Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356103 Unique Reference Number 15 August 2008 Inspection date Michele Anne Villiers 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 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 2007. She lives with her husband and three children aged two, seven and nine in a suburb of Liverpool. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five. She walks or transports children in a vehicle to collect them from school and takes them to places of interest. The family have a cat.

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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 promote the children's health. Her home is suitably clean and she provides a welcoming environment. All documentation relating to the recording of accidents and the administration of medication are in place. However, the childminder does not record the reason why medication has been

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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 administered. The childminder has completed training in first aid in order to deal with minor injuries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about personal hygiene through routines, such as regular hand washing. A suitably balanced diet is provided to promote the children's growth and development. Hot meals are varied and include pasta or rice, and children snack on sliced fresh fruit. Drinking water is made freely available, and children also have drinks of juice or milk.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physical activity is encouraged and outdoor play is part of the daily routine. Children play in the garden on various wheeled toys and climbing apparatus, including a large trampoline. They develop good balance, strength and stamina. They also enjoy outdoor activities, such as sand play, and going for walks to the local park. Indoors, children freely move around, and suitable arrangements are made for children to sleep and rest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a secure and welcoming family home. Satisfactory safety measures are in place within the house. However, the outside grid is not suitably covered, posing a possible hazard to children. Children independently access a good range of appropriate toys and resources from low level storage boxes. They sit together at the dining table for meals and some play activities, such as art and craft. There is a large sofa for rest and relaxation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about keeping themselves safe. The childminder gently reminds children to be careful during play and when running around. On outings they learn about road safety, and young children are strapped into buggies, and reins are used if necessary. Children practise the fire evacuation procedure, helping them to become aware of what to do in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and safeguarding children. She has attended training and has devised a written policy on what to do should she have any concerns about a child. This is shared with the parents and it includes her procedure to follow should an allegation be made against her whilst a child is in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They confidently explore their environment and initiate interaction with the childminder. They are interested in their play and excitedly become involved in activities. The childminder engages enthusiastically with the children, talking and listening to them, supporting and motivating their learning. During play children learn about colour and texture. They enjoy art and craft activities, exploring different coloured paint, and discussing their favourite colour. They have fun drawing around their hands and counting how many fingers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's independence is very much encouraged. They take turns to wash their paint brushes in the sink, and help to tidy away the toys. Children concentrate well as they complete puzzles and look at books. They enjoy listening to stories and looking at the pictures. They practise mark making and attempt to write their own name on their art work. The children's language and communication skills are fostered well. The childminder constantly talks to the children, using good questioning and listening skills.

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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 The childminder plans well to provide a good balance of play experiences, including attending local playgroups, visiting places of interest and local outings. She skilfully intervenes during the children's play and practical activities to make it a learning experience for them. Written daily diaries are completed on babies and young children to share with parents. The childminder uses observation to monitor the children's progress, and has started to introduce methods for recording their development in line with new legislation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and develop a close relationship with the childminder, helping to foster their emotional well-being. They learn about diversity and the world in which they live through some toys and resources that reflect different cultures, race, gender and disability, although these are limited. All children access all toys, and activities are not gender specific. Children learn about helping others and participate in charity fund raising events, such as 'The big toddle' for Barnardo's.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and cooperative. The childminder uses appropriate strategies to manage their behaviour and resolve any conflicts. For example, she encourages young children to share and take turns, and rewards their good behaviour with positive comments.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Information is shared with parents through informal daily discussion and written documentation. Parents are welcomed into the home at any time. A 'Views and comments' book is made available for parents to record their ideas and express their views. Parents complete a 'Getting to know me' booklet about their children in order for the childminder to have some knowledge about the children's needs. Parental contracts and consent forms are in place. However, some parents of newly registered children have not fully completed and signed all consent forms.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment towards improving her own personal development in order to promote the children's welfare. She has completed all regulatory training and has attended several additional courses since being registered. She uses her knowledge and skills to provide interesting play opportunities and meet the children's needs and welfare.

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Organisation

Children are happy and settled in a family environment. Most regulatory documentation is in place and the home is suitably organised. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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

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 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): • include the reason why medication is being administered on written medical forms • ensure outside drain grids are suitably covered • continue to increase toys and resources that reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability • make sure all parents complete appropriate documentation and consent forms prior to children starting.

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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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