Childminder, Out-of school day care in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303838 Inspection date 06 October 2005 Inspector Michele Anne Villiers

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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 two children aged four and nine in Warrington, Cheshire. 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 and two children over five. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group. The family has a cat and a rabbit.

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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 The childminder has a qualification in childcare and experience of working in a day nursery and out of school club.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of hygiene and personal care as part of the daily routine. They know to wash their hands prior to handling food and after using the toilet. Each child has their own hand towel, which is easily accessible on individual pegs next to the wash basin. The childminder applies good standards of hygiene and care that promote the well-being of children. The home is very well maintained, providing a comfortable environment for the children. The childminder uses good methods of cleanliness to help prevent the spread of infection and cross-contamination. Children and adults remove their outdoor shoes when entering the home, in order to keep floors clean for babies and young children to crawl around without risk of harm. Play surfaces are wiped regularly and easy-to-clean table cloths are used at meal times and for messy play. Good procedures are in place in the

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Helping children to be healthy

event of children being sick, and displayed wall thermometers ensure appropriate temperatures are maintained when young children are resting or sleeping, further protecting their health. Children benefit from regular physical activity. They develop good stamina, strength and co-ordination, running around outside, playing on the slide and manoeuvring wheeled toys. Young children are supported well and have a close relationship with the childminder, fostering their emotional well-being. The childminder responds to the children's individual needs, allowing them to sleep and rest when required and organising activities with flexibility. Healthy eating habits are encouraged to promote the children's growth and development. Fresh fruit is offered daily and most meals are nutritious and varied. Planned tasting activities enable children to experience the taste and texture of different fruit and vegetables. Children have free access to drinking water to quench

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Helping children to be healthy

their thirst and young children have their own feeder cups. The childminder has all relevant documentation in place to further protect children's health. She holds a first aid certificate and has a fully stocked first aid box. Appropriate documentation is in place for the administration of medication and the recording of all accidents, to safeguard children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home is safe and welcoming for children. Space is organised effectively for children to move around freely, making choices and selecting resources. Toys are suitably stored in low level units for children to safely access. Resources are appropriate for the age range of children being minded, with good consideration being given to providing suitable toys for younger children, such as jumbo crayons

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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 large paint sticks for easy handling. Children learn about safety and become aware of boundaries to keep themselves safe. Young children know to sit on the floor when negotiating the small step into the garden, and when resting on the settee, children are reminded not to sit on the arm in case they fall. During outings, buggies are used for young children and older children know to stay close and hold hands. Good systems are in place for keeping children safe within the home and when playing in the garden. Smoke alarms, safety gates and a fire blanket are in place and the childminder has devised and practised a fire evacuation procedure with the children. Outside, older children have access to a large trampoline. Only one child, of school age, may play on the trampoline at any

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

one time. To further minimise the children's risk of accidental injury a safety netting is in place around the trampoline, to prevent children from falling off, and supporting poles are covered in soft padding. Children are closely supervised and written parental consent is obtained for children to use the trampoline. The childminder is aware of appropriate child protection procedures to safeguard children. She has devised a written policy, accessed some training and is familiar with the government booklet on child protection. However, the policy does not include the procedure to take should an allegation of abuse be made against the childminder or other household members.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children eagerly engage in activities and happily settle in the childminder's care. Children confidently initiate interaction and conversation with the childminder, and receive a good balance of support during adult-led and child-initiated activities. Children engage in a broad range of stimulating and interesting activities that promote their all round development. They use their imagination well in the home corner and use a toy camera to take photographs of the dolls. They enjoy painting, drawing and colouring, using a range of different coloured crayons and paints. Children are encouraged to use their senses well. They experience different textures when playing in the sand or creating an autumn collage using leaves, paint and paper. During the play routine children learn to count and the childminder uses repetition with young children, saying '1,2,3' when lifting them into a chair. Children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

develop good concentration skills when completing puzzles and building with wooden blocks. Babies and young children are supported well and encouraged to explore their environment, accessing treasure baskets and different sensory toys. The childminder uses good questioning and engages the children in conversation to promote their language development. Children enjoy listening to and singing nursery rhymes, and during story time they look at the pictures and the written word. Before going outside children are encouraged to think about the weather, 'is it raining?', 'is it cold?' They discuss what clothes to wear, helping young children to make connections. Children's learning is continued outside and during walks to place of interest. They learn about wildlife when visiting the squirrel reserve, and enjoy going to the library and park. Children also benefit from weekly sessions at the local toddler

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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 group where they learn to socialise with others, sharing and taking turns during play. Play activities are varied and challenging as the childminder plans and prepares a wide range of experiences to help the children progress. She has devised a written routine and a weekly plan of activities which are linked to topical themes, such as 'Autumn'. The play area is organised imaginatively, with specific areas for play, such as role-play, art and craft and drawing. The childminder supports the children well, and enthusiastically motivates their learning and play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and have a strong sense of belonging and identity. They are happy and confident and have a close relationship with the childminder, developing a strong sense of self-esteem. Children learn about their own culture and the culture of others through the celebration of festivals, such as Diwali and Hanukha. Children make cards to celebrate the Jewish New Year and have access to some books on different cultures and religions. There are some resources reflecting positive images of disability, race and gender, but these are limited, in order to fully promote the children's learning of diversity. Children are familiar with boundaries and respond well to instruction. Older children learn right from wrong by helping to devise 'house rules'. The childminder uses consistent praise and encouragement to reinforce good behaviour and young children respond excitedly when told to give themselves a big clap for positive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

achievements. Children are polite and well behaved. They use good manners, saying please and thank you, and are co-operative when asked to tidy away. Children benefit from the very positive relationship the childminder has with parents. Information is shared through daily discussion and questionnaires are used for parents to contribute their ideas and thoughts. Parent feedback is positive with adjectives such as 'excellent' and 'fantastic' describing their satisfaction of care provided for their children. Parents receive written information about the activities provided and all appropriate contracts and parental consent are in place for the welfare and safety of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is committed to improving her own knowledge and skills to promote the care and welfare of children. She is qualified in childcare and has experience of working with children at a managerial level. She plans to access training on the Birth to three matters framework in order to further contribute to positive outcomes for children. All documentation pertaining to childminding is in place and contributes to the efficient running of the childminder's practice. Many written policies and procedures have been devised and these are made available for parents.

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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 play-space is organised well and provides a child-orientated, stimulating environment. Children access a good range of toys and interesting activities. The home is welcoming and children are relaxed in a warm, friendly and caring atmosphere. The children's artwork is creatively displayed, along with suitable posters and pictures for the children to enjoy. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • include in the child protection policy the procedure to follow if any allegations of abuse are alleged to have taken place while the child is in the care of the childminder • increase resources that reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability.

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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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