Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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590095 Unique Reference Number 02 August 2006 Inspection date Deborah Kerry 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 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 2001. She lives with her husband and children in a house in Great Horkesley, near Colchester. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding activities and there is a secure, 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 she is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder regularly attends the local toddler group and is a member of NCMA.

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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. The childminder takes proactive measures if children become ill whilst in her care by contacting parents so that they can collect them. The good health of children is further promoted by the good hygiene practices the childminder has in place, as she ensures her home is kept clean and tidy. Children are learning about personal hygiene through the daily routine and they are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet. She has good procedures in place with regard to health of the families pet cat so that children are not exposed to potential infections.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is actively promoted as the childminder ensures they have daily access to the garden or park and walks within the local community. The childminder also walks to take and collect children from the local school, helping to promote their physical development. Children's need for rest and sleep is promoted by keeping to the children's home sleep routines and ensuring that they sleep according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's healthy growth and development is effectively promoted by the childminder as she gathers information from parents about any dietary needs they may have. They are provided with a variety of healthy home cooked meals and snacks which are essential for their good health. The childminder ensures that they have lots of fresh fruit for snacks and drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home environment. Children are able to independently select resources from the large range of good quality toys and equipment provided. Their safety is enhanced as the childminder ensures the equipment and toys are checked regularly and are suitable for the age and stage of development of the children attending. They have access to a secure enclosed garden for physical play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe from hazards in the home as the childminder has put in place measures and the necessary equipment which protect children from dangers and keeps the home secure, however the rotary washing line in the back garden is down and not covered so could be a potential hazard to children. The childminder is vigilant and ensures the children are supervised at all times, helping to promote their safety. Children are becoming aware of keeping themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about road safety when out walking, children know that they "look both ways and listen out for cars".

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is further safe guarded and promoted as the childminder has a good understanding of the local Safe Guarding Children procedures and what to do if she has concerns for children. She has worked closely with social services, through sponsored childminding which has given her a thorough understanding of child protection and the steps to take should she have any worries about a child.

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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 settled in the childminder's care. They are building positive relationships and developing their self-esteem as the childminder is kind and affectionate to them. She sits on the floor and joins in with children's play, talking and chatting freely with them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing their confidence and independence as the childminder gives them praise and encouragement for their efforts. They have access to a wide variety of play and learning activities. They can make choices about what they want to do as the childminder provides toys and activities within their reach.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved and enjoy their play. Their imagination is being developed through a range of activities such as completing a range of different puzzles, 'dot-to-dot' books, they are provided with an opportunity for a quiet time before lunch as they watch a favourite DVD that is suited to the ages of minded children present. The childminder listens and chats freely with them and asking questions which helps them to make progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have opportunities to experience the wider world through regular outings within the local community and through a range of toys and resources which helps with children's understanding of people's similarities and differences. All children are looked after according to their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn about right and wrong through listening to the childminder's explanations of what is acceptable behaviour. They know what is expected of them and are learning to share and take turns, their efforts to share are valued by the childminder as she gives lots of positive praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's well-being and progress is promoted as the childminder has developed good relationships with the parents. They benefit from ongoing communication between the childminder and their parents. Parents are kept informed on what the children have been doing whilst in her care, when they collect their children. She gathers information from parents about their child, ensuring this is kept up to date and confidential.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are kept safe as the childminder's records and certificates for training are kept all together. All documentation is up-to-date and kept confidential. Children’s individual needs are promoted by recording any dietary/medical needs or allergies they may have.

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Organisation

Children are well cared for and fully supported by the childminder as she makes good use of the space and resources in her home. They are able to move around safely and access equipment

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 easily. The childminder prepares resources ready for their arrival each day, that she knows they like and enjoy. She organises her home and toys to ensure they are accessible to children.

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Organisation

Children have continuing support from the childminder to feel secure and confident as she ensures that the required adult to child ratios are maintained. The childminder ensures she supervises children closely at all times especially when out walking and when in the garden.

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Organisation

Overall the needs of the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete training in first aid and a pre-registration course for childminders. To also ensure her attendance records are kept up-to-date, to obtain permission from parents for transporting minded children in her vehicle and for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder completed training in first aid for infants and young children on 20/03/2004 and the certificate is valid for three years. She has also completed a pre-registration course for childminders on 12/10/2004 so that all required training has now been undertaken. Documentation shows that her attendance record is kept up-to-date and that permission for emergency medical advice or treatment and transporting children in her vehicle are now both in place for all minded children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 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): • minimise potential hazards to children (this refers to the washing line in the garden).

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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 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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