Childminder in Knowsley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY104369 Inspection date 13 February 2006 Inspector Sharon Verma

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 15 in Halewood, Knowsley. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and the front garden is used for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children aged between 2 and 5 years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local toddler groups with the children. The family has two dogs.

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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 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 the importance of good personal hygiene through their daily routine. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating lunch. They use anti-bacterial hand wash and understand how this can reduce the risk of cross infection. The childminder has a good understanding of how to implement hygiene practices in order to prevent the spread of infection for example, cleaning babies' equipment regularly and washing her hands after changing a nappy. The childminder has an effective policy on sick children which ensures that they are actively protected from illness and infection. She also heeds any information provided by parents regarding allergies and dietary requirements to ensure that children's health and welfare are safeguarded. Children's physical skills and strength are promoted well through daily access to outdoor play equipment in the garden as well as walks and visits to the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

They also develop their coordination as they sing songs and rhymes with actions. Children benefit from a good choice of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals to promote their growth and development. They enjoy home cooked food including fish and fresh vegetables. Their social skills are enhanced as they are encouraged to sit down and eat together. The childminder discusses foods and the health benefits they offer with the children, which helps them to develop positive attitudes to healthy eating. The childminder buys small bottles of mineral water for the children which they have easily accessible throughout the day. This encourages them to drink regularly to keep them hydrated and refreshed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a welcoming and accessible environment for children. There is a good selection of age appropriate equipment, which is well organised to ensure children can reach it easily and make choices about their play. Children move around confidently and help themselves to toys. Children are protected from hazards associated with damaged toys and equipment through the effective system the childminder has for checking them regularly. Children have choice in an environment kept safe by the childminder who has a good recognition of the need for a balance between freedom and safe limits. She ensures small items of equipment are kept out of reach of babies and allows children to negotiate obstacles on their own, helping them to become more skilful and confident in what they can do. Children are, however, exposed to risk through the cabinet, which contains low level glass.

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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 The childminder gives a high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. She teaches them about road safety as part of the daily routine and talks to them about 'Stranger Danger'. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire; they know how to evacuate the home in an emergency through the regular practices which the childminder organises. The Fire Prevention Handbook which the childminder recently sent off has also given her some useful information about how she can further protect children. Children are well protected because of the childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. Her training in child protection has given her a clear understanding of child protection procedures in line with local Area Child

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home. This enables them to make good progress in their personal, social and emotional development. They receive lots of cuddles and reassurance to help them settle and they develop a strong bond with the childminder. This helps in fostering their emotional well-being. Children are achieving well because the childminder is organised and provides a wide range of planned and free play activities both inside and outside. They use public transport to visit places such as Freshfields beach, the squirrel park and Waterloo Marina and they go on walks to the local woods. During their outings the childminder helps children to develop an awareness and understanding of their environment through discussion about things such as the weather, seasonal changes and different modes of transport. They learn to socialise with their peers through

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

regular attendance at toddler groups, and become independent as they choose from a good selection of age appropriate books, toys and equipment. Children's language skills are fostered through stories, songs and rhymes. Young children have lots of opportunities to play imaginatively with role play equipment such as play kitchens, tea sets and dressing up clothes. They become creative through exploration and discovery as they experiment with media and different materials. The childminder makes good use of the Birth to three matters framework to inform her practice. This has a positive effect on the quality of young children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Relevant information is sought regarding the child's likes, dislikes, immunisations and dietary requirements to ensure their individuality is respected. Children benefit from a positive partnership with parents and carers. A good settling

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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 in policy helps children to be reassured and feel that they belong. Parents receive a good level of information about the provision, including policies and procedures, to ensure they are clear about how the childminder operates and to help them make an informed choice about the care of their child. The childminder continues to share information informally with parents on a daily basis to promote continuity and consistency of care. Children develop positive attitudes to the diversity of the wider world through a good selection of resources that promote equal opportunities. Children behave well and are learning to cooperate. They receive praise and attention, for example, when they help tidy away equipment, which enhances their self-esteem and self-confidence and makes them feel valued and supported. They

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Helping children make a positive contribution

learn about the boundaries and expectations through discussions with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children develop independence and choice as they are given space to play, move around the home and access equipment, which is organised at low level to help them reach it easily. The childminder has a well organised day which includes preparing part of the lunch before children arrive so that she can give them a healthy home cooked meal at lunch time. The childminder is committed to improving her knowledge and practice. She has attended various training courses including healthy eating, Birth to three and children's language and learning, which help to enrich the care and learning for children. Children's needs are known and supported through the childminder's good recording systems and practical use of her policies and procedures. Most of the required

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Organisation

documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and up-to-date. However, the childminder does not currently have written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment to ensure she follows their wishes in emergencies. 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 agreed to devise an emergency escape plan and obtain a selection of resources to promote equal opportunities. The childminder has devised and practised the emergency escape plan with the

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Improvements since the last inspection

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 to ensure they know how to evacuate the home in emergency. She has also purchased a selection of resources which reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability which to encourage children to develop positive attitudes to diversity.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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. There are no complaints to report.

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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): • make low level glass inaccessible to children • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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