Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY261539 Unique Reference Number 20 June 2006 Inspection date Lynn Amelia Hartigan 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and nine years, in a residential area in Heybridge, near Maldon.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the premises is used for childminding. There is a garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools, duck pond and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding one child who attends on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. (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. Children are becoming aware of good personal hygiene. They learn about keeping themselves healthy as the childminder encourages children to wash their hands before snack, after using the toilet and if they have played in the garden. The childminder provides them with their own individual flannels and towels.

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Helping children to be healthy

Providing good opportunities for communication with parents ensures children are protected with regard to illness and medication. An appropriate well stocked first aid kit is available and the childminder has completed a paediatric first aid course. Well documented accident and medication records are in place, however, the children's health could be compromised as written parental consent regarding administering medication is not available. Children's routines are respected and well catered for. They are able to sleep when they need to and are made comfortable on the sofa, or a travel cot is used as appropriate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted well. They enjoy fresh air and exercise daily as the childminder ensures they have a walk or play in the garden as part or their daily routine. This includes walking to pre-school, a visit to the local park so they can develop their large physical skills or a trip to the duck pond.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures the children enjoy healthy nutritious snacks and meals. Healthy options such as fruit, fresh juice and water are offered. Meals are provided and again are nutritious, children enjoy brown bread sandwiches, olives and fruit for their lunch.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder is committed to ensure that children and their parents feel welcome. Children's individual needs are met as appropriate, very well maintained resources and equipment are provided within the lounge and set out ready for the children's arrival. The good selection of toys both indoors and outdoors and their accessibility, ensures the children can make choices and self-select.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a very clean, safe environment as the childminder gives priority to protect children. She ensures the home is risk assessed and that the premises meet with all requirements. This includes fire safety. Smoke alarms are checked regularly and the childminder has a fire evacuation plan, available to parents within the information file. Children's well-being is a priority. They are protected as the childminder now has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues.

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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 have very good opportunities for many play experiences as the childminder is committed in providing a good selection of quality toys and resources. The range of toys and equipment available to children are easily accessible to support their play. The childminder makes good use of the space available and the home is very welcoming and child friendly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience outdoor play and fresh air as this is encouraged by the childminder, throughout the year. Walks locally to pre-school, shops and parks are organised. The door leading to the garden is open and children are able to move freely from indoors to outside. Children feel comfortable and are happy. For example, children play well selecting toys from the organised toy box within the lounge, particularly enjoying the puzzles. They are able to select a wider range of toys from an upstairs bedroom.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder interacts well with the children, giving assistance when needed but also allowing them to discover for themselves. She is affectionate and caring towards the children who have developed a good relationship with her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very well cared for as the childminder takes time getting to know them and their family backgrounds. Parents are encouraged to share information so that the children's individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's knowledge and understanding of a wider world is encouraged through conversation or by the resources in place that reflect diversity, such as a selection of books, small world people, dressing up clothes and play foods. The childminder ensures she is fully briefed regarding any child's needs and encourages communication with parents and with permission, any other supporting agency. The organisation of the home and resources ensures inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand the boundaries within the childminder's home through clear guidance from her. They develop a sound understanding of cooperation and happily help tidy away after themselves. A positive approach towards behaviour management ensures that children feel secure and settled. For example, the childminder praises children when they complete a difficult puzzle. Children are confident and happily approach the childminder for cuddles and reassurance. Good communication with the parents ensures the childminder is consistent in the management of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Most documentation is available to the parents. Parents are welcome in the home and are encouraged to discuss their children's development and care on a daily basis. However, information and a procedure for parents to express any concerns to support children's well-being, is not in place.

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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 good. The childminder's home is effectively organised to support children's play. The play space both indoors and outdoors enables children to explore and play safely. Children benefit from the good resources available to them that are easily accessible and encourage independence. The childminder currently cares for one child and very good care and support is offered.

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Organisation

Well maintained documents and information regarding the children ensure the childminder is aware of the children's individual needs. These are stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to complete a local authority registration training course. The childminder attended the Introduction to Childminding Practice course in 2004. The provider was also required to update and develop her knowledge of child protection procedures. The childminder obtained a copy of the 'What to do if a child is being abused' summary and is familiar with the procedures. As a result children's well-being is protected.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken • ensure parents consent with regard to administering medication is in place.

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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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