Childminder in Halton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 303421 Inspection date 19 January 2006 Inspector Sharon Verma

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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 1995. She lives with her husband and 5 children aged 6, 9, 11, 14 and 17 years in the Farnworth area of Widnes. The playroom and kitchen/diner on the ground floor are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, and is currently minding one child on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school. She attends local toddler groups, parks and other local places of interest.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene through their daily routine. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating and learn to cover their mouths when they cough. Children's health is promoted well through the good standards of hygiene in the home. The childminder heeds any information provided by parents regarding allergies and dietary requirements to ensure that children's health and welfare is safeguarded. Children are actively protected from infection through the childminder's effective policy on sick children. Children benefit from a choice of healthy and nutritious options available for lunch and snack which promote their growth and development. They are involved in preparing their own sandwiches and choosing healthy fillings such as chopped cucumber and cherry tomatoes. This helps them to develop positive attitudes to healthy eating. Their good health is fostered as they are offered drinks throughout the

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Helping children to be healthy

day to keep them hydrated and refreshed. Children's physical skills, strength and co-ordination are promoted well. They benefit from daily access to outdoor play equipment in the garden, where they enjoy a variety of activities including practising shooting at the basketball net and riding bikes. They also go on walks and visits to the local park where they feed the ducks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have space to play comfortably indoors and outdoors. They gain independence as they are able to move easily around the home due to the organisation of space and furniture. A selection of suitably maintained toys and equipment are available which create a welcoming environment for children. The childminder checks the equipment regularly to ensure it does not pose a risk to children's safety. Children are protected from most hazards in the home, however, they are exposed to risks due to the inadequate storage of cleaning products and sharp knives. The childminder gives a high priority to keeping children safe on outings. She uses appropriate car restraints and ensures children are well supervised when entering and leaving a vehicle. She also uses reins when out walking with young children. Children learn how to keep themselves safe through discussions with the childminder. The childminder explains that they must wipe their feet after playing

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

outside "so that they don't slip and hurt themselves". They also learn that when the childminder takes the bread they have baked out of the oven, they must stand back because it is "very very hot". Children become familiar with the fire evacuation

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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 procedure through the regular practices organised by the childminder. Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are achieving well because the childminder is organised and provides a wide range of planned and free play activities both inside and outside, and through outings to places such as Croxteth Park. They learn to socialise with their peers through regular attendance at toddler groups and become independent as they choose from a range of age appropriate books, toys and equipment both inside the home and in the well equipped garden. They enjoy baking bread and talk about the different shapes they can make using the dough. They are introduced to the concept of time through the baking process as they learn that when the long hand on the clock reaches the number 'two' the bread is ready. They practise their numbers through counting songs and develop their language through stories. Children are supported well and gain pleasure and confidence from the different activities on offer. They also gain a sense of self-worth as they become involved in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities such as tidying away equipment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's needs are met and their individuality respected as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. The childminder also heeds any information provided regarding the child's likes, dislikes and dietary requirements. Children benefit from the friendly relationships which the childminder develops with the parents to promote continuity and consistency of care. Children are encouraged to develop positive attitudes to others and their differences through a selection of resources which promote equal opportunities. They also enjoy sampling new foods from around the world. For example, at Chinese New Year they tried noodles and fortune cookies. They are gaining an awareness of their local environment through visits to places of local interest such as the Walton Gardens. Children behave well. They learn about the boundaries and expectations through

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Helping children make a positive contribution

discussions with the childminder. Their self-esteem is promoted through the regular praise they receive for good behaviour, effort and achievement.

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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 Children develop independence and choice as they are given space to play and move around the home. They are able to access most of the equipment easily in the designated playroom, however, children have to ask for books as these are stored out of reach. The childminder ensures that children are kept safe and are not left with people who are not vetted. She also has a contingency plan to ensure children are kept safe in emergencies. Most of the required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and up-to-date. The childminder does not, however, request parents' written permission to administer medication to ensure that children's health and welfare are safeguarded. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children. She also agreed to review documentation for recording medication. The childminder has completed a paediatric first aid course to ensure that she is able to deal effectively with any minor accidents. She has not however reviewed the documentation she uses for recording medication to ensure to ensure that children's health and welfare are safeguarded.

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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. There are no complaints to report.

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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):

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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 • make cleaning products and sharp knives inaccessible to children • review the organisation of books to ensure children can access them easily • review documentation used to record medication administered to children.

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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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