Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301463 Inspection date 23 September 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 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 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged 16, 14 and 11 years, in West Derby, Liverpool. The whole ground floor and two of the bedrooms are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children under 8 years at any one time and is currently minding four children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding association. She takes children to local shops, toddler groups, parks and the library.

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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 are protected from infection and cross contamination because the childminder follows good health and hygiene procedures. They have their own towels and toothbrushes and the childminder uses disposable gloves when changing nappies. Children become more independent as they are encouraged to go to the toilet on their own and learn how to wash their hands correctly. There are also good hygiene procedures in place to ensure that the dog does not pose a health risk for children. It is fed before the children arrive and has its own area of the garden which is not used by the children. The childminder ensures that children have opportunities to develop their physical skills every day. They regularly walk to local shops and parks where they can run, jump and climb and they ride bikes, dig in the sand pit and climb on the slide in the garden. Their fine motor skills are developed when they build with different types of

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Helping children to be healthy

construction toys, paint and puzzles. Children learn about healthy eating because they are provided with regular drinks and a good range of nutritious foods which meet their individual needs. Sweets and biscuits are only given as occasional treats to safeguard their teeth and their general health. The childminder is a friendly, outgoing person who develops close, affectionate relationships with the children. She joins in their play, cuddles and comforts them when they become upset so that they feel secure and settled in her home. They develop good self esteem because the childminder talks to them about what they are doing, listens to them and values what they say.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe as they are well supervised and cared for in a child friendly environment where the risks are identified and minimised. For example, there is a fire guard in place, child safety locks on the kitchen cupboards and drawers and finger guards on the internal doors. Children develop a good sense of belonging as their work is displayed and admired and they are free to move between the rooms on their own. The premises are kept secure and there is a range of good quality toys and activities which provide an interesting and stimulating environment for the children. Children become independent and confident as they are able to choose their own activities from the easily accessible toys and equipment which is set out around the rooms. For example, there are puzzles, books, a train set, cars, dolls and arts and crafts activities on the floor, in boxes and on the dining room table.

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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 Children's awareness of safety issues is promoted because the childminder explains what they should do in the event of fire and teaches them about road safety. Children are generally protected in the setting because the childminder has a basic understanding of child protection issues and understands her role and responsibilities. She is aware of the need to improve her knowledge and understanding of child protection by attending a relevant training course.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminder's house where they are relaxed, happy and secure. Examples of their art work and welcoming posters are displayed which helps to develop their self esteem. They benefit from the warm and stimulating environment where they feel comfortable and are well occupied. Children make progress because they are provided with a broad range of stimulating toys and activities which cover all areas of development. They are encouraged to be creative using a range of different arts and craft materials such as paint, crayons and dough. Communication skills are given a high priority and the childminder spends time talking to the children, singing songs and rhymes, reading stories and joining in their play. The childminder does not yet use the 'Birth to three matters' information to help her to plan activities for younger children. Babies and toddlers play happily alongside one another and begin to play together,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learning to share and to take turns. They develop close relationships with the childminder so that they feel comfortable and relaxed. Children learn about their local community and begin to socialise with others on visits to shops, library, parks and toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are made welcome and the childminder works with parents to meet their individual needs. For example, the childminder provides meals which meet cultural requirements. Children learn about differences through the celebration of festivals from around the world but there are few resources which provide children with positive images of different cultures, religions and disability. Children are well behaved and they respond to the childminder's sensitive handling of situations. She helps them to understand the other children's point of view by gently talking to them and she encourages them to be polite, to share and to take turns. Children develop confidence and self esteem as their efforts are rewarded with praise and encouragement. The childminder develops good relationships with parents so that the children's needs are met. She shares information with parents on a daily basis to keep them

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are protected in the setting because the childminder ensures that people who are not vetted do not come into unsupervised contact with them. She always works within the agreed ratios and provides a flexible service which meets the needs of the parents and children. The childminder is committed to ongoing training so that she can improve her service and the care she provides for children. The premises are well maintained, comfortable and organised to meet the needs of the children. They have plenty of space in which to play, explore, sleep and eat. All of the necessary documentation and records are in place to safeguard the welfare of children. Good relationships with parents ensure that the children's records are made available to them and this contributes towards the continuity of care for children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • improve the outcomes for children from Birth to three by using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters' • ensure that there are resources available which provide children with positive images of different cultures, religions and disability

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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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