Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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201958 Unique Reference Number 05 December 2006 Inspection date Suzanne Joyce Stedman 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 was registered in 1990. She lives with her husband and adult son in Basildon, Essex. The whole of the childminder’s house excluding bedrooms on the first floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden 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 four children under eight on a part time basis and two children over eight after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. They learn about the importance of washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet through the daily routines. Children understand the reason why they need to follow thorough hand washing practices in order to maintain their good health and keep their hands free from germs. The childminder sets a good example to the children, making sure she washes her hands before preparing food. The childminder ensures her first aid certificates are kept up-to-date in order to ensure children’s minor injuries can be appropriately dealt with.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder's secure knowledge and understanding of nutrition helps the children to increase their awareness of the types of food and drink that contributes to a healthy diet. Drinks are provided regularly and children are able to access their drinks via the serving hatch. Children look forward to their snacks, for example, scrabbled egg, egg on toast, cheese sandwiches, hot dog sandwich and roast beef dinner is a favourite. The children benefit because the childminder has clear procedures in place to find out about individual dietary needs, as well as the children's likes and dislikes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills, when walking to and from school, taking part in games with the ride on and sit on toys in the garden. They thoroughly enjoy trips to the park where they are able to use the swings, slides and climbing apparatus. They enthusiastically participate in playing “Simon says” and “find the object”.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and comfortable family home. Their independence is fostered because they can move safely around the home which is safe and secure. The childminder is careful to ensure all safety equipment is in place and she is able to identify and minimise risks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children learn about keeping themselves safe both inside and outside the home. They learn how to cross the road safely, using either the pedestrian crossing or zebra crossing. They help each other cross the road safely by holding hands and using the "green cross code".

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a broad range of inviting and well maintained toys and equipment which covers the age range cared for. Resources are regularly checked for safety and are easily accessible in the lounge diner.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected by the childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures.

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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 are very relaxed and well settled in the setting. They relate fondly to the childminder and approach her for help and support. They enjoy the company of the other children and are learning to play co-operatively with them. They are keen to take part in the activities provided and the clear daily routines helps them to feel secure for example, there was lots of fun as the children enjoy playing "Simon says" complying with commands helping them to listen and concentrate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities to take part in a good range of activities which are planned and prepared in advance. They particularly enjoy visits to the library where children take pleasure in choosing their own books and reading them when they return to the childminders, encouraging children to benefit from books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a childminder who ensures she is sensitive to children's individual needs and provides a large selection of play activities that promotes children learning such as colour recognition, counting, and imaginative craft activities for example, children had made a fantastic rocket with junk materials, bunny ears from a head band, cotton wool and cardboard and a tortoise from a egg box.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s understanding of diversity is constrained due to the limited resources available. They do however, have opportunities to celebrate a range of festivals. The childminder has some knowledge of caring for children with special needs and respects their individual needs by finding out about their daily routines, likes and dislikes before care begins.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to understand the difference between right and wrong, through the clear and consistent behaviour management strategies and the good role model that the childminder sets. She is very positive with the children and uses praise well consequently children are learning to share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Consistent care is provided as the childminder works closely with the parents. Parents receive daily information about their child's care and achievements. She ensures that verbal feedback is given daily. Clear and detailed information is requested from parents before care begins about the children's likes, dislikes, fears and routines thus enabling children's individual needs to be met. Parents are very pleased with the care, activities and food provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care, learning and welfare are supported in this setting. The childminder has completed appropriate training. She is in good health and ensures children are only cared for by persons who have been suitably vetted.

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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 The environment is appropriately organised to ensure children can take part in all types of play and have their care needs met. The whole of the childminder's home excluding the bedrooms on the first floor is registered to provide care and she continues to comply with her conditions of registration.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation to support the childminder's practice is in place and is stored confidentially, however, parents signed permission for transport, administering medication and emergency treatment is not currently in place. The childminder is aware of the requirement to inform Ofsted of any significant events. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to complete a paediatric first aid course. This has been completed therefore the childminder is able to deal with any minor injuries to minded children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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): • ensure parents signed permission is gained with regard to transport, administering medication and emergency treatment • develop activities that help children to learn about equality and diversity through their play.

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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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