Wilson, Julia

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY311760 Inspection date 09 March 2006 Inspector Sandra Daniels

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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 2005. She lives with her partner and 1 child aged 1 year in Harlow, Essex. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 1 child on a full-time basis. The premises is situated within walking distance of shops, parks and various pre-school groups. Schools and a library are also nearby and it is a short drive to the station.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene through well organised activities and reinforced daily routines. For example they learn that washing their hands prior to eating and after using the toilet helps them to stay healthy. The childminder maintains very high levels of hygiene in the home to help to prevent the spread of infection. For example, all kitchen surfaces are cleaned regularly and parents are asked to keep their children at home should they have an infectious disease. Children's individual dietary needs are met as the childminder ensures she is aware of any special dietary requirements or allergies. The childminder works closely in partnership with parents in this respect and provides healthy snacks of fruit and raw vegetables for children. All children have access to drinking water throughout the day. The childminder sees meal times as an opportunity to help children to enjoy their

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Helping children to be healthy

food and to become independent in feeding themselves. The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework well to provide a very good range of physical activities and play experiences for babies and young children. For example, she takes them to a 'Little Steps' gym.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming and child-friendly home where children feel safe and secure. Children enjoy their play in a very safe environment where the childminder has identified and minimised all potential risks. For example, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are checked regularly and an emergency evacuation procedure is discussed with older children. Children are kept safe in an emergency as there is another registered childminder nearby who can provide support and cover as necessary. Space within the home is very well organised allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. They can easily access the toys and resources which are checked regularly to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm them. Babies and young children have choices in an environment kept safe by this knowledgeable childminder who provides a good balance between freedom and safe

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

limits. Children benefit from clear boundaries and reasonable yet challenging expectations which encourages them to discover boundary limits and learn about rules. Children are kept safe during play as the childminder reinforces safe practices, for example, putting some toys away in order to make clear play space, free of obstacles. This helps children to take responsibility for keeping themselves and

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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 others safe in the home. When on outings younger children are kept safe through use of appropriate car seats, restraints and pushchairs. They begin to learn about road safety as they talk about the 'green man' and safe places to cross roads. Children's safety and well-being is safeguarded as the childminder has a child protection policy in place which clearly identifies the correct procedure to follow should she have any concerns. She is confident of her role in the protection of children. The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of all safety related issues and has in place all the relevant policies and procedures to ensure children's safety. Procedures are in place for the safe collection of children and their care is enhanced by good organisation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, confident and settle well into this setting. They have a clear sense of belonging as the childminder fosters very good relationships with each child and encourages them to build relationships with each other. The childminder offers a settling in period during which the foundations of these relationships are laid for both children and their parents. Children play happily and co-operatively with each other, learning to take turns and share. Children have independent access to a broad and worthwhile selection of developmentally appropriate toys and resources. They benefit from a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated games and activities which they enjoy. Children have opportunities to experience a variety of creative play materials which promotes self-esteem and self-confidence. They use a wide range of books which they enjoy sharing with the childminder and with each other.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Language and imagination is encouraged through role-play activities. Children's confidence in using and responding to spoken language is enhanced as the childminder talks to them, explaining what they are doing. This encourages young children to link words with actions. The childminder shares the fun of discovering language with young children, encouraging them to explore, experiment and express. She shows her understanding and appreciation of new words and phrases. Children benefit from the childminder's understanding and use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. They are frequently taken out to the park, library, shops and local groups, thus supporting the development of their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Effective systems are in place to ensure that children are happy, valued and

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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 respected as individuals. Parents receive a prospectus containing the setting's policies and procedures and regular information is shared verbally with parents on a daily basis. Children benefit from the effective relationships the childminder has developed with parents, helping to ensure that children's needs are met at all times. Children have opportunities to learn about the local community through regular, organised trips. They enjoy outings to the park, library and various groups. Children have access to a broad range of toys and books that reflect positive images of various lifestyles, cultures and abilities, helping them to learn to value and respect similarities and differences. Children behave very well in response to the childminder's calm approach and clear expectations. She is consistent and always explains the effects of their behaviour on

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Helping children make a positive contribution

others to help them understand right from wrong. Children learn to share and take turns and, with the support of the childminder, begin to resolve their own conflicts and take responsibility for their behaviour. Children feel good about themselves as they receive lots of praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children settle well into the childminder's home and are happy, secure and confident. They are able to develop independence and self-confidence as they are well-supported by the childminder and the setting is homely and well-organised. All necessary documentation is in place with the exception of written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Policies and procedures support the provision of children's care, welfare and learning. Appropriate procedures are in place for the safe collection of children and the childminder ensures that all persons with access to children are suitably vetted. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the needs of young children. She updates her knowledge frequently and is committed to further training. Overall the needs of the range of children are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration/1st April 2004/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.

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Complaints 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

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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): • obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment

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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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