Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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560080 Unique Reference Number 02 August 2006 Inspection date Patricia Mary Champion Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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 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 1993. She lives with her husband and two adult children. They live in a house in a residential area within walking distance of schools and shops on the outskirts of Colchester. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day and ten children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis and takes children to the local park. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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 stay healthy because they understand simple good health and hygiene practices. They wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet as they know that this will remove any germs. Used tissues are disposed of hygienically and there are adequate arrangements for changing nappies. Children are protected as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and paperwork is in place to record any accidents or when medication is given. The childminder can act in the event of an emergency because she holds parental permission to seek any necessary medical advice or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet provided by parents and supported by the childminder. Lunch boxes are stored appropriately in very hot weather. Balanced home-cooked meals are provided for the children in the evenings. Drinks are freely available throughout the day. The childminder is well aware of any allergies or special dietary requirements to ensure that children's individual needs are effectively met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in physical exercise each day. They enjoy playing energetically in the garden, riding bicycles or sit and ride toys. Children climb the slide with confidence and expertly use the swing. They practice ball skills and kick footballs with great enthusiasm. Good use is made of local parks so that children can use a greater variety of climbing and balancing apparatus. Children rest or sleep according to their needs. They sleep soundly and rest undisturbed if they fall asleep on the sofa

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children can play and investigate in safety within a clean and comfortable environment. They feel safe and secure because the childminder is vigilant in identifying and minimising potential risks. She uses safety items such as fire guards, stair gates and cupboard safety catches to make any potential risks inaccessible to children. Smoke alarms are tested each month. However, the children are not fully aware of how to protect themselves because they have not yet practised a fire drill to evacuate the premises in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy using a range of toys and equipment, which meet safety standards and are appropriate for their stage of development. Children learn how to use tools such as play dough utensils safely and carefully. Children benefit from frequent outings such as visits to the park. They are supervised at all times and are learning about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a clear understanding of her child protection responsibilities. She keeps up to date with current procedures through reading the recommended literature and she knows what action to take if she has concerns about a child's welfare.

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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 happy and confident in the childminder's care as they move between indoor and outdoor play. They are able to make choices about their play as they can freely access a variety of toys and equipment. Play materials are regularly rotated to provide added interest and stimulation. Interaction between the childminder and children is lively and friendly. The childminder is attentive and efficiently deals with the children's requests for help. Plenty of praise and encouragement is given to raise confidence and self-esteem. Children show pride in their achievements. For example, they proudly show visitors the handbags and the play dough models they have designed and made.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children acquire new knowledge and skills as they take part in cooking or sewing activities and learn card games from around the world. They show initiative as they organise a treasure hunt in the sand pit and enjoy collecting shells from the beach and then decorating them. Children show imagination as they stretch and mould play dough into a variety of shapes. A wide variety of outings are organised. Good use is made of local venues such as Colchester Zoo and Castle Park to develop children's knowledge and understanding of animals and the natural world. The childminder keeps an album of photographs so that they children can share and remember what they have done and where they have been.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder instinctively adapts activities to meet the needs for all children. However, she has not yet seen the 'Birth to three matters' framework to help her to develop her knowledge and understanding of how younger children learn.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are settled and feel part of the family. The childminder has a very positive attitude towards equality. She has toys and play materials that show positive images of diversity, so that children can explore differences and similarities between themselves and others. She works closely with parents and carers to meet every individual child’s needs. Sensitive and supportive care is offered to children that may have additional or special needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave appropriately and play harmoniously with others. The childminder is consistent and skilfully negotiates any minor disagreements that children may have. Children learn about their own needs and the needs of others as they learn social skills such as sharing and turn taking. The older children show great tenderness and care towards the younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a friendly partnership with parents and carers. The childminder works hard to maintain a close link with the family to ensure that children have a happy time with her. Information is shared and there are clearly written contracts. Parents are kept informed of their children's care through verbal feedback at the end of the day. The childminder is now aware of the need to keep a record of any complaints that can be shared with parents.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an appropriately well-organised environment. The childminder organises her daily routine efficiently around taking children to and from nursery and school. The childminder is enthusiastic about her role. Her husband acts as an assistant and he has been cleared through the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). However, the childminder's son is over 16 years and he has not yet completed the necessary forms to conclude the vetting procedures.

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Organisation

All essential documentation to ensure the efficient and safe management of the provision is in place. A high regard is given to confidentiality and paperwork containing details about the children is securely stored.

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Organisation

Overall the range of children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to update her first aid qualification and ensure that the written record regarding administering medication was in place. Children's health and safety has been enhanced because the childminder now holds an up to date first aid certificate and her medication records are now accurately completed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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Complaints since 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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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): • make sure that all persons aged over 16 years and living on the premises undergo the relevant vetting procedures • develop the range of activities for children aged under three, using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework

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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 • practise fire drills with the children.

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The quality and standards of the care

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 2599) 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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