Copp Gertrude Billie Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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204187 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2006 Inspection date Tina Anne Mason 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 1978. She lives with her husband and one child aged 15 years in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and one child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with special educational needs.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a clean and healthy environment. The childminder's understanding of hygiene standards helps minimise the risk of cross infection. Children stay healthy because the childminder has good hygiene procedures. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and are reminded to do the same after they have used the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

The health and well-being of children is safeguarded by the good systems that the childminder has in place, such as accident and medication records and by the childminder's sound knowledge of first aid, which is supported by a current first aid certificate and an accessible well stocked first aid kit.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children's emotional needs are highly valued. The childminder gives lots of reassurance, cuddles and positive praise throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to learn about healthy living through the different foods offered at meal times. They are well nourished and enjoy freshly homemade meals and are offered drinks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures children keep fit and healthy. Children walk to and from school everyday where possible and they have access to the garden for every day general outdoor play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home where hazards are minimised and various precautions are in place to protect them. For example, frequent risk assessments are carried out. Children are therefore able to move around the environment safely and freely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant regarding age appropriate equipment. She adopts good routines, regular checking and cleaning of toys and resources ensure children are kept safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has good understanding of child protection procedures in line with the current guidelines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are very confident, happy, relaxed and engage in a range of fun activities that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children are developing independence and good self-esteem through the childminder's continual use of positive and sensitive handling. Children benefit from the effective praise and nurturing environment created by the childminder, which contributes to their sense of belonging and security.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 organises a range of activities to meet children's individual needs. Children are provided with a variety of creative materials, such as drawing, cutting and sticking and painting. Giving children the opportunity to take part in new and exciting activities and explore new language.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a sound understanding of child development, she is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, but is not currently using it.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met because of flexible routines and positive partnerships with parents and carers. Parents are kept well informed of their child's progress through daily discussion. All necessary paperwork is in place to support a professional relationship with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are supported in learning how to manage their own behaviour. Appropriate expectations and the childminder's use of verbal praise and positive reinforcement, are effective and build children's self-esteem. Children are valued as individuals and learn to respect one another through sharing and caring for one another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children for whom the childminder is providing a service are treated with equal concern. They have equal access to the appropriate range of activities, resources and facilities available.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has created an organised physical environment, making best use of space available to support children's care, learning and play needs. Children are kept safe as there are systems in place to ensure that all adults in the household are vetted and children are never left with unregistered persons.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures that she works within the conditions of her registration at all times. The daily record of children's attendance clearly details times of arrival and departure. However, a complaints procedure has not yet been implemented. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was recommended to carry out the following recommendations. To minimise hazards to children on the premises (this refers to the storage of bathroom products) and to update contents of the first aid box.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has removed the hazardous items in the bathroom and contents of the first aid box have been updated. Which ensures children's well-being is safeguarded.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004. 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): • improve the outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters' • implement a complaints procedure to be shared with parents and carers.

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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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