Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295589 Inspection date 24 May 2005 Inspector Jenny Curtis

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2004. She is registered to care for at maximum of 5 children under eight at any one time and is currently minding 6 children on part time basis. During the inspection there were 3 children present. The childminder lives with her husband and 2 children aged 12 and 5. They live in Hutton in Brentwood.

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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 Local facilities include shops, parks and a local library. The closest school is St Josephs. The whole of the property is used for minding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have no pets. The Childminder is happy to attend a local toddler group with minded children, but is currently not doing so. She supports children with special needs and who use English as an additional language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning about the importance of health and hygiene through reinforced routines provided by the childminder. They know for example, that by washing their hands before eating they will be clean. Children are beginning to make healthy choices about foods from a range offered by the Childminder at each meal. Older children confidently choose from what is on offer and help themselves to drinks from a jug. Younger children are supported to make choices by the childminder and access drinks freely from their own cups available from furniture at their level. Arrangements for children who are unwell are in place and parents are made aware of these. Children's individual health needs are discussed at length with parents and monitored closely. A safe outdoor area with a range of physical toys enables children to exercise and play in the fresh air. Children walk regularly with the childminder and are taken on

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Helping children to be healthy

and trips to the park. Younger children are able to rest or be active according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risks to children's safety are minimised by the Childminder. She checks toys and equipment regularly and uses safety equipment such as cupboard locks and a stair gate. Smoke alarms are tested regularly. Children are given freedom to play independently with all resources and the childminder encourages them to tidy away in order to keep their play space safe. Children are discovering how to keep safe by talking about road safety rules on a

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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 daily basis and practising the fire escape plan with the childminder once a month. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures and this is supported by her written policy which is discussed with parents. She has completed a first aid course and ensures appropriate insurances are up to date for her home which enhances the welfare of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and settled in the childminders care. They play contentedly alone or together and the childminder interacts warmly with children as they play. Younger children receive lots of praise, cuddles and eye contact, increasing their sense of well being. Children benefit from the childminders flexible planning of activities which ensures that they receive a range of stimulating experiences on a daily basis, whilst leaving room for spontaneous activities and unplanned events. Children make choices from a well stocked playroom that is set up in a child centred way with developmentally appropriate resources. Most toys and equipment are provided at the children's level and children confidently and independently choose from what is on offer, which increases their ability to be actively involved in their care and learning. They know where things belong and show respect for their environment

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

by helping to tidy away their toys before moving onto another activity. Children clearly enjoy their time whilst in the childminders care. The childminders developing knowledge of the Birth To Three Matters Framework enables her to think more broadly about younger children's developmental needs. She offers activities suitable for the range of minded children and adapts her interaction with the children to meet their developmental stage. This increases the opportunities for younger children to explore and investigate activities at their individual level. Children have access to a range of books and resources that stimulate their interest and encourage their development in all areas, this includes access to activities on a daily basis to promote equal opportunities. Daily walks and trips local parks provides opportunities for children to socialise in the wider community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a positive attitude towards equality and adapts activities to meet children's individual developmental needs. Children are encouraged to treat others with equal concern and equipment and activities are available to foster children's independent learning about peoples similarities and differences. This is supported by the childminders Equal Opportunities policy which is discussed with parents.

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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 Children are encouraged to treat others with respect and the childminder uses consistent and age appropriate behaviour management strategies to help them learn right from wrong. This is also supported by her written policy which is discussed with parents. Children are learning to share and take turns when they play together. Parents are warmly welcomed into the childminders home and children settle quickly and confidently at an activity. Parents are fully consulted about their children's needs and are introduced to the childminders practices through the information leaflet and policies given to them at the beginning of placement. All parents are encouraged to share information and are kept fully informed about their children's care and progress through daily feedback and a communication book

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Helping children make a positive contribution

which records daily experiences and events for the children, such as eating, sleeping and activities they have participated in.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children of all ages are able to develop their independence and pursue their own interests due to the childminders well planned and organised routines and resources which helps them explore and extend their own play and learning. The homely, child centred environment and the childminders warm approach to children and parents, helps children feel confident and secure in the childminders care. Most documentation is in place, organised and stored appropriately and this in the main supports the childminder to care for the children well, however, there are some documents and required consents from parents that are yet to be completed. The childminder has completed required training through the National Childminding Association. Overall the needs of the range of children attending this setting are well met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report about this provider.

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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 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): • establish written agreements with parents for all minded children that sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements, this includes obtaining written parental permission for children to be transported in a vehicle, to go on outings and to seek emergency medical treatment

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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