Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333452 Unique Reference Number 05 September 2006 Inspection date Barbara Ann Bush 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 registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged four years and ten months in the Tile Kiln area of Chelmsford near to local amenities. The whole of the premises, except for the main bedroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has a pet, one cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children, who attend on a part time basis. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local playgroup and school to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group, library and park with the minded children. The childminder 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 satisfactory. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through everyday routines. They wash their hands with anti-bacterial soap after using the toilet, messy play and before eating. Children are protected by the childminder's verbal policy with parents regarding sickness and preventing the spread of infection. Children are also protected by the range of information the childminder has gathered regarding their medical history, food preferences and allergies. Children are able to rest on a sofa and the childminder checks to ensure that they are comfortable.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's nutritional needs are supplied by their parents. However, snacks are offered and the childminder supplies information about healthy eating choices. Drinking water is readily available and children are encouraged to drink freely. Children sit together sociably with their carer for their meals, learning good table manners and how to eat their food properly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a variety of daily activities to enable them to experience physical play. They participate in daily walks, trips to the park and activity centres. The garden is paved to allow access all year around and is resourced with toys that will encourage movement and control when balancing and climbing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a home that is clean and well maintained. They can use a playroom that is resourced to meet their needs. Children enjoy using a range of toys and equipment appropriate for their stages of development. Toys and books are stored at child height to enable their safe access and children can choose with ease. Equipment is maintained and cleaned therefore children are protected from injury and the spread of infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the childminder's visual risk assessment of her home which helps to safeguard them from potential hazards. They are further protected by steps taken to clear the garden of any dangers. The childminder has given thought to her written fire evacuation procedure but has not been able to practise with the children. House rules about jumping, climbing and running in the house are explained to the children and this prevents accidents from occurring. Children are also introduced to road safety measures and this ensures that they have an understanding of the dangers posed by traffic.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has information regarding child protection issues but is not fully confident about the correct procedure to follow should she need to make a referral. This could compromise children's well-being. The secure collection policy ensures children are not picked up by unauthorised persons.

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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 satisfactory. Children are given time to familiarise themselves with the home prior to the minding arrangement commencing. The childminder is skilful, sensitive and reassuring; making the children feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Children have only recently started to attend the childminder's home regularly and the settling-in sessions have given the children opportunities to get to know the daily routine.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children access a range of toys that meets their needs and keeps them interested in their play. They can choose from toy boxes placed at child height. Children are given play opportunities both inside and outside of the home. Resources are available that stimulate their imaginations and encourage them to investigate further.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to move around the rooms freely as they know where things are kept. Children are given praise and acknowledgement as they play and they are encouraged to voice their opinions and ideas.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has some knowledge of 'Birth to three matters' but has not yet implemented the framework to improve the outcomes for younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder is aware of equal opportunities issues and discusses the children's needs with the parents. Discriminatory remarks made by adults and children are challenged. Currently toys are primarily suited to boys and younger children. Resources that reflect diversity in the community are limited consequently children do not have opportunities to investigate and explore unfamiliar play materials. The childminder appreciates and understands her role when working with children with learning difficulties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have boundaries agreed by their carer and parents. They understand the house rules, paying attention to the instructions they are given. Children respond to the childminder's guidelines and respect each other and the home. Children are distracted by the childminder and are given alternative activities to interest them. The childminder is calm and consistent in her approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder acknowledges the important role that parents play in the children's lives and she works closely with the families to ensure children have a secure and happy time with her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's background information has been obtained giving the childminder a clear understanding of the children's requirements.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and has worked for eight years in day care settings. She is starting the childminding preparation course in September 2006 and has a valid first aid certificate. She has very recently started work as a childminder and is gathering information about the work.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her time to ensure that she spends her working day involved with the children. They are given individual attention as ratios are adhered to at all times. The children benefit from the childminder's enthusiasm for her work and the knowledge she has gained through her professional career. She is committed to training and is reflective of her own practice and identifies areas for improvement.

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Organisation

Documentation regarding the children is kept confidential but is easily accessible for parents to share. Paperwork is in order with all the statutory forms in place.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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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 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 knowledge and understanding of child protection issues with particular regard to the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) • improve outcomes for children from birth to three years by using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework

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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 • increase the range of resources that reflect diversity in the community.

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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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