Childminder in Sefton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY229455 Inspection date 16 June 2005 Inspector Lynne Naylor

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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 son aged 11 years in two linked semi-detached houses in Southport. Both of the ground floor spaces are available for childminding. The whole of the ground floor at the right side of the property is mainly used. The first floors, with the exception of the bathroom at the right side of the property, are not included in the registration. The rear garden at the left side of the property is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding 11 children, of which 2 are aged over 8 years. Some

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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 children attend on a part time basis. The childminder collects children from local schools. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends local toddler groups. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. They do not attend if they have a contagious illness which prevents the spread of infection. Their good health is protected due to high levels of hygiene. It is not clear that their skin is adequately protected. This is because parents have not given written consent for medicine to be administered, consequently, their views on the use of proprietary brands of medicine such as sun protection cream and nappy rash creams are not clear. Children benefit from a very healthy diet. They eat nutritious meals such as ham, potato, cabbage, peas and carrots. Meals and snacks are made from fresh foods, hygienically prepared by the childminder. Children's individual dietary needs are well met. The childminder is fully aware of children's dietary needs for each day. This is due to the daily exchange of useful information with parents. Children benefit from

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Helping children to be healthy

the continuity of care. For example, the childminder is aware of the children's individual food preferences and shares a good written record of the children's diet with their parents. Every day, children enjoy the benefits of fresh air as they walk to school. Younger children rest or sleep comfortably at times appropriate to their needs and wishes of their parents. Children enjoy being able to take part in active and more restful play, for example dancing and then listening to stories. Their good access to a wide range of equipment helps to develop their co-ordination and physical skills.

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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 secure home. On the right side of the property, the ground floor and first floor bathroom are for the sole use of childminding. This means there is a large amount of space for floor activities and a designated creative area. Children move freely and safely between rooms on the ground floor where hazards have been identified and minimised. They help themselves to a wide range of good quality toys and equipment which are regularly checked for safety. These toys are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children develop an understanding of safety through play and learn to take responsibility for their actions. They also effectively learn about road safety as they discuss dangers whilst walking to school and nursery. The childminder has a current first aid certificate, a sound knowledge of child protection procedures and all the required documentation in place to protect children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Consequently, children's safety, care and welfare is well promoted.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a good sense of belonging. They receive lots of praise and encouragement which actively promotes their self esteem and confidence. They are happy, settled and enjoy the company of the childminder. They socialise with other children at weekly events such as toddler group and Sure Start walking group outings. Children enjoy a wide variety of well planned activities which enable them to make good progress in all areas of their development. They learn well through play. Their good access to pencils, crayons and paper, which are kept next to a small table, enables them to practice early mark making every day. They learn to enjoy reading as they sit comfortably to share books with the childminder. Children enjoy a wide range of creative activities such as found material modelling, painting, dough, drawing and baking. The childminder's good knowledge of how children learn enables her to extend the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills of children. They learn about colour, number and shapes as they play. She is very aware of the children's individual likes and dislikes and provides a balanced range of activities to meet their individual needs. Children become independent as they choose their own toys and where to play. Children develop well physically and enjoy regular exercise indoors and outdoors.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's welfare and development is promoted, in partnership with their parents. Good communication, both verbally and in the written diaries, ensures that children's individual needs are identified and met. Children have a good sense of belonging. Their behaviour is good and they relate well to each other. This is because the childminder is a good role model. She is attentive to their individual needs and quickly identifies when children are tired and want to sleep. Good access to positive images of disability, culture, gender and ethnicity, in books, helps children gain an awareness of others. They learn about the wider world through books and discussions triggered by planned creative activities such as making lanterns and eating a rice dinner with chopsticks at Chinese New Year. Children learn about their local community on regular trips to the park, the library, the pier and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

around the town. The range of trips and outings effectively compliments the home based activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play and rest comfortably in this well organised, comfortable home. The play

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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 room is well decorated and carpeted. It is bright, colourful, welcoming and organised to help children become independent. They confidently access toys and books of their choice. Time is well managed and a good balance of indoor and outdoor play is used to extend learning and development for all the children. The childminder is knowledgeable about the children in her care. She works closely with the parents to ensure children's individual needs are known and met. The attendance record clearly shows the days when children are present but the times are not exact as the register is not completed on a daily basis. Parents have not signed all the required consent statements such as those relating to medicine and transport in a vehicle. However, effective polices and procedures are well written

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Organisation

and actively contribute to the good organisation of the setting. They also keep parents well informed about the provision which promotes continuity in children's care. The childminder is aware of the importance of continuity of care especially for younger children and babies. Children are happy, relaxed and confident in this well organised environment. Overall, the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has considered the benefits of documenting some of her policies and procedures. Some short written policy statements are now shared with parents. For example, relating to behaviour management, sick children including the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious, safety and diet. These help to promote consistent care and ensure parents are better informed about the service. Good quality books representing disability, the children's cultures, ethnicity and that of others are now readily available and enjoyed by the children. Activities also promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Children enjoy creative activities linked to festivals such as Chinese New Year. These help to promote their awareness of others in the world.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • seek written parental permission to transport children in a vehicle; extend medicine administration consent statements to include sun protection cream; and complete registers of attendance on a daily basis.

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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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