary information at hand to deal with any concerns he may have about children at the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are involved in play activities that they enjoy and which maintain their interest and encourage them to make progress in all areas of their development. Children are given many opportunities to improve their language, literacy and mathematical skills as they play with effective adult encouragement and support. Children's physical development is fostered through the use of a wide range of outdoor equipment including wheeled toys and challenging climbing equipment. Creative skills are enhanced through the use of creative materials, musical instruments and indoor and outdoor role play provision. Babies are involved in suitable activities and interactions with the adult, that provide sensory stimulation and encourage them to communicate. All children benefit from warm relationships with the childminder, which helps them to be confident and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a range of resources reflecting a diverse society which increases their knowledge and awareness. The resources, including books and toys, show children images of diversity and help them develop an understanding of others. Children regularly engage in activities exploring cultures and traditions gaining experience of the wider community. The childminder is experienced in working with children with additional needs and is therefore able to provide appropriate and inclusive care for all children. Children behave well because they respond to the childminder's use of praise and encouragement to promote good behaviour. Children learn right and wrong as they are given clear explanations about unacceptable behaviour. Children are helped to feel secure and confident at the setting because they see the childminder and their parents in friendly relationships. They receive consistent and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

appropriate care because the systems in place for the exchange of information are effective and details are regularly updated. Babies have daily diaries which help to ensure that their needs are met. Parents are delighted with the inclusive care that their children receive and state that the childminder takes time to keep them informed about their child's care and progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides an efficient and organised environment for children to keep them safe and secure. He carries out appropriate checks to ensure children are not left alone with unvetted persons. Children continue to receive suitable care and play experiences as the childminder regularly accesses additional training and has childminding qualifications at Level three. The resources, documentation and adult support is organised to ensure that all children receive good care and attention, appropriate for their age and stage of development. There is a flexible plan of activities which includes access to local groups such as Sure Start activities, providing children with additional learning and play experiences. The childminder works with another childminder well, organising school pick ups and outings so that children's care is very efficiently managed. The childminder has produced a file of documents which contributes to the safe and

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Organisation

efficient running of the provision for children. Written policies are available to parents, who sign to say they have read them, so that they are sure that the care their children receive is suitable. Documents are stored securely to maintain confidentiality for children and their families. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to practice and record the emergency evacuation procedure with the children and improve hygiene routines regarding hand drying. Children now regularly practice the evacuation routine and this is recorded, so they know how to respond if they are endangered by fire. Each child now uses their own individual hand towel after washing their hands, protecting them from a risk of cross-infection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there has been one complaint relating to National Standards 1, suitable person, and 6, safety. A visit took place to investigate these concerns. The evidence examined demonstrated that the National Standards continue to be met and as a result no action was raised. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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

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 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 that the drain in the garden is made inaccessible to children • obtain written parental permission to seek emergency advice or treatment.

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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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