Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309080 Inspection date 04 January 2006 Inspector Deborah Unsworth

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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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her partner and 11 year old son in a house in Orford, Warrington. The house is within walking distance of the town centre, schools, parks and a library. The whole of the ground floor, that includes a front room and kitchen, are used for childminding. On the first floor the middle bedroom is available if children need somewhere quiet to rest and there is a bathroom. There is a fully enclosed yard available for outside play. There are five children on roll, who attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. With parental permission 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 takes children to the local park, library and other places of interest. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about simple good health and hygiene as part of the daily routine. The childminder is proactive in helping children gain a good understanding of hygiene and a desire to become independent in their personal care. For example, older children take themselves to the toilet and wash their hands without being reminded. They show an understanding why they need to wash their hands. A small toilet seat and step are available in the bathroom which helps foster children's independence. The children benefit from the childminder implementing good hygiene practices in order to prevent the spread of infection. They stay healthy as they are cared for in a very clean and suitably maintained home. Records of accidents, incidents and medication are consistently completed to safeguard children's well-being. Children are alert and well rested as they rest and sleep in comfortable surroundings and according to their

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Helping children to be healthy

individual needs. Children respond well to routine and learn to enjoy nutritious food as part of a healthy lifestyle as mealtimes are a social occasion where children sit together at the table comfortably. Children are well nourished and their health is promoted as they are provided with a good choice of healthy meals and snacks. Children discover what is good for them as they eat lots of fresh fruit and discuss foods which are good for them. On occasions they help to make their own meals with the childminder, such as putting the toppings on the pizza. Children are offered juice, milk or fresh drinking water on a regular basis. Older children are able to access drinks independently from the dispenser in the fridge. Children enjoy a good range of physical activities on a daily basis which contributes to their good health. They benefit from regular fresh air and exercise as they play in the back yard and walk daily to local amenities and school. Children develop large

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Helping children to be healthy

motor skills and good co-ordination as they for example, practice their jumping, hopping and skipping skills indoors and out. They visit the park regularly, play on the apparatus, collect leaves and have lots of space to run and enjoy the fresh air.

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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 welcoming, warm and friendly home. They have a very good sense of belonging as they hang their coats up when they arrive, play in comfort and move around the setting safely and with confidence. They display their art work on the large fridge using magnets and then take their pieces of work home, which gives them a good sense of self and belonging. Children feel secure and confident as they express their needs and thoughts freely. They have access to a

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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 good range of toys which are safe and help them progress in all areas of their development. Children develop their independence and make choices as they access play materials confidently and easily. For example, children confidently select books from the box and take them to the childminder so they can read them together. Children are kept safe and secure both inside and outside the home. The childminder has considered the risks and mostly taken all necessary precautions to minimise those identified. Children learn the importance of keeping themselves safe indoors and out through activities and discussion. For instance, they talk about and practice good road safety when out and hold hands or wear wrist straps whilst walking near roads. They take responsibility by tidying up the toys so that they don't trip over them

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and are aware of boundaries inside the home which keep them safe such as holding onto the banister as they walk carefully down stairs. However, fire safety procedures have not been addressed with the children, who are unaware of the appropriate action to take. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues and is clear about the procedure to take if she had any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, happy and secure within the setting. Warm relationships are formed between the children and the childminder as they talk and laugh together whilst they are playing. Children look towards her for support, reassurance and cuddles. They develop good self-esteem and confidence as the childminder listens and values what they say and do. Discussion is actively promoted as an integral part of the day. For example, children confidently talk about what they did at Christmas and about the presents they received. They learn through skilful questioning by the childminder about colour, shape, number and letters. She takes advantage of spontaneous learning opportunities, such as, discussing what time it is when the clock chimes and discussing the colour of objects in the environment when walking to school. Consequently children are confident communicators who express their needs

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and ideas well. The childminder has good knowledge of the children's different stages of development and knows how to take their learning forward. She informally plans activities and outings carefully, meeting children's physical and learning needs successfully. Children engage in a broad range of activities inside and actively explore the world around them as they collect leaves in the park and look closely at the animals at the farm. They clearly enjoy their play and are making good progress in their development. Children are eager to read books with the childminder as they climb on her knee and sit close to her on the sofa. They develop mathematical skills as they name the numbers in the 'Clock book' and count to 20. Children make confident choices of what they want to play with and do as they select their own toys and books. Older children discuss and plan with the childminder what they would like

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to do such as making bracelets and baking.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about their local community as they visit places such as the park, shops, farm and library. Their understanding of the wider world and diversity is being enhanced through ongoing discussions and some good resources that reflect positive images of culture and disability. The childminder takes every opportunity to talk to children about differences and similarities and addresses issues that arise. As a result, they are developing positive attitudes to others. Children are highly valued and respected as individuals. They are made to feel very welcome in the setting and their needs are effectively met. Children have high self-esteem and their confidence is enhanced as they are equally rewarded by praise and encouragement from the childminder. Children's behaviour is good. They are learning to distinguish between right and wrong as the childminder acts as a positive role model. She is kind and sensitive and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

speaks positively to the children. Clear boundaries and simple rules are consistently applied. As a result the children are familiar with boundaries and respond appropriately to the childminders explanations. They are well mannered and understand responsible behaviour such as tidying up, walking carefully up stairs, sharing and helping each other. Good and purposeful working relationships with parents contributes to the children's well-being. Arrangements for settling children in are flexible, ensuring they become secure within the setting. The childminder collates and records information from parents about their children's needs and interests. Consequently, she has a very good understanding of their individual needs and children are cared for according to parents wishes. Daily informal discussions keep parents up-to-date about the provision and their children's activities. Contributing to continuity and consistency of

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and relaxed as they play comfortably in a well organised environment. They are motivated and well stimulated as the childminder manages her time well providing a good balance and range of activities indoors and outdoors. Daily routines, activities and the organisation of resources support the children to progress in all areas of their development and fosters their independence. They are independent learners as they select their own resources, initiate and extend their play. Children profit from the effective adult support which successfully enhances their confidence and learning. The childminders sound knowledge and understanding of child development and good practical skills in caring for children ensures the quality of care for children is of a good standard. She demonstrates a strong commitment to development and improvement by attending training to update and broaden her knowledge and skills.

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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 Most policies and documentation are in place, well organised and up to date. However, written parental permission is not requested to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment and there is no procedure in place for the recording of any complaints received. 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): • devise and practice an effective fire evacuation plan • obtain written parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment and provide a procedure for recording complaints.

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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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