Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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322334 Unique Reference Number 25 August 2005 Inspection date Barbara Redmond Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 1993. She lives with her partner and 2 children aged 16 and 14 in the Mossley Hill district of Liverpool.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding including the kitchen and a downstairs bathroom. There is an enclosed outside play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under 8 years. The childminder is of the National Childminding Association, treasurer for the local childminder's network and actively involved in organising events. She has a Nursery Nurse Examination Board qualification in childcare and has successfully completed the Certificate in Childminding Practice.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder has taken steps to ensure she understands the value of a balanced diet for children. She recently attended a nutrition course and has a foundation certificate in nutrition. However, this is not always put in to practice effectively. Her documents state that children are offered fresh fruit each morning but this does not happen consistently. Menus suggest that children are given a mixture of freshly cooked and processed food, but lunches do not always provide children with a balanced diet to meet their nutritional needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children were not offered any drinks other than at lunch time. However, they freely access the kitchen and those present were old enough to help themselves to water from the tap, to prevent them from becoming dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice so children can receive appropriate care in emergency situations. There is a written policy for sick children which clearly states that children who are infectious cannot attend the setting, protecting others.

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Helping children to be healthy

Hygiene routines are inconsistent. Children do not wash their hands before lunch and after using the toilet, increasing their risk of infection. The childminder uses appropriate methods for keeping areas clean and preparing food to keep children safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises appear clean and well maintained, providing children with a suitable space for their care and play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a good range of resources at the setting to stimulate children's interest, although many items are not freely accessible to children as they are kept in an outside storage area. A rear shed has been converted into a play area and this is well resourced with role play items. A television computer game is the main item used indoors by children. All resources appear in good condition and are checked as they are put away to maintain children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Written risk assessments are in place and cover plants electrics and radiators to keep children safe. However, there are no safety features in the kitchen, where children have unsupervised access. Some sockets are exposed in the outside playroom posing a potential risk for children. Children use the upstairs bathroom although this area is not included in the registration and could pose a risk to children, as the area has not been subject to inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected in case of fire as there is a suitable written procedure and fire alarms are in place in the hall and on the landing. A fire blanket on the wall in the kitchen adds further protection. However, fire drills are not carried out on a regular basis, so children are not fully aware of the emergency evacuation procedures.

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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 satisfactory. Some children have limited experiences and engage in one activity all morning. The childminder takes the children to the park most days so children can have fresh air and practise their physical skills. She attends a parent and toddler group and childminder drop in group when caring for younger children to broaden their experiences and develop social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children generally amuse themselves by playing on a computer game. However, the childminder describes how she interacts with younger children to encourage their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children appear very settled and relaxed. They confidently access all areas of the setting showing they are comfortable at the premises. They have very easy relationships with the childminder and are able to make their wishes known.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a range of resources reflecting a diverse society. These include small world figures, books, jigsaws and posters. Admission forms are completed that include children's health and dietary requirements, so that individual needs can be met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are welcome at the setting. The childminder works closely with parents and other professionals to ensure appropriate care is given to children. An appropriate awareness of the issues is demonstrated.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. There is a behaviour management policy in place which focuses on positive methods such as distraction and being a good role model as effective methods to manage children's behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Most documentation is in place for the exchange of information with parents to keep them informed about their children's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder tells parent about their child's day verbally, including the baby, to keep parents informed about their child's care. She minds friends' children so has good relationships with them and spends time discussing the provision for children. There is a confidentiality statement in place. Documents are stored in kitchen and upstairs so they remain inaccessible and confidentiality is maintained for children and their families.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder looks after a range of children who attend for a variety of sessions. Sessions are organised so that the required adult to child ratio is met. The childminder ensures that children only come into contact with suitable adults by carrying out the necessary checks.

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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 childminder undertakes regular training to update her knowledge and skills of child care but does not always put this into practice.

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Organisation

Most of the documentation is in place for the safe and efficient management of the setting. However, there is no written parental permission for children to transfer between two childminders and accident records are not consistently shared with parents.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to keep detailed registers and keep all documents and records up to date. She has now fulfilled most of these requirements improving the service for children, although accident records are not consistently shared with parents. She was also asked to improve her knowledge and procedures for child protection. The childminder has had training in this area and has the necessary documents in place to act appropriately if she has any concerns about a child.

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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): • ensure that children are provided with a balanced and nutritious diet and have access to drinks all day • implement effective hygiene routines such as hand washing at appropriate times and using individual towels to dry hands • make all areas safe by ensuring all electric sockets and dangerous items in the kitchen are inaccessible to children and practising the emergency evacuation procedure • obtain written parental permission to allow another named childminder to care for children, ensure that parents sign all entries in the accident book and only allow children to access areas included in the registration.

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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 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

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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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