Childminder in Wirral

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 306094 Inspection date 26 May 2005 Inspector Elaine Murray

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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 satisfactory. 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 1992. She lives with her three children, all of whom are aged over 16 years. in Meols, Wirral. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house with the exception of the back lounge is used for childminding. Children have access to the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding 12 children on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local

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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 parent/toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where sound hygienic practices prevent the spread of infection. They are developing awareness of simple good health and hygiene practices such as hand washing through well established routines and encouragement from the childminder. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as the childminder provides balanced and nutritious meals which promote children's good health. Children are provided with regular drinks, which also helps to ensure their good health. The childminder works with parents to ensure that babies needs with regard to diet and sleep are appropriately met. Babies learn to progress towards their next stage of physical development due to the childminder's sound understanding of this development and positive encouragement given. Older children learn to enjoy physical exercise and develop skills as they make regular use

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Helping children to be healthy

of the good range of outdoor equipment such as wheeled toys, bats and balls. They also develop a healthy lifestyle as they walk to school and back and take part in regular outings to the local park and other amenities in the locality. The childminder's clear sickness policy is shared with parents and helps protect children from the spread of infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely in the welcoming home. The main room is bright and many toys are accessible, allowing children to play in safety and comfort. Children are kept safe as the childminder has taken measures to minimise risks and hazards within and outside the home. Children develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe on outings through discussion about, for example, the importance of holding on to the pram and staying close to the childminder. The childminder also develops children's understanding of safety in the home through discussion and explanation. Younger children show a growing understanding of how to keep themselves safe due to her clear guidance. Children are able to access toys easily as the childminder makes good use of the space available to ensure this. Children confidently select toys and equipment from the satisfactory range provided. The childminder has good knowledge of signs and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

symptoms of child abuse. She is familiar with the procedures to follow if concerns are raised and has relevant guidance and contact numbers. This means that children are well protected.

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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 Children settle readily due to the calm, friendly manner of the childminder. They have very positive, warm relationships with the childminder which develops their self esteem and confidence well. Children's all round development is adequately supported by a sufficient range of activities and resources, including outings and quiet times. They learn to be independent due to the childminder's sound level of support and guidance. Children happily choose their own resources and activities and are supported by the childminder in carrying these out. Younger children's language skills are developed well due to the childminder's effective interaction. Older children have some opportunities to develop their creative skills through craft work. Younger children have limited chances to be creative or to develop skills through sensory play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and included due to the childminder's positive approach. All children are able to participate in the activities offered. This promotes their self esteem and sense of belonging. Children are well behaved. They respond well to the childminder's positive approach to promoting good behaviour through effective use of praise and encouragement Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has established with parents. A regular sharing of information between the childminder and parents through informal talks helps to ensure that children's needs are appropriately met. The childminder provides limited activities and resources to develop children's understanding of differences in people and cultures in the wider community and around the world. This means that children's understanding of this area is not effectively developed

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from being looked after in a generally well organised environment which keeps them safe and secure. All required records are kept, helping to ensure that children are appropriately cared for. Children are able to access many toys and make choices in their learning due to the childminder's organisation. This helps to develop children's independence and help to ensure that their needs are met. The childminder has not informed Ofsted of some relevant changes in the household, which means that potentially children's welfare and safety is not fully protected. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was required to improve her knowledge of child protection issues, provide more activities and resources to promote equality of

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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 opportunity and anti discriminatory practice, and to display her registration certificate. The childminder has acquired more information about child protection and now had a good understanding of these issues. As a result children are well protected. The childminder has acquired some resources to promote equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice. The range is still limited and there are few activities provided to develop children's understanding of this area. As a result this aspect of children's learning is not fully developed. The childminder's registration certificate is now displayed as required.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

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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 satisfactory. 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 activities provided for 0- 3 year olds include opportunities for learning through sensory and creative play, following guidance such as 'Birth to 3 matters' • ensure that Ofsted are informed of all relevant changes • ensure that children have a sufficient range of activities and resources to promote equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice.

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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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