Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY361569 Unique Reference Number 22 July 2008 Inspection date Jean Evelyn Thomas Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her partner in Wallasey, Wirral. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house and first floor bathroom and rear bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five and one child over five after school.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean setting. The childminder protects children from the risk of cross-contamination through following health and hygiene procedures, such as providing children with their own drinking beaker and the ongoing process of cleaning toys and equipment. Children become familiar with the hand washing procedures to develop an understanding of the importance of personal hygiene. They know that they need to wash their hands to get rid of germs which may make them unwell. Children's needs are generally met if they become

p.2

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 unwell. The parents are made aware of the sick child policy before the arrangement commences. However, parental authorisation is not obtained to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The children are provided with a balanced diet which includes home cooked meals. Fruit and vegetables are incorporated into the children's diet. Information is obtained from parents to ensure foods are not given which may cause an allergic reaction. Children of all ages freely access water and learn to respond to their bodily needs to drink when thirsty.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from activities that promote a healthy lifestyle, such as having regular fresh air and exercise. Weather permitting, the garden is used throughout the year. The childminder has a wide range of outdoor play equipment, including a trampoline designed for the younger children and sit and ride toys. They regularly visit parks which offer different apparatus to further develop their coordination. The children enjoy moving their bodies in different ways as they dance to the music at the setting and when they participate in the baby dancing exercise session at a local centre.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming setting. Toys are visible on arrival and set out at a low level to encourage children of all ages to make their own choices in play. The childminder changes the range of play equipment available, to offer children more challenge and to sustain their interest. The childminder has equipment to meet the needs of the younger children including a travel cot, feeding chair and low level table and chairs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are cared for in a safe setting. The childminder completes a risk assessment and uses safety equipment to isolate hazards, for example a safety gate, electrical socket covers and safety catches on cupboard doors. Children learn to look after themselves as the childminder explains that they could hurt themselves if they run in the hallway. They clearly know what to do in an emergency as they explain the evacuation procedure which they have practised. Children develop an awareness of road safety when they are out and about in the community, through following routine procedures and discussion with the childminder. Children do not leave the premises unsupervised due to the level of supervision offered and the security device in place on the front door.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and her responsibility in following procedures to safeguard children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They form a close and warm relationship with the childminder who is attentive and caring towards their needs. The children receive hugs and cuddles from the childminder for reassurance and comfort. Home routines are followed as closely as possible which further enhances children's sense of belonging and security.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a range of age appropriate activities for the children she minds. The children confidently explore play materials accessible to them. From an early age they develop their imagination and creativity through a range of opportunities and activities. For example, in role play, small world play and craft activities. The children turn a small chair upside down and create their own space rocket, using the legs for controls and count down for blast off.

p.3

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 use the farm set and a boat as their play idea develops. The children involve the childminder in their activities and answer her questions which promotes their language development. The children are confident communicators with the childminder and visitors. Their enjoyment in books and singing positively contributes to this aspect of their development. The childminder and the children regularly visit the library to choose books for loan. The childminder provides opportunities for children from an early age to learn through using their senses, for example, investigating paint, water and play dough. The emphasis is on the children determining the direction of their play. The childminder positively responds to the children's request to play outside. However, the childminder has not developed systems to plan specifically to support

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

individual children's learning and development.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Outings are organised broadening children's opportunities to socialise and learn about their local community. They regularly visit the local beaches and parks to explore and find interesting objects, such as stones, leaves and twigs which they bring home to play with or use in their craft activities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder respects and values children's individuality and meets their needs which helps to promote their self-esteem. All children are treated with equal concern and have equal access to the play materials, as stated in her equal opportunities policy. As a result, they benefit from the full range of play experiences. The childminder has identified that she would benefit from training to improve her knowledge base to promote equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses positive strategies and support to encourage children's behaviour and to develop their understanding of right from wrong. The childminder encourages children to take responsibility for their environment, for example, to help tidy away toys. The childminder's behaviour management policy is shared with parents before the arrangement commences. The childminder presents herself as a positive role model showing respect towards the children in what they do and say.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in partnership with parents to meet children's individual needs. Regular discussion with parents and the maintenance of the daily diary helps ensure ongoing information, regarding children's daily activities, routines and experiences are shared. The certificate of registration is displayed and the childminder has prepared some written policies and procedures to formally inform parents about the service including the complaints procedure.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are safeguarded as the childminder ensures persons who are not vetted do not have unsupervised access to them. The childminder has arranged to complete first aid training. She does not hold a current certificate acceptable to the National Standards. This omission is a breach of regulations.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation of the registered area allows space for a range of activities to be safely enjoyed, meeting the needs and interests of individual children. Meals are prepared as much as possible in advance, to enable the childminder to devote her time directly with the children.

p.4

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 Records are maintained as required and securely stored for children's welfare. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice and treatment for children's welfare • develop systems to complete observations and assess children's progress to plan for their next stage of learning and development • improve knowledge base to effectively promote equality of opportunity within the setting • maintain a current first aid certificate for children's well-being.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5