Childminder in St Helens

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY290540 Inspection date 28 April 2005 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 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 2004. She lives with her husband, adult son and 2 children aged 10 and 12 years. They live in a house in the Sutton area of St Helens that is close to shops, parks and the station. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding a baby aged six months and a five year old. Both children

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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 attend on a part-time basis. The childminder drops off and picks up children from the local school. Children are taken to parks, shops, toddler groups and on outings. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning about good health and hygiene practices through their daily routine. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating and are taught to cover their mouths when coughing. Children are protected from the risk of cross infection by using their own individual flannels and towels and through the childminder's attention to good hygiene practices, for example cleaning the baby's equipment regularly. Children's health is protected by the exchange of information between the parents and childminder about allergies and dietary requirements. The children are protected from illness and infection through the childminder's effective policy on sick children. Children benefit from the healthy food provided which promotes their growth and development. Their social skills are enhanced as they enjoy sitting down to eat with the childminder's own family at tea time. Children's good health is fostered as they

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Helping children to be healthy

are offered drinks throughout the day and cooled boiled water is offered to young babies whose parents do not wish them to be introduced to fruit juices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's independence skills are fostered as they are able to move freely between the kitchen/diner and garden and the home affords children sufficient space to play comfortably indoors and outdoors. Children are protected from most hazards in the home, for example the childminder checks play equipment regularly and sets safe limits for the baby who is starting to explore his environment using the baby walker. Children gain an understanding about keeping themselves safe when walking near roads, through the regular discussions they have with the childminder on the daily walk home from school. They are familiar with the fire evacuation procedure through the regular practices which the childminder organises. Children are however, exposed to risks through the inadequate storage of cleaning products and sharp knives. Children are well protected through the childminder's knowledge and understanding

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of child protection issues. Her recent training in this area has given her a clear understanding of the child protection procedures in line with local Area Child Protection Committee 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

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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. The baby is making connections through his senses and movement. He is provided with opportunities to explore and investigate the environment using his baby walker and he enjoys the textures of natural materials and the colours and sounds of manufactured toys. The baby receives lots of cuddles and is developing a strong bond with the childminder which fosters his emotional well-being. Children become independent as they choose from a range of age appropriate books, toys and equipment both inside the home and in the well equipped, attractive play house in the garden. They have fun and make up their own games, for example, a child makes a clothes line to dry the dolls clothes using two child size chairs and a skipping rope. Children build on their natural curiosity as learners, develop their language, mathematical thinking and use their imagination through the good range of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

resources provided. Children are supported well and gain pleasure and confidence from different activities such as arts and crafts, bingo and pairs games. Children's learning is enriched by the use of 'Birth to Three Matters' to introduce new activities, for example positioning toys just out of reach to encourage babies to crawl further, which helps to develop their physical skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and treated as individuals. They settle well at the childminder's house and are quickly made to feel part of the family. The positive relationships they develop with the childminder and other members of the household increase their sense of trust and well being, and help them develop a sense of belonging. Children's understanding of the wider world is however limited, as the childminder has insufficient resources which encourage children to develop positive attitudes to others and their differences. Children's individual needs are met and their well being and development promoted through the positive relationships the childminder develops with parents. Babies' needs are catered for by the use of a 'day book' by the childminder to record and share information regarding the baby's sleeps, feeds, nappies, activities and achievements. The childminder also shares information informally with parents on a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

daily basis to promote continuity of care. Children are well behaved. They learn about the boundaries and expectations through discussions with the childminder. Their self-esteem is promoted through the regular praise they receive for good behaviour.

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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 organisation is satisfactory. Children develop independence and choice as they are given space to play and move around the home and access equipment which is organised in low level boxes to help them reach it easily. Children's work is valued and respected through displays of art work on the walls. Most of the required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and up-to-date. There is however a weakness in the medication records which could compromise children's health. There is no consent from parents for emergency medical advice or treatment to ensure their wishes are followed in an emergency. The childminder is committed to improving her knowledge and understanding of children and childminding and has attended various courses which enrich the care

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Organisation

she provides including ''Play and Activities for Childminders' and 'An Introduction to Birth to Three Matters'. She has also attended training in food hygiene and complies with regulations relating to food safety and hygiene to ensure that children are not put at risk. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment

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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 • ensure parents sign the medication record book at the end of the day to acknowledge any entries • make cleaning products and sharp knives inaccessible to children • improve the range of resources which promote equal opportunities.

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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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