Childminder in St Helens

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 315368 Inspection date 10 February 2006 Inspector Anna Barnes

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 1992. She lives with her two adult children and their siblings aged seven and ten in Rainford, near St Helens, Merseyside. The whole of the ground floor is available, except for the downstairs bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The upper floor is not available for childminding. There are currently three children on roll under eight, two of whom are under five years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the

p.2

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 local toddler group and takes the children to the local park. The childminder keeps a pet dog, goldfish and rabbit all of which are accessible to the children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are secure and cared for in a warm, clean home. They stay healthy and learn about personal hygiene because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene procedures. For example, encouraging the children to wash their hands before meals and snacks and after toileting, in order to prevent the spread of infection. Children stay healthy because the childminder has sufficient understanding of dealing with first aid and sick children. She can deal with any emergencies promptly, by contacting parents immediately to ensure the children's health needs are met. Children are nourished and encouraged to learn about healthy eating. They have their dietary needs well met because the childminder provides a range of nutritional snacks, such as, soup, sandwiches, pasta, salad, bread sticks, yoghurts, fruit, together with frequent accessible drinks, such as, milk and water. This follows

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

agreement with parents, thus meeting children's individual needs. Children enjoy physical activity because the childminder provides opportunities for the children to enjoy the fresh air. They visit the local parks, jungle bungle, use the apparatus and have freedom to run, climb, swing and slide helping them gain control of their bodies and develop physical skills in a fun way.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and safe indoor environment because the childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in the home. For example, securing the front door, cupboard locks, socket covers and providing fire safety equipment. However, some safety issues require further attention, namely, the development of an emergency escape plan. The childminder is not presently using the rear outside area due to flagging being undertaken. This area is kept secure to prevent access by the children and ensure their safety. Children use safe equipment because the childminder organises it so that children can access toys easily and safely. These include books, play dough, paint, role play, dolls, prams, play food, cars, small world toys, jigsaws and games. Equipment for the younger children is available to meet their needs, including a large pram, low table and chair and a buggy.

p.3

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 Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder develops their knowledge and understanding of how to behave when walking. For example, teaching them road safety, awareness of hazards, such as toys under foot and how to use equipment during physical activity to avoid accidents, thus enhancing their own personal safety. Children's welfare is generally safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates an understanding of potential signs of abuse and neglect. She also knows whom she would contact to report any child protection issues. She would take action if she felt a child was at risk of harm. However, she does not currently have the appropriate contact details for the relevant agencies in order to report any concerns should they arise.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and comfortable in the childminder's care because she is confident and attentive in her care of them. This makes them feel secure. The children develop confidence and self-esteem when the childminder praises them for sharing, being helpful and kind to each other. Children show interest in what they do because the childminder is alert to their developmental needs and provides a range of toys and play opportunities to develop their emotional, physical, social and intellectual learning. Children are involved, motivated and engaged in a broad range of developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities, for example, imaginative, creative and physical activities. The children enjoy playing with small world toys, construction, role play and looking at books. They are able to make choices and are interested in what they do, thus developing their skills in a fun way.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children acquire new skills as the childminder supports their learning by answering questions. She encourages them to learn about objects, numbers and shapes during outings to the shop to buy fruit and by reading books. She encourages children's mathematical skills as they build a tower of bricks, encouraging them to count and identify colours, thus developing children's understanding and reinforcing their learning.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to respect and show concern for each other. Children’s individual needs are catered for to enable inclusion in the setting. The childminder acts as a role model, encourages positive attitudes, understanding of others through discussion with children and parents, together with the provision of some resources and activities relating to diversity. The childminder shows a positive attitude and due regard towards the care and

p.4

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 inclusion of children with special needs. She communicates effectively with parents regarding their children's needs and as a result, children are given the same opportunities. Children have established positive relationships with the childminder who sets clear boundaries that children understand. She manages children's behaviour by using age appropriate strategies. For example, explanations, time out, praise and encouragement for good behaviour and individual achievements, that encourages them to behave well. Children's individual needs are met because the childminder has established positive relationships with parents by sharing information, working to meet children's individual needs, agreements regarding behaviour, thus promoting continuity of care for the children.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are well protected and cared for by the childminder. She has an understanding of supervision, vetting procedures, maintaining adult/child ratios, thus enhancing the safety of the children. Children play freely and safely because the childminder organises available space appropriately. Low level storage allows children to access resources easily thus allowing them to make choices in daily routines. In general, the childminder uses procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However, the register was incomplete. There is no system for logging complaints and some parental signatures to seek medical treatment in an emergency are omitted from some child record sheets. In general, she shares records with the parents to maintain continuity. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the inspection it was recommended that the childminder should improve areas relating to documentation, health, safety and resources. Children are further protected as the childminder has updated medication documentation as parents sign the entries if given; obtained written permission to transport children in a vehicle; provided a fire blanket; additional contents for a first aid box and some resources that promote diversity, thus making some improvement to the care and welfare of children.

p.5

Complaints 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 Since April 2004 Ofsted has received one complaint relating to Standard 6 Safety and Standard 11 Behaviour. Ofsted visited the childminder to investigate these concerns. It was determined that Standard 6 regarding the supervision of children was not being met and an action was raised. The childminder's response to this action was satisfactory and demonstrates the standard now continues to be met. The childminder remains qualified for registration. 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 that those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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 emergency escape plan • obtain the address and telephone number of the local child protection team • improve documentation by including systems to maintain children's attendance, logging complaints and parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment.

p.6

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

p.6

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