Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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202289 Unique Reference Number 08 August 2006 Inspection date Amanda Jane Gray 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 1993. She lives with her husband and two adult children. They live in a house in Basildon close to local shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor is 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 5 and three children over 5 on a part-time basis and two children over the age of 8 years before school and during the school holidays.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a dog, cat, ten guinea pigs and a chinchilla.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 very clean, warm and well-maintained environment. Children learn about personal care, through daily routines such as hand washing before snacks and meals. Effective procedures are in place in the event of a child being unwell whilst in the childminder's care and a comprehensive sick child procedure ensures children are protected from the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a good range of healthy and nutritious foods, including fresh fruit and vegetables, which are provided by the childminder. Drinks are made available throughout the day and children are encouraged to help themselves from their own cups, increasing independence. The childminder ensures that she is aware of allergies and other special dietary requirements so that children's individual needs are met. Children are able to rest and be active, according to their needs, in the home.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have the opportunity to develop self-confidence in their physical skills by using the wide range of appropriate toys and equipment both indoors and outdoors. Children have a valuable variety of play opportunities indoors which means their finer physical skills and hand-eye coordination is developing well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy their play in a very safe environment where the childminder has identified and minimised all potential risks. The childminder gives high priority to helping keep children safe and to maintaining children's safety outside the home by implementing good procedures for outings. The childminder has an evacuation procedure to follow in the event of an emergency. However, she is not currently practising this with children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can easily access a wide range of toys and resources which are checked regularly and are of high quality and well maintained. Space within the home is well organised allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are fully protected. The childminder has attended specific training in child protection and has a very good understanding of her responsibilities. She is very aware of confidentiality and has obtained information with regard to the appropriate action to take if she has a concern. The childminder informs parents of her role in protecting children, reassuring them of their child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the very good relationships they have with the childminder and other children within her care. They look to the childminder for

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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 reassurance, help and assistance and she responds in a very warm, caring and enthusiastic manner. The childminder shows interest in what they do and say by talking and listening to them, asking questions and offering suggestions. Children are learning to make positive relationships. The childminder interacts with the children in an extremely positive and responsive manner, and as such has created a happy and secure environment, where children show respect for her and each other.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in activities that are developmentally appropriate and provide enjoyment, stimulation and learning opportunities. The childminder has received the 'Birth to three matters' framework which may help her in planning a wider variety of activities that are suitably challenging for young children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have their individual needs well met. The childminder gathers verbal and written information from parents about each child’s needs before they start. She strives to get to know each child’s personality and informally plans activities according to what they enjoy, such as art and craft, trips out looking at nature or computer activities for older children. Children become independent as they make choices about their play and self select toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain an awareness of diversity through resources and activities that are provided such as books and games. They develop a positive attitude to others and gain a good understanding of the wider world and the community through celebration of festivals and access to a range of play resources which show positive images of culture, ethnicity and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are able to share and take turns and are encouraged to consider the needs of others, for example, allowing younger or less able children to join in a game. They respond extremely well to consistent and regular praise and encouragement, which results in children feeling confident and valued in the home. Children receive a very good level of supervision and support so that any difficulties are sorted out quickly and effectively by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive attitude and good working relationships that the childminder has with the parents. There is comprehensive written and verbal communication in place which contributes to children's continuity of care. Parents have access to relevant information about her practice, reports, polices and procedures. There is a settling in procedure for new children ensuring children feel safe and that the childminder has a good understanding of the children's needs and parents gain a clear understanding of her role. Verbal information is exchanged at the end of each day to keep parents updated on their child's routines and activities. As a result, children receive high levels of consistency in their care.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all her children. She has completed additional training in Food Hygiene and Child Protection which is further enhancing the service that she provides.

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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 Parents receive a set of comprehensive policies and procedures, which are used effectively to provide for children's welfare, care and learning and fully support the practice of a knowledgeable and skilled practitioner. Records and documentation have been extremely well organised, enabling the childminder to spend her working day with the children. Children are very comfortable, happy and settled in the home and benefit from the well-organised play space provided. The childminder consistently gives utmost priority to promoting children's well-being and developing their potential.

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Organisation

Children receive excellent support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well, helping them to feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there were two recommendations with regard to securing the premises and making the garden safe for children to play in. The childminder has addressed both of these recommendations ensuring good security and a safe play environment for children in the garden.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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): • ensure that emergency escape plans are practised with the children on a regular basis.

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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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