Childminder in Wirral

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

306236 Unique Reference Number 29 August 2007 Inspection date Jean Evelyn Thomas Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and her two children aged nine and 15 years in Upton in Wirral. The front lounge, hallway and kitchen / dining room of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. The sleeping facilities are positioned on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six at any one time. She is currently minding five children under five all day on a part time basis and three children before and after school and during school holidays. The childminder walks to take and collect children from the local school. The childminder attends the local toddler groups. The family have two pet cats.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from the spread of infection due to the health and hygiene procedures in place. For example, the sick child policy and the procedure to follow if children contract a communicable illness. However, the list of communicable illnesses is not available for reference.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

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 children play with clean toys. These are washed on a regular basis. Sometimes the childminder involves the children in this task making it a fun water play activity. Children learn about personal hygiene skills through routines, such as always washing their hands before eating, after toileting and after handling the pets. The younger children drink from their own beakers which are easily identifiable because of the colour. The childminder is qualified to administer first aid.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements and preferences are agreed with parents. Nutritional foods are incorporated into the diet, offering children healthy options. Food containing sugar and salt are limited. Children regularly help to prepare their lunches and snacks which encourages them to try new food and explore healthy options.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy activities which promotes a healthy life style such as having fresh air and exercise. The garden is used throughout the year, weather permitting. Children develop their physical skills as they play with a wide range of outdoor equipment, such as bikes, sit and ride toys, the climbing frame and slide.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a homely environment that offers them sufficient space to play in comfort. There are areas where children can rest, relax or pursue more robust activities. Toys and equipment, which meet safety standards, are stored at low level to be easily accessible to the children. The range of equipment sustains the interest of the children. The childminder has equipment to meet the needs of the younger children, such as cots, pram, a range of car seats and high chairs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a generally safe setting because the childminder takes steps to minimise risks. These include isolating areas through use of safety gates, making rooms inaccessible and securing the front door to ensure children cannot leave the premises. However, the children's safety is compromised as harmful kitchen detergents and medicines in the children's bags are accessible to children. Practicing the evacuation plan and following the road safety procedures helps children to learn how to look after themselves.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has an understanding of child protection issues and is clear about her responsibility in following procedures to safeguard children. The childminder has completed child protection training.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a warm, friendly and caring environment. The childminder's settling in procedures help children become familiar with their new care setting. The childminder obtains information from parents about children's routines which she follows as closely as possible to help them feel secure in her care. Children respond well to the childminder and each other, chatting and laughing together. The childminder supports children's play by sitting at floor level and offering guidance in building blocks and with the shape sorter. The childminder plans activities, however, she has a flexible attitude towards implementing these to meet the needs and preferences of the children.

p.3

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 Children have good opportunities to be creative and use their imagination through art, craft, role play and construction. The older children create their own den using a variety of materials, the play tunnels and low level slide. The children concentrate well and receive lots of praise for their achievements. The children explore the sand, using different utensils to make shapes and patterns. The mixed age group of children enjoy blowing bubbles, the younger children learn a new skill with the help of the childminder and the older children. They are encouraged by the childminder to notice and talk about the differences in sizes and colours of the bubbles. Children are regularly taken to places of interest such as parks, toddler groups, shops, ferry journeys and museums to allow them to experience different play environments and the wider

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The younger children respond to their bodily needs and when wanting to relax select a book to share with the childminder for a quiet time together.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected as individuals within an inclusive setting. Children pursue activities of their choice developing their skills in decision making and their self confidence. The childminder does not stereotype play or label toys as being for either boys or girls. As a result children enjoy a wide range of activities and play opportunities. However, there are few resources available to help children develop their understanding about the diversity of society.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. The childminder is consistent in her approach to managing children's behaviour with an emphasis on positive strategies, which are discussed with parents before the arrangement commences. This helps children feel secure, learn what is right and wrong and to respect each other.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in partnership with parents to meet children's individual needs. There is daily opportunity to exchange information with parents. The childminder encourages parents to discuss issues of a confidential or sensitive nature outside the hours of childminding. A manual is available for parents covering polices, including the complaints procedure and information about the service children receive.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are safeguarded as the childminder ensures persons who are not vetted do not have unsupervised access to the children. The childminder has attended training to support children's welfare and development including ' Birth to three matters' framework, equal opportunities and communicating with babies.

p.4

Organisation

The children feel at home and are comfortable with the organisation which means they are confidently exploring and investigating play materials and equipment. The childminder organises activities to meet the interest of the varying ages of children attending. For example, the older children play with equipment that may present a hazard to the younger children at the dining table. The childminder organises specific activities when the younger children are sleeping. Local facilities, such as parks, play areas and toddler group to offer children a wider range of play experiences and to give them opportunity to socialise with a larger group of children. The structure of the day facilitates taking and collecting children from local schools.

p.4

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 Most documentation is maintained as required with the exception of the attendance register where details have not been fully completed on a daily basis. This omission by the childminder is a breach of the condition of registration. Systems in place to maintain records ensure confidentiality to protect children's privacy, for example, personal information is stored in individual folders to ensure parents can only read information pertaining to their child. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has completed the recommendations raised. The childminder has attended child protection training and has the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures available for reference to ensure correct procedures are followed to protect children from harm.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, there has been one complaint made to Ofsted that required the childminder to take action in order to meet the National Standards. The complaint related to National Standard 1, suitable person, and National Standard 12, working in partnership with parents and carers. Concerns were raised over the assistant and consents not being obtained from parents for the assistant to have sole care of the children and the recording of complaints. A childcare inspector visited the provision following the complaint. Actions were raised to ensure that procedures for employing an assistant comply with the requirements of the National Standards and that appropriate systems are in place to exchange information with parents, including obtaining consents and retaining records relating to any complaints. The actions were satisfactorily met by the childminder.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain the list of communicable illnesses to use as reference to ensure the correct procedures are followed to protect children from the spread of infection • provide a range of resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability to further develop children's awareness about the diversity of society • ensure children cannot access medicines or harmful substances for their safety • ensure the children's attendance record is maintained as required for their well-being.

p.5

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 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.6