Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY273477 Unique Reference Number 09 October 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 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 five children; two adults and three younger children aged 15 years, 12 years and 10 years. They live in Dunmow near to local amenities. The whole premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden area for outside play. The childminder has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

11 children, one who attends full time and all others on a part time basis. The childminder supports children with disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools and playgroups to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group, library and visits the park with the minded children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is also a member of The North West Essex Childminding Network.

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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 welcomed into a clean and well maintained home. Children are protected by the routine the childminder had devised for responding to illness and accidents. Parents are aware of the procedures in place and have given consent to seek additional medical advice should it become necessary. A well equipped first aid box is available and medication is kept out of reach.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about personal hygiene routines from the information they receive from the childminder. Simple explanatory pictures show them how to wash their hands after messy play or before eating their meals. Children are encouraged to be independent by the provision of steps to reach the hand basin.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered regular meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day. Drinks are freely available and children are encouraged to take in fluids. The childminder is aware of children's preferences and any allergies that may affect them. Children enjoy light lunches that are nutritionally balanced. Children are learning good table manners and how to behave when eating together.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing an awareness of their physical growth and general well-being. They are very energetic when playing ball games and can kick and throw with confidence. Children have lots of opportunity to exercise in the park and garden. There are special trips to soft play centres, the farm, feeding the fish and ducks and visits to the shops.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a home that is safe, secure and organised to meet their needs. The premises are bright, clean and well ventilated. The children use the ground floor primarily for their play and a fenced off area of the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access an extensive range of equipment that provides them with challenging, fun activities. The childminder ensures that toys are easily within reach of the children, this allows them to use their own initiative when organising games. Children can play safely with the resources as the childminder monitors the condition of the equipment regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is risk assessed and children are closely supervised as they play. Children practise a fire evacuation procedure and understand the reason for the installation of smoke detectors. Children are encouraged to stay safe generally; when walking by the road, using car seats and following house rules regarding running and climbing. Explanation is also given about safely using hand tools such as scissors and cutlery.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of the current information regarding child protection issues which ensures she acts in the best interests of the children. Written procedures are shared with parents and reviewed to reflect changes such as the role of the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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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 outstanding. Children benefit from well planned activities that are chosen to interest and stimulate the individual child. Each day is varied so that children enjoy a range of experiences. The childminder understands the needs of each child, adding additional challenge to activities to capture the attention of the more able children. Using her knowledge of the Foundation Stage, the childminder organises activities around themes. On the day of inspection the theme was 'People who help us'. Children talked about the roles of the postman, the policeman, the fireman and how and when they would meet these people.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show enthusiasm for their play, using their imaginations for being doctors and nurses, dancing to music and making models with the play dough. Children can choose, explore and investigate. They are able to ask questions and use reasoning when responding to adults. They are able to share, cooperate and negotiate when they want to take turns. Children are learning right from wrong as the childminder talks about being kind to one another.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged and praised for the efforts and achievements. They are not afraid to tackle a new task such as an unfamiliar puzzle or colouring in shapes. Children confidently paint large pictures and notice the way that colours run into one another and change into other tones. Parents are given information about what happens each day and they can influence the daily routine.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children benefit from the childminder's understanding and knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She has thoroughly read the document and looks for ways to incorporate new ideas into her daily routine. The childminder is proactive in taking the children to resource centres where they are able to experience playing with toys that she does not have at home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children access an extensive range of resources that reflects diversity in the community. Boys and girls are treated equally and can choose to play with all the toys. The childminder is committed to recognising each child's culture, religion and home life and this is stated in the policy that is shared with parents. Children understand that they must not make unkind remarks and that they must be sensitive to each other's feelings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children who require additional support are welcomed and included in all the activities. Their needs are recognised by their carer, who has undertaken training and advice from parents to deal with children's requirements. She understands her obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act and is proactive in ensuring that appropriate action would be taken to help children and liaise with outside agencies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing excellent relationships with adults and other children. They are able to feel a sense of belonging, make choices and work in harmony together. Children know they are valued and that their contributions and achievements are acknowledged. This adds to their

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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 confidence and growing self-esteem. Children respond to the childminder's clear and consistent approach to behaviour management. They behave very well and understand their boundaries. Minor disputes are handled firmly, children are spoken to quietly; praise and cuddles are given when the incident is resolved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is excellent communication with parents and this ensures that children's needs are met. Parents are fully involved with their children's care and their role is valued and appreciated. Children's daily routines are recorded in diaries and shared with parents. In addition parents receive newsletters, a policies and procedures pack and information on the notice boards. Time is made to discuss the children's progress and welfare creating an environment where they can flourish and thrive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is enthusiastic about her work and is committed to training. Currently she is a member a childminding network and intends to become accredited to provide the Foundation Stage curriculum. She has already completed training for Planning and Assessment and Effective Assessment both in 2005. She has completed all three elements of the childminding training that now credits her with a level three qualification. Children are protected by the childminder's overall knowledge of her responsibilities as a childminder and the regulations and conditions that govern the work.

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Organisation

The daily routine is organised to ensure that ratios are maintained and that children are able to move freely around the home. There is ample space for children to play both inside and outside of the home. Activities are organised to meet the needs of the children attending. The childminder concentrates her time on looking after the children and giving them individual attention.

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Organisation

Documentation is kept confidential, however parents have access to their own child's records and the childminder's policies and procedures. Contracts and details forms contain all the relevant information required to ensure the children's welfare is protected. Paperwork is generally in very good order however, the daily register does not accurately record the arrival and departure times of each child.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to complete a first aid course. This has been completed and she is confident that she can deal with any accidents or emergencies that may occur involving the minded children. It was also required that written consent was sought from parents to seek medical treatment. Children are now protected as this consent is on file for all children on roll. The garden needed attention to ensure that children played in a contained area; secure from the rest of the garden which is steep and unsuitable for unsupervised use. The childminder now has an area that is secure and children are able to play freely outside.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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 the daily register accurately records the times of arrival and departure of the minded children.

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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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