Childminder in Knowsley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY233362 Inspection date 31 October 2005 Inspector Ann Lee

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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 adult son in a three bedroom house in Kirkby, Knowsley. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and she is currently minding three children who all attend on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She attends the local toddler group and takes children on walks to shops, farms and other places

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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 of interest.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children begin to understand the importance of healthy eating because the childminder offers them a varied diet which includes plenty of fruit and vegetables and regular drinks. They learn about different textures and tastes as they bake cakes, chop tomatoes and grate cheese for pizzas. The childminder ensures that the individual dietary needs of children are met because she gathers information about special health and food requirements. She tells parents about what children have eaten each day during informal chats, but there are no written menus available. Children are protected in the setting because the childminder has an up-to-date first aid certificate, records accidents and medication and knows what to do if a child becomes ill. However, parental permission for emergency advice and treatment is not obtained. Children are protected from infection and cross contamination because

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Helping children to be healthy

they understand simple health and hygiene practices such as washing hands after using the toilet and before eating. They are further protected because the childminder ensures that the areas used by children are clean and that food is stored and prepared hygienically. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. For example, they enjoy daily walks and attend toddler group where they can run about, climb, ride bikes and play with other children. They have regular opportunities to develop their physical skills in the garden where they can play ball games, bounce on the trampoline and play on the good range of outside play equipment. They also practice their small motor skills when they build with Duplo, pour water in the play kitchen and use scissors, brushes and pens during arts and craft activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, airy and spacious home which is attractively decorated but where few examples of the children's art work are displayed to build their self esteem. Children become more independent because they have freedom of movement and can choose their own toys from the range of items set out around the room and in see-through containers. The toys and equipment are safe and in good condition and children are interested in the items available. There is also a good selection of toys and equipment available for outside play. For example, there is a play house and a trampoline which is enclosed in a net so that children cannot fall off. Children are protected from most risks and accidental injury in the home and on outings because they are well supervised and most of the necessary safety equipment, such as a fire blanket and fire guard, is in place. However, smoke alarms

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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 and cupboard locks have been temporarily removed and this could leave children vulnerable. Children's awareness of safety issues is promoted through discussion about fire and road safety and because the childminder warns them of potential hazards such as sharp scissors and slippery floors. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues and understands her responsibilities so that she can protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder develops good relationships with children which helps them to feel happy and secure. She talks to them, joins in their play and provides a variety of interesting activities which help them to be creative, to be imaginative and to learn. For example, children enjoy arts and crafts activities such as making hats for Halloween and they learn about measuring and improve their co-ordination as they pour water and pretend to make cups of tea. They also enjoy cooking and they learn new skills as they chop fruit and vegetables and bake cakes. They become more independent and confident because they help to prepare their own snack and set the table for lunch. Children have good communication skills because the childminder talks to them, reads stories and helps to extend their vocabulary. They are interested in their play and concentrate well in spite of the presence of the large television set

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

which is switched on but which no one watches. Children follow a basic, flexible routine which includes time for rests, play, meals and outings but the childminder does not plan activities to meet their individual needs using the Birth to Three Matters framework. A variety of toys and equipment is set out before the children arrive each day and they are rotated so that the children are interested in the items available and do not become bored.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are made welcome and are treated with equal concern. The childminder finds out about any special requirements so that she can meet children's individual needs. There is a limited range of resources such as books and toys which reflect positive images of different cultures and the childminder helps children to develop an awareness of the wider world through regular outings into the local community and by the celebration of festivals such as Diwali. Children are well behaved and they respond to the childminder's positive methods of behaviour management. She uses appropriate praise and encouragement for good behaviour and achievement, and she provides the children with plenty of attention. The childminder is a good role model and children learn to be polite, to share and to take turns. Relationships with parents are good and this helps children to feel reassured and to

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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 feel that they belong. The childminder shares information with parents during daily informal talks. However, she does not provide any written information about her policies and procedures, such as how she deals with complaints or about the progress of their children, to help promote their safety, welfare and learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a spacious, bright and welcoming environment which is organised to meet the needs of the children. They gain in confidence as they choose their own toys and activities which are easily accessible. Since the previous inspection the childminder has not been involved in any further training which would help her to improve her service for children. The childminder protects children because people who are not vetted do not come into unsupervised contact with them. They are further protected because the childminder always ensures that the correct ratios are maintained so that they have sufficient support and supervision. Continuity of care for children is not fully promoted because the documentation does not provide parents with information about the setting or about policies and procedures. However, the childminder talks to parents each day when they collect

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Organisation

their children, to keep them informed about their welfare and development, and all of the necessary records such as register and accident book are kept up-to-date. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The choices for children have improved because toys and equipment are stored in easily accessible containers. More toys and equipment are available to meet the needs of babies and pre-school children and the childminder spends time talking and playing with the children to develop their language skills and imagination. The safety of children has improved because the childminder ensures that children practice the emergency escape plan.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which can be seen 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

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 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): • obtain parental consent for emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure that smoke alarms are in place and that all dangerous items are inaccessible to children • improve the outcomes for children from birth to three using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters' • provide a record of complaints made by parents which they can see on request.

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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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