Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY317963 Inspection date 20 March 2006 Inspector Wendy Brooks

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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 2005. She lives in Warrington with her husband and three children aged 8 years, 6 years and 4 years old. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently three children on roll. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with the exception of the master bedroom. The childminder takes children to local schools, nurseries and playgroups. Overnight care is not provided. The family have a pet dog, three kittens and two budgies.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a healthy diet. Their dietary needs and preferences are met as the childminder provides nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children, such as ham and cheese sandwiches, yoghurt and fruit. Children are regularly provided with drinks and are able to access their own cups and bottles. Children begin to understand the importance of healthy eating through discussions about the foods they eat. Children begin to learn the importance of hygiene routines through reminders from the childminder to wash hands after visiting the toilet and to cover their mouths when coughing, although children are not always reminded to wash hands before eating. The family have a variety of pets which the children are familiar with and understand they must stay away from the animal's equipment which is stored out of direct access to children. However, there are occasions when children's health is compromised

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Helping children to be healthy

because the kittens wander amongst the children at all times, including when children are eating their lunch. Parents are aware that they must inform the childminder if their child has been ill, although there is no agreement with parents as to whether children with an infectious illness will be cared for. Children's medical needs are discussed with parents and they are cared for appropriately when ill. Children benefit from a variety of outdoor activities within the enclosed rear garden, such as riding bikes, playing ball games, using the slide and the trampoline. The children walk with the childminder on a daily basis during visits to the shops and to local schools and nurseries.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment where most risks are identified and minimised allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. However, the premises are not fully secure which puts children's safety at risk. Children are reminded of how to keep themselves safe when walking home from school or nursery. They know to stay close to the childminder, to hold onto the pram and not to run ahead. Children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe when at the premises through discussions with the childminder. However, fire drills are not practised with the children, which limits their understanding of what to do in an emergency. Children are kept safe from harm through the childminder's understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee guidelines. At present the childminder does not have a copy of the up to date

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

government guidance for child protection procedures.

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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 Children select toys and resources from a range of good quality equipment which is maintained and monitored by the childminder. Most resources are stored within easy reach for children allowing them the independence to choose what to play with. Additional resources are stored in different areas of the house and the childminder rotates the resources available on a regular basis, in order to maintain the children's interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They relate well to each other and to the childminder and are relaxed in her care. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys and activities. Children develop their confidence when selecting what to play with. Children are interested in a suitable range of developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities, although the range of activities to promote creative and imaginative development is not extensive. Children enjoy completing a floor puzzle and jigsaw, then build towers with the construction equipment before sitting with the childminder to share a story. Children are aware of what equipment is available and are confident to ask for additional resources which may be stored elsewhere. Children make positive relationships because the childminder encourages children to take turns. Children learn to share equipment and play together with the building

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

blocks discussing what they are going to construct, which helps to develop their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Children are supervised effectively, allowing them the freedom to develop independence but ensuring their safety and well-being at all times. They are aware of their own needs and the needs of other children in the setting. Children's welfare and development needs are met. Children begin to show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. An effective behaviour management system using praise and encouragement ensures that children behave well. The childminder discusses the boundaries with parents and children and children begin to take responsibility for their own actions. Children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others are beginning to be developed through a selection of activities and resources, although to date these opportunities have not been extensive. Children have celebrated Shrove Tuesday by

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Helping children make a positive contribution

making pancakes and the childminder intends to promote a positive view of the wider world by providing activities to further develop children's understanding. Children also learn about their local community by visiting shops and the surrounding area on

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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 routine visits. Effective partnerships with parents enhance the care provided to children. Daily verbal exchanges keep parents informed of their child's day. Parents and children are invited to the childminder's house before children start to attend. This helps both children and parents to feel comfortable and familiarise themselves with the childminder and the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and feel at home in the warm, welcoming environment. This means they are confident to initiate their own play and build positive relationships with the childminder and other children. Children's needs are met through generally effective organisation. Space is managed well and resources are suitably organised. Children are provided with several areas in which to play which allows them freedom of movement at all times. Parents are kept informed of their children's progress and details about the provision. They are encouraged to share comments and concerns with the childminder. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. However, parents have not been provided with contact details for Ofsted. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 satisfactory. 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): • to ensure premises are fully secure at all times and improve children's understanding of keeping themselves safe by practising fire drills on a regular basis • ensure parental consent is in place for emergency medical treatment or advice and ensure that children's health is not compromised by the family pets

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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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