Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY288438 Inspection date 07 June 2005 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 has been registered since 2004. She is registered to care for four children under eight years. The childminder lives with her husband and daughter aged eleven years. They live in Harlow close to a park, library, shops and schools. The whole of the premises is registered for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 family have two rabbits and a hamster as pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder provides a wide range of nutritious meals for children and they have easy access to drinking water at all times. The children's individual needs are met through the childminder ensuring that she is fully aware of any special dietary requirements or allergies. Children are introduced to a range of new foods following discussions with their parents. Children develop self confidence in their physical skills using toys and equipment indoors and outdoors. They have access to a good range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, through the resources provided by the childminder. The childminder also takes children to local groups where they are able to safely access a wider variety of physical activities. Children are encouraged to be active and to rest according to their individual needs. Children learn the importance of good hygiene through well organised activities and

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Helping children to be healthy

reinforced daily routines. For example they know that washing their hands prior to eating, after using the toilet and being with animals helps them to stay healthy. Appropriate procedures are in place for ensuring young children are clean and comfortable. Children are protected from infection as the childminder is well informed about children's health care matters.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an extremely safe, vibrant and well maintained environment which puts their needs first. The childminder minimises all potential risks to children, both in and out of the home, helping children to move around freely and safely, exploring their environment. Risk assessments are undertaken on a daily basis. Children's care is significantly enhanced by exceptional organisation. They have easy and safe access to an extensive range of developmentally appropriate toys and play materials, helping them to develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe and maximising their independence. Children are very well protected and the childminder has a comprehensive child protection policy in place, clearly identifying the correct procedures to follow should she have any concerns. Children participate in regular emergency evacuation procedures, both from the premises and from the car. They are beginning to develop independence and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

confidence in road safety as the childminder practises this with children whilst out on

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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 walks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and well settled in the setting. The childminder provides a wide range of developmentally appropriate toys and activities which they find interesting, challenging and enjoyable. Children are continually supported in their play by the childminder. Children have a clear sense of belonging and have developed strong relationships with the childminder and her family. The childminder operates a 'settling in' period during which the foundations of these relationships are laid for both the children and their parents. Children are animated and enthusiastic as they make choices about their activities and care. They are able to choose toys and activities as they are made easily accessible by the childminder. This helps to develop children's independence. The childminder frequently takes children out to the park, library, shops and local groups, thus assisting with the development of their social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are offered an excellent range of creative activities with which they are able to achieve an end result, thus increasing self esteem. They have access to a wide range of developmentally appropriate books which they enjoy sharing with each other and with the childminder. The childminder could extend opportunities for children's learning by further developing her knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Stage of the Early Years Curriculum.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are always listened to and are able to contribute their own needs and beliefs confidently in a supportive environment. Children benefit from the highly effective, professional relationships the childminder has fostered with parents. Parents receive regular written feedback and information regarding their child's development. Children are very well behaved and co-operate with one another, supported by the childminder. They begin to understand right and wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and the age appropriate methods used by the childminder to manage behaviour, including distraction and explanation. Children are encouraged to resolve their own differences which helps them to learn to take turns and share. They also begin to learn to accept and respect the needs of others, for example older children assisting younger children during play. Children approach daily routines with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

confidence and autonomy and have good opportunities for making choices. Children are provided with a wide range of play resources which show positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability, allowing the opportunity to develop an awareness of and respect for people with differing needs.

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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 outstanding. The childminder has completed the initial training course and holds a current first aid certificate. She has recently been accepted into the Childminding Network and will be pursuing further training in order to expand her knowledge and practice. All policies and procedures are individual to the setting and fully support the practice of a knowledgeable and skilled practitioner who consistently gives utmost priority to promoting children's well-being and developing their potential. All required documentation is in place and the childminder has also developed further systems to involve and inform parents. This is used extremely effectively to provide for the children's welfare, care and learning. Children are kept safe because the childminder ensures that all persons with access to the children are suitably vetted and that collection is by a named person only. The childminder holds a current first

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Organisation

aid certificate. Overall, the needs of all minded children are met.

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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): • extend opportunities for children's learning by further developing knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Stage of the Early Years Curriculum.

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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 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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