Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 315022 Inspection date 27 June 2005 Inspector Sheila Iwaskow

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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 1990. She lives with her husband, adult son and daughter aged 15 years in Thelwall, an area of South Warrington. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes; this comprises of the conservatory, lounge, kitchen and utility room. Toilet facilities are available of the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. There are currently four children on roll who attend on a variety of placements. The childminder takes and collects children from a local primary school and nursery. She

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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 offers care for older children before and after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home which is warm and spotlessly clean. They are beginning to learn about good health and hygiene procedures as they are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times of the day. Attractive toiletries, provided by the childminder, make this a more pleasurable experience. The childminder follows clear procedures to meet the health needs of all the children. However, the first aid training is not up to date. This compromises the childminder's ability to effectively deal with accidents or minor injuries. Children enjoy a range of physical activities which contribute to their good health. They are regularly taken to the park where they can run, slide and climb. Babies practice their gross motor skills as they pull themselves up against the furniture and hold to the childminder as they try to walk. Young children home routines with regard to meal and sleep times are followed, providing a secure and familiar environment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in good supply in order to meet their individual needs. Meals provided are well balanced, healthy and nutritious, contributing to their physical development. Young children develop their independence as they are encouraged to feed themselves at meal times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely environment that offers space for them to explore and play in comfort. They have the freedom of movement with ample space where they can relax in comfort or take part in more energetic play. Risk of accidental injury is minimised by the good supervision of the children and the use of appropriate safety features. However, some safety issues within the home have been identified which pose a risk to children's safety. Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe as they hold on to the pram when walking home from school and learn about the Green Cross Code. The childminder recognises her responsibility to protect children from harm but this is compromised as she is not fully aware of procedures to be followed if abuse or neglect is suspected. Children have access to a range of resources which cover all areas of their learning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys are in good condition and easily accessible allowing older children to make choices and develop their independence. The childminder ensures that babies can only access toys which are safe and meet their educational and physical needs.

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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. The childminder shares warm relationships with the children. She spends time talking and playing with the children. She offers appropriate physical contact by means of cuddles, hugs, speaks to them in gentle tones, maintains eye contact and smiles. As a result children are happy, secure and confident in her care. The childminder makes use of local amenities to provide children with different play environments, increasing their awareness of the world around them. The opportunity for children to socialise is provided by regular visits to the park and toddler group where they can play alongside other children and explore different play opportunities. Babies enjoy exploring toys which are colourful and make sounds. Sensory and sound/action toys are readily available for exploratory play. The childminder encourages early communication skills by responding to babies babbling and reinforcing early speech patterns. Literacy skills in pre-school children are fostered as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they are encouraged to write their names and recognise the difference between text and print. Children enjoy inventing games as they play "school" or in the tent in the back garden. Creative opportunities which incorporate a variety of media are available and support children's physical development and stimulate their imagination.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder respects each child's individuality and responds to their individual needs in an appropriate manner. Children are encouraged to be kind and respectful to each other, share and take turns. A range of meaningful experiences, such as celebrating religious festivals and tasting food from other cultures, allows children to appreciate our diverse society. Children's awareness of similarities and differences are highlighted at play group as a disabled man, explains to young children the challenges he faces in everyday life. The childminder understands that children with additional needs should be cared for in a sharing and inclusive environment. The childminder speaks positively to the children. She uses praise, explanation and distraction techniques to effectively manage the behaviour of the children in her care. As a result children behave well. Children's efforts and achievements are recognised

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and celebrated, promoting their confidence and self esteem. Children benefit from the positive relationships between the parents and the childminder. Systems are in place to share information regarding children's welfare on a daily basis. A letter from parents indicates a high level of satisfaction with the service and care afforded to their children. However, parents are not informed about the complaints procedure, which ultimately may affect children's safety.

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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 organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and are able to express themselves in comfortable surroundings. The childminder organises her space to provide children with a wide range of experiences. Children move about the childminder's home in a confident manner. Most records and documentation are in place and well organised to meet the standard which contributes to the continuity of care. However there are some omissions. Overall the provision meets the standard of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to address a number of issues relating to the vetting process, safety, documentation and resources. Most aspects of these recommendations have now been met. Persons living in the house, who are over 16 years of age, have now been vetted. Children have access to a range of resources which reflect positive images of race, gender and culture. The childminder's car insurance contains business cover and the first aid boxes are fully stocked. All reasonable steps have been taken to minimise safety risks to children in the outdoor play area. These improvements made to date ensure that aspects of documentation are up to date, that children are cared for in a safer environment and have access to resources which heighten their awareness of the world around us.

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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): • update knowledge of child protection issues and procedures; minimise safety risks to children inside the house with regard to the meter and washing tablets

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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 • ensure parents are made fully aware of the complaints procedure • obtain a valid first aid certificate and ensure that parents acknowledge any medication given to the children by the childminder.

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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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