Childminder in Knowsley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303575 Inspection date 07/10/2005 Inspector Denise Sixsmith

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Type of inspection Care Type of care Childminding

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Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be freely reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided the source and date of publication are stated.

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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.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

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.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

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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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The provider must give a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must give a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Day Care and Childminding (inspection) (England) Regulations 2005 No 2300 Regulations 5 and 6).

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2005. She lives with her husband and 5 children 3 of whom are adults and 2 aged 14 and 9 years of age in Kirby, Merseyside. The living room and dinning room on the ground floor and the upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 6 children aged 1 to 3 years. Children attend for a variety of days and sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds an appropriate early years qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. They learn about good hygiene, enjoy washing their hands and do this frequently, especially after using the toilet and before eating. They are effectively learning good hygiene practices as they clean the dolls face and hands and help to wipe the table before they have their snack. The childminder assists the children to stay healthy through her good discussions with them about the need to wear warm clothes for outdoor play and feeling how cold the doll's head is after outside play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about healthy eating because the childminder provides them with fresh fruit, which is readily available in the fruit bowl. They receive a healthy and nutritiously balanced diet which includes fresh vegetables, fruit and yoghurt. Children are learning to make choices at snack time as they decide on the portion size and the topping for their sandwich which they spread themselves. A choice of drinks are provided regularly for the children throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy regular physical activities in the easily accessible rear outdoor play area. They thoroughly enjoy running and hiding in the play house from the monster or digging in the sand pit. The childminder provides many additional activities, such as walks to feed the horse and organised fun day events to help the children to develop and refine their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming home where children can play safely. She carries out ongoing risk assessments of all areas used by the children to ensure any potential hazards are significantly minimised. Children are learning to keep safe as they energetically help to sweep up the leaves on the paved area before outdoor play, to ensure that they do not slip. They show concern that the sit and ride toys are wet and proceed to wipe them with a cloth provided by the childminder. The safety equipment currently in place reflects the age and stage of development of the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can safely access the resources, toys and equipment, and these are regularly checked for broken or damaged pieces. Safety equipment is in place to minimise risks to children, however the fire blanket cannot be easily accessed in an emergency and the access to the premises is not secure at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is generally well safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates an understanding of potential signs of abuse and neglect; also whom she would contact to report any child protection issues. She would take prompt action if she felt a child was at risk of harm, thus protecting children from abuse and neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very happy and well settled in the caring environment. They enjoy playing with a varied range of games, resources and toys which the childminder provides for them. The children can easily access the toys and resources which are stored at their level to successfully promote their growing independence and help them to make choices.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play together well to help each other to gain new skills, supported very well by the childminder, for instance when naming and deciding which shapes to post into the box and finding the pieces for the girl and boy teddy jigsaw. The children's self- esteem is fostered very well because the childminder uses appropriate praise and encouragement which results in the children following her good example and offering praise and lots of clapping for each other. Children use their imagination well and converse animatedly with each other as they make a den in the playhouse for the dolls.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn about the natural world and the environment in which they live as they take regular walks to see the horse. They visit local children's groups with the childminder to meet other children and enhance their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a good knowledge of the simple house rules, which are consistently used to ensure they know how to act responsibly around others. For example, taking turns and sharing popular resources. The children are well supported as they make choices and operate independently in the childminder's care. The childminder is consistent in her approach to managing children's behaviour and as a result children listen to her and are learning to manage their own behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are clearly acknowledged by the childminder and she makes sure that these are catered for while the children are in her care. She has a positive approach to children and values their individuality to ensure they are confident and thrive in her care. Children learn about the wider world generally well through the variety of resources that promote positive images and awareness of differing cultures and gender, however, there are fewer resources that promote disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs are discussed and agreed with their parents and the childminder, who work appropriately together to provide continuity of care for the children. Parents spoken to are happy with the care provided for their children because they feel their children are happy and well cared for at the childminders.

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Organisation

Children are cared for in a well organised environment which provides them with space and freedom to move around. They receive a balanced variety of both indoor and outdoor activities. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities and is committed to provided a good service for the children in which they are happy and thrive.

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Organisation

Effective policies and monitoring arrangements are in place to ensure the children's welfare and development are promoted well and confidentiality is maintained. The childminder is committed to building on her professional training in childcare to ensure that she keeps up to date with childcare practice. Children's general welfare is enhanced through the childminders training in first aid. Overall the needs of the children attending are met.

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Complaints about the childcare provision

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 good. 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?

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

 ensure that the fire blanket can be readily accessed in an emergency and that the premises are secure at all times  increase knowledge of child protection issues in line with guidance provided in the Government summary document.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

procedures set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted’s role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2473) which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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