Childminder in WirralOfsted inspection, 6 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY225120 Inspection date 06 October 2005 Inspector June Cotton

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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. She lives with her husband and three children aged 11, 7 and 5 years in Meols, Wirral. The whole 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five during the day and seven school age children after school. The childminder walks to a local school to collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group and is a member of the

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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 National Childminding Association. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet, they use individual towels to reduce the risk of cross contamination. A clear sickness policy is shared with parents and medication and accident records are well maintained. However, the childminder has not kept up to date with first aid training, this means that the children are less well protected. The childminder provides opportunities for the children to spend time outdoors by visiting local parks and playgrounds. This helps them develop control of their bodies, improve their physical skills and provides them with the benefits of fresh air and exercise. Babies’ rest and sleep needs are recognised and followed to maintain their good health. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Mealtimes are sociable

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Helping children to be healthy

and relaxed occasions with the childminder sitting with them. They help themselves to drinking water throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. They are offered healthy snacks such as breadsticks, fresh fruit and crackers.

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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 very well organised, welcoming environment, in which they can feel secure. The playrooms are decorated with children's art work and colourful posters, giving them a sense of belonging. They confidently select toys and equipment from the broad accessible range provided. The childminder checks them regularly to ensure they are safe for the children to use. All areas of the premises are made safe due to the childminder's ability to make thorough risk assessments suited to the children's different ages and abilities. The children learn about keeping themselves safe when out in the community through repetitive procedures, such as when the childminder teaches them about road safety. This, and the childminder's continual vigilance in supervising the children keeps them well safeguarded. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures thus ensuring that the children are well protected.

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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 Children are happy, confident and settled in the welcoming setting. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child development which is reflected in the good range of appropriate, interesting activities provided for children. However, she has not yet planned for the next stage in the children's learning by using a framework to support this. The children interact positively with the childminder who listens to them eagerly and takes an active interest in what they are doing. Children use their time purposefully and enthusiastically. They interact well with each other and are learning to take turns and share, showing a respect for the needs of others around them. This is evident when they fit shapes into shape sorters. The opportunity for children to socialise is provided through regular visits to local toddler groups where children can

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play and learn alongside other children. They enjoy a wide range of activities that develops their creativity and imagination, such as when they paint, create collages and dress up. Children enjoy activities that sustain their interest and promote their learning as they bake and grow things in the garden. Their speech and communication skills are developing well as they enjoy pointing out animals in picture books and vocalising sounds and names of animals. Children are observed to respond well to skilful questioning by the childminder, which further develops and extends their learning. Children relish the opportunity for physical activity in the garden, daily walks and outings to the park. They develop confidence in their physical abilities such as walking, climbing and running whilst learning about their environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the wider world and are developing positive attitudes to diversity through a range of activities, books and toys made available to them, for example, they participate in projects regarding Divali and Chinese New Year. The childminder has a commitment and understanding of children with special needs. Children benefit from the close links between the childminder and parents, information is shared between them to enable the children to feel confident and secure. The childminder has developed some comprehensive policies which she shares with parents. They work together to ensure consistency for the children in their learning and development. Children behave well. They respond positively to the childminder's positive approach to good behaviour through effective praise and encouragement. Children understand what is expected of them through the childminder's clear ground rules. They show

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Helping children make a positive contribution

increasing confidence as they make decisions about what they will do next and choose their own resources. They relate well with the childminder and work co-operatively with each other as they play and read books.

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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 The children feel at home, secure and at ease in the well-organised environment. They are able to freely select toys and resources which are effectively organised in the bright and stimulating environment. The childminder effectively uses her policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares them regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. The children show a good understanding of how to behave and have an increasing awareness of their own needs and begin to respect the needs of others. Good planning systems are monitored and adapted to keep children safe and to enable them to make good progress in all areas of their development. Overall, the provision

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Organisation

meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was given an action at the last inspection, this was to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She has completed some training and has a folder of information regarding child protection, this ensures that she is confident in this area and further protects the children.

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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 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): • provide broader challenges for children under 3 using a framework such as Birth to three matters as a guidance • ensure that first aid training is kept up to date in order to further protect the children.

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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 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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