Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 322331 Inspection date 07 February 2006 Inspector Barbara Redmond

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and 2 daughters aged 12 and 15 years, in the Mossley Hill district of Liverpool. The childminder is registered to care for six children under 8 years. She is currently minding four children who attend for a variety of sessions. Children have access to a play room, morning room and kitchen for their care and play experiences. There is a downstairs toilet and a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. She is a member of the National Childminders' Association and the Penny Lane

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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 childminders' network. The childminder accesses the local park, the library and toddler groups when minding.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are involved in effective hygiene routines to avoid infection. They wash their hands before meals, using anti-bacterial soap and individual paper towels. The nappy changing routine is effective, reducing the risk of cross-infection. Children learn about maintaining their health through personal care, as the childminder reminds them that washing their hands eliminates germs. The childminder shows a good awareness of health issues for children and has displayed a poster promoting good sun care. Children on medication are safeguarded as appropriate documents for administering medication are in place. Although these have not been used yet, as no medication has been administered, the childminder has a good understanding of how they should be completed. Children who have accidents receive appropriate care because the childminder has the knowledge and understanding required to take effective

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Helping children to be healthy

action. The childminder has the necessary training, documentation and equipment to ensure children involved in accidents are well cared for. However, the first aid box does not contain an approved contents list to ensure all items are suitable for minded children. Each child has their own drink throughout the session to prevent them becoming dehydrated. Children have drinks and snacks that include healthy options, such as fruit and milk; all of which make a positive contribution to their nutritional needs. Sample menus include a range of freshly cooked items, such as fish pie, curry and pasta. They provide an interesting and varied range of foods for the children to enjoy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to a designated play room, providing them with an attractive space for their care and play. The room is brightly decorated and the walls are painted with children's characters. The toys are laid out ready for the children, providing an inviting area for them to enjoy. Children have a good range of toys to promote their development in all areas. They have role play materials including a kitchen and a work bench. Construction materials, jigsaws and a good range of creative materials are further resources for children to enjoy. Appropriate child sized furniture is in place so they can engage in table top activities in comfort. The childminder shows a good awareness of keeping children safe. She has a gate on the playroom so they remain in a safe area. The outdoor area is safe for children,

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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 as the childminder has installed many safety features, such as locks and drain covers. Children only enter the kitchen to access the toilet and garden; consistent close supervision protects them from danger. Children are protected in case of fire, as there is a written fire procedure in place and regular fire drills are conducted. This ensures that children are aware of what to do in an emergency. Children are encouraged to learn about their own safety. The childminder reminds them that they might fall if they climb on chairs and that tidying away toys prevents them falling over them. Sleeping children are observed closely to keep them safe. However, they sleep in prams which does not allow free movement while at rest. Children are protected here because the childminder has the necessary documents

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

in place and an understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse and knows who to contact if she is worried about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of the Birth to three matters framework, which enables her to provide children with a stimulating range of activities to foster their all round development. Children freely access toys and activities which encourages their independence and allows them to pursue their own interests. Role play helps them re-enact familiar scenes and gain an understanding of their world as they simulate dolls using the potty. They praise the dolls, indicating that they are encouraged to feel positive about progress in their own personal care development. Children are developing competence in using language to become skilful communicators. Then they look at books and engage in conversations with the childminder, recognising familiar objects and situations. Children do this well, turning the pages and remaining fully focused. Language development is also fostered

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

through singing familiar songs. The childminder engages children in conversations, encouraging them to recall events relating to their own experiences. Children are encouraged to increase their awareness of mathematical concepts in play situations, appropriate to their age. The childminder takes opportunities to encourage children to count when doing jigsaws. She also encourages recognition of colours as children play with construction materials. The childminder takes the children on regular outings to enhance the provision. For example, children visit the library for stories promoting a healthy interest in books. They visit toddler groups regularly to develop their social skills as they interact with other children. Physical skills are also promoted at the group, as children climb and balance on a large climbing frame and wheeled toys. Physical development is further enhanced by outdoor play in the garden and frequent visits to the park.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are also given regular opportunities to explore materials and express themselves creatively using a good range of natural materials and art and craft

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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 activities. Children are learning to relate well to their peers and adults, receiving good support in playing sociably together. When playing with jigsaws children have minor disputes in line with their age and stage of development. The childminder patiently encourages the children to resolve the problems through taking turns and considering others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children can have their individual needs met because the childminder completes admission forms that record individual requirements and adapts her practice so that all needs are met. Children have access to a range of toys and activities that help them develop a positive attitude to the wider community. They play with dolls, clothes and other items from a range of cultures and access small world figures and books that raise their awareness of people with disability. The childminder has the necessary training and links with other professionals to help her support children with additional needs. She has a good understanding of adapting practice to create an inclusive provision for individual children. She has a flexible approach towards their involvement in activities, so their particular preferences are respected. The children receive lots of meaningful praise to help them behave well. The

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder takes time to explain why a behaviour is unacceptable, helping children develop an understanding of right and wrong. Children are encouraged to share, take turns and show sympathy to their peers so they learn to play co-operatively. The childminder uses distraction skilfully to avoid conflicts between younger children. She also shows a good awareness of how children's moods can affect their behaviour. For example, she notices when behaviour deteriorates because of tiredness and puts a child down for a rest. The childminder is a good role model for children, always remaining calm and encouraging good manners. The relationship with parents is good. There are good systems in place for the exchange of information. Admission forms and policies are in place making parents aware of the care their children receive, so that it is in accordance with their wishes. Parents sign to say they have read the policies before the child starts. Parental

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Helping children make a positive contribution

permission is sought for events, such as outings and car transport. This ensures that all the care provided is appropriate to the children. Parents find out about a child's day verbally, receiving information on aspects of care, such as sleeps, feeds and activities enjoyed by the children. The childminder is aware of the need to provide a complaints log for parents in accordance with Ofsted requirements, although this is not yet in place.

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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 has taken the necessary steps to ensure that children only come into contact with suitable adults as she carries out the necessary checks on people at the premises. Children have appropriate supervision because the childminder ensures that the required adult to child ratios are always met. The childminder organises the provision well, using space effectively and changing activities frequently, thus providing enjoyable experiences for the children. She has produced a file of policies for parents to ensure the provision is suitable for the children who attend. The childminder is a member of a local childminder network, which gives additional support for her to provide a good service for children. She attends very regular training to update her knowledge and skills so that practice continues to be of good

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Organisation

quality. Documents are kept securely to provide confidentiality for children and their families. The childminder keeps all records from when a child starts attending, to protect their interests after they have left the setting. She consistently informs Ofsted of any changes at the premises, ensuring that the care provided remains suitable for children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to improve documentation relating to child protection and sick children. This information is now in place, improving the quality of the service for children and their families.

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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): • ensure that the complaints procedure complies with the current Ofsted requirements and includes the regulator's address

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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 • obtain a contents list for the first aid kit that has been approved by a first aid instructor.

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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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