Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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202264 Unique Reference Number 18 September 2006 Inspection date Ann Marie Cozzi 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 has been registered since 1998. She lives with her husband and three children aged three, seven and 12 years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

They live in a residential area of Church Langley, Essex. The property is within walking distance of the local schools, parks and shops.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The ground floor of the property is used for childminding and children have access to the upstairs bathroom. There is a fully enclosed rear 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 under eight years at any one time and is currently minding children aged four months, one year, three years full time and two children aged six years before and after school.

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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 attends local soft play groups, childminder cluster groups and the local childminding association toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy being cared for in a clean and welcoming environment. They are protected from infection or harmful bacteria by the positive steps taken to ensure good hygiene is practised, such as regular cleaning of the home and washing their hands after being outside and before and after food. However, there is a weakness in the current procedure for nappy changing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to discover the importance of eating healthy and this is promoted through encouraging them to eat nutritious foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. The health and well-being of children are further safeguarded by the systems that the childminder has in place, such as accident and medication records.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are opportunities for children to receive fresh air and exercise weather permitting. Children have access to a range of outdoor play opportunities including trips out. There are also indoor play opportunities for children to develop other physical skills such as drawing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are comfortable in the environment and space is organised to meet their basic needs. Documentation is in place to underpin the safety and well-being of children. For example, the childminder has obtained written parental permission for emergency medical treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The welfare of children is safeguarded by the use of a range of suitable furniture, play equipment and resources that are safe and well maintained. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe and are given gentle reminders about picking up toys from the floor. They receive supervision and respond well to the childminder who promotes an awareness of boundaries within the home. However, there is a weakness in these procedures which could potentially result in children's safety being compromised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

During regular walks children have the opportunity to learn how to cross the road safely and develop an understanding of the importance of holding hands and staying close. All persons with regular access to children are suitably vetted. The childminder has an appropriate child protection policy in place and she is fully aware of her role and responsibilities in the protection of children.

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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 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. Children play happily and co-operatively with each other, learning to take turns and share.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The routines that are in place are familiar to the children. This helps them to feel secure and confident. They benefit from a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated games and activities which they enjoy. They are able to make some decisions about their play and therefore initiate their own learning. Children have opportunities to experience a variety of creative play materials which promotes self-esteem and self-confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The immediate and individual needs of children are met effectively because the childminder has a good understanding of each child. Their interests are planned for and reflect the play and learning opportunities on offer.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have opportunities to learn about the local community through for example, through regular walks to and from school. They are able to make some choices such as selecting activities for themselves. Children have opportunities to learn about differences and similarities from positive images of diversity and through a childminder who acts as a good role model. This helps them to learn to value and respect similarities and differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well in response to the childminder's calm approach and clear expectations. She is consistent and uses age-appropriate strategies for example distraction and redirection to another activity. She explains the effects of their behaviour to help them understand right from wrong. Children learn to share and take turns with the support of the childminder. They feel good about themselves as they receive lots of praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's sense of security and belonging is fostered well through the working partnership between the childminder and parents. This results in children forming a close and trusting relationship with the childminder. Children benefit from the regular exchange of communication between the childminder and their parents. A good range of information relating to the care and service offered is available for parents.

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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 in an environment which is homely and welcoming.

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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 All required documentation is in place and the 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 a commitment to update her knowledge regularly through appropriate training.

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Organisation

Children receive support from the childminder who knows them well and enjoys their company. The home is well organised and there is plenty of space for children to enjoy their play.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection the childminder agreed to improve the outcomes for children from birth to three. The childminder has access to relevant information and will be undertaking training in the 'Birth to three matters' framework this assists her in improving outcomes for young children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received a complaint which raised concerns regarding caring for more children than permitted under her conditions of registration and road safety issues.

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Complaints since the last inspection

An Ofsted childcare inspector conducted an unannounced visit to the childminder on 26 January 2006 to investigate these concerns in relation to National Standard 2: Organisation and National Standard 6: Safety. Upon investigation Ofsted found no evidence to support a breach in these National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

During the visit the inspector found evidence that National Standard 14: Documentation had not been met and one action was raised in relation to this National Standard. This is as follows: ensure an accurate daily record of children's attendance is maintained at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A satisfactory response to this action was received on 17 February 2006.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider continues to be registered.

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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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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): • improve nappy changing procedures in order to promote good hygiene practice • have in place effective procedures for the supervision of children in order to improve their overall safety.

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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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