Wainwright, Jacqueline Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY312714 Inspection date 09 February 2006 Inspector Denise Sixsmith

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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 three children aged 9, 13 and 15 in Maghull, Merseyside. The ground floor except for the front lounge of the childminder's house is used for the children. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children under 5 years. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is a

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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 qualified, nursery nurse.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. They effectively learn about good hygiene, because they are encouraged to wash their hands, especially after using the toilet and before eating. The childminder provides individual towels in the bathroom for the older children to foster this and wipes are used for the younger ones. Effective nappy changing and food preparation procedures are also designed to protect children from the risk of infection. The childminder has a full understanding of administering medication so parents are reassured that requests are authorised and children are therefore looked after appropriately. A quiet room is provided to ensure that the younger children receive adequate and appropriate rest and sleep times according to their needs. Children are learning about healthy eating because the childminder provides them with fresh fruit, which is readily available in the fruit bowl. Their dietary requirements

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Helping children to be healthy

are met well because the childminder follows the dietary routine agreed with parents. The childminder has produced a menu to share with parents and closely follows a five a day programme with charts and stickers in place to encourage healthy eating for the children. Drinks are provided regularly throughout the day. Children thoroughly enjoy a relaxed social lunchtime where they eagerly eat the mashed tuna and avocado with their bread and finish with a healthy selection of apple, strawberries and grapes. The children enjoy regular physical activities indoors and demonstrate their ability to make choices, gain confidence and pleasure from achievements. This is enhanced by visits to toddler groups where a wider variety of physical activities are available and visits to see the ducks where they enjoy fresh air and pleasant surroundings. The younger children have plenty of clear space to move around freely indoors and

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Helping children to be healthy

practice newly acquired mobility skills.

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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 clean, safe and homely environment because the childminder is purposeful in ensuring that safety equipment and acceptable precautions are in place. However, the emergency evacuation procedure has not been practiced and attention to dangling wires is required. Young children and babies have a clear space in which to crawl and develop their mobility in the downstairs rooms. Children play safely with good quality, age appropriate toys under the attentive supervision of the childminder. Indoor toys and equipment are organised in a way

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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 that allows children easy access, for example, a variety of toys and different sized books are available at low level. They develop an understanding of safety through play and learn to take responsibility for their actions and the safety of others. The childminder has developed house rules that promote safety. Consequently, children's safety, care and welfare is promoted on the premises and on outings. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection procedures and all the required documentation is in place to protect children. She understands her role and is able to put appropriate procedures in place when necessary. Consequently, children's safety, care and welfare is promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and well settled in the caring environment. They enjoy playing with a varied range of games, resources and toys which the childminder provides for them. The children can easily access the toys and resources which are stored at their level to successfully promote their growing independence and help them to make choices. The children's self-esteem is fostered very well because the childminder uses appropriate praise and encouragement, which results in the children following her good example. They are gaining confidence through the individual attention provided by the childminder, supported with plenty of cuddles, reassuring hugs and eye contact. The childminder offers very good support at mealtimes to assist young children to practice newfound skills and develop their independence, for example by using a spoon independently and accessing their drink as required. Children are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

developing their imagination and creativity through a range of activities including domestic play, sound and light toys, sand, water and craft activities. The childminder regularly takes the younger children to toddler groups to provide them with the opportunity to develop their social skills and begin to widen their horizons.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are clearly acknowledged by the childminder and she ensures that these are catered for while the children are in her care. She has a positive approach to children and values their individuality to ensure that they are confident and thrive in her care. Children have the opportunity to learn about the wider world very well through the variety of resources that promote positive images and awareness of differing cultures and ability. Children are very well supported as they make choices and operate independently in the childminder's care. She is consistent and clear in her approach to managing children's behaviour. Children effectively learn about good behaviour through positive reinforcement and very good role modelling by the childminder who is calm and caring. Children are cared for in a warm and caring environment, consequently they

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 are relaxed, happy and confident. Children's needs are discussed and agreed with their parents and the childminder, who work effectively together to provide continuity of care for the children. Parents and grandparents have taken the opportunity to provide written support for the level of care that they and the children receive from the childminder. Children's daily routines and developments are shared with parents through the use of written records and collections of children's achievements, ensuring good continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an organised environment which provides them with plenty of space to move around freely. They receive a balanced variety of indoor activities and plenty of fresh air on outings. The childminder has an appropriate understanding of her responsibilities and is committed to providing a good service for the children. Appropriate policies and monitoring arrangements are in place to ensure that the children's welfare and development are promoted and confidentiality is maintained. However, parental consent is not requested for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment for children and the complaints procedure is out of date. Children's general welfare is enhanced through the childminders training in first aid. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children attending.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to record. 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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • practice the emergency evacuation plan to ensure that it works in practice and make the television wires inaccessible to enhance the safety of the children • develop the complaints system to ensure that it is in line with changes to the National Standards and obtain written parental consent to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future.

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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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