Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY281678 Unique Reference Number 02 May 2008 Inspection date Elaine Murray 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 2004. She lives with her husband, two adult children and two daughters aged 11 and 13 in the Greasby area of the Wirral peninsular. The whole of the 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 six children under eight years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a pet dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder takes care to protect children from possible health risks by ensuring that her home is clean and that the pet dog is well cared for. Children are developing an awareness of simple hygiene procedures, such as hand washing at appropriate times. The childminder is a good role model, explaining to children why she is washing her hands after being in the garden. She follows hygienic practices when changing nappies. Children follow her example, asking for

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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 plastic gloves to wear whilst changing their doll's nappy. The childminder’s clear sickness policy, which includes a list of communicable illnesses, is shared with parents and helps to protect children from the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to enjoy physical exercise as they make regular use of a broad range of equipment in the garden for outdoor play and have frequent visits to the local park. The childminder has undertaken recent training regarding the development of children's physical skills. Children benefit as the childminder uses this knowledge to provide both indoor and outdoor physical activities for children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides balanced and nutritious meals which promote children's good health. Children enjoy healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit. The childminder has received training in health and nutrition, which helps to ensure that food is appropriately prepared and served and children's health is protected. Children readily help themselves to water from individual beakers, helping to promote their good health.

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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 welcoming setting. There are colourful posters and samples of children's art work on display. This helps to foster children's sense of security and belonging. Children are happy to select resources for themselves from the many tubs of toys at their height. They are able to access a broad range of toys which are appropriate to their stage of development. The childminder organises space well to allow a quiet area for sleep and rest and areas for play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of safety issues and takes effective measures to minimise the risks to children. The premises are secure and hazardous substances are kept out of children's reach. She has clear written policies regarding safety, such as an accident and emergency policy, and written procedures to follow in the event of a child being lost or uncollected. Children learn to protect their own safety through discussion with the childminder, for example, about the importance of tidying toys to prevent a tripping hazard. The childminder has a clear fire evacuation procedure which is practised with the children, further developing their knowledge of how to protect themselves from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and is familiar with the procedures to be followed. Her written child protection policy is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder establishes very positive relationships with children. She pays good attention to promoting children's confidence, self-esteem and sense of belonging. As a result, children enjoy being in her care and are happy and settled. Children respond well to her positive interaction. They cuddle up to share books and are confident to request resources and ask questions. The childminder makes good use of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework to develop young children’s learning. She plans a broad range of activities, including play with different materials, such as shredded paper, paint, glue and musical instruments. The childminder encourages children to think and develops learning through her positive interaction and careful questioning. Children are encouraged to count during a story, and to identify colour and shapes.

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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 They are encouraged to develop independence and manipulative skills as they dress dolls. Older children are involved in a range of activities, such as craft and outdoor games. Children's daily routine includes taking part in regular outings, for example, to a local farm, to broaden their experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children well and makes regular observations of their learning which she uses to plan the next steps in their development .

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a positive approach and ensures that children are valued and included. She shows respect for children as she talks to them and values their opinions. The childminder provides resources which promote a positive view of the wider community and diversity and so help to develop children's awareness and understanding. Children behave well. They respond to the childminder's positive approach to promoting good behaviour through effective use of praise and encouragement. The childminder agrees boundaries with the children so that they know what is expected of them. She helps children to develop an understanding of right and wrong through giving clear explanations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has established a positive partnership with parents, which benefits children. She requests information about children when the placement begins and obtains relevant parental permissions. This information is used to help meet children's needs effectively. The childminder’s written policies and procedures are shared with parents before placement begins, so that parents have clear information about her service. However, the complaint procedure does not reflect current legislation and does not contain the correct contact number for the regulator. Information about children's daily experiences and care is shared through informal talks with parents as children are collected or delivered. Parents of younger children are also informed through use of a daily diary. This good level of communication helps to ensure that children's needs are effectively met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised environment which keeps them safe and secure. Children are able to access toys and make choices in their learning due to the childminder's good organisation. This contributes to developing children's independence and helps to ensure that their needs are met. The childminder shows commitment to further improving the quality of her service. She has completed a range of further training courses relating to aspects of care, such as physical development, health and nutrition and the Disability Discrimination Act. These measures make a positive contribution to the quality of care and children's learning.

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Organisation

The childminder has written policies and procedures, most of which work well in practice to promote children's welfare, care and learning. All legally required documentation that contributes to the children's well-being and safety is in place.

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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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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, the quality and standards of care was judged as inadequate. The childminder was required to ensure that a current first aid certificate is maintained and that the record of children's attendance is accurate.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has updated her first aid qualification and maintains the daily register accurately. This has a positive effect on the protection of children's welfare and safety.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • adapt the complaint policy to reflect current legislation, and include the correct contact number of the regulator.

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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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