Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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202720 Unique Reference Number 31 October 2006 Inspection date Samantha Smith 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 1998. She lives with her husband and three children aged one, seven and 12 years in Buckhurst Hill. The whole house is registered 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 four children at anyone time and there are currently two children on roll. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school.

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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 play in a clean home, where they are encouraged to follow good hygiene routines. For example, they know to wash their hands when they return from school, before eating and after visiting the toilet. The childminder's own hygiene routine ensures that children are protected from the spread of infection. Work surfaces are kept clean and she washes her hands regularly throughout the day. Children are further protected from the spread of infection through the sickness policy in place, which excludes children if they have infectious illnesses. If they become unwell whilst in the childminders home, then the parents are contacted and appropriate care is given until they arrive.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy meals provided by the childminder. Which generally consist of meat or fish with vegetables and pasta with a selection of fruit. Drinks are freely available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical play as they take part in a range of activities when they go on walks to the park and use the fields. They also participate in activities in the garden where they use larger equipment including a climbing frame, swings and a slide.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a warm and welcoming home, where they feel safe and secure. Toys and resources are stored in the bedrooms and children are able to access them freely. Children mainly play in the lounge, dining room and garden, where they move around safely and make choices from the selection of toys and resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe in the home because the childminder has taken positive steps to minimise potential risks. For example, the front door and back gate are kept locked preventing children from leaving the premises unsupervised. Socket covers are in place, restrictors are fitted to low level cupboards and fire precautions in place through the use of smoke alarms and a fire blanket. Children are also learning to take some responsibility for their own safety as they become aware of the emergency evacuation procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a sound understanding of the procedures to follow if she had concerns regarding a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a selection of toys and equipment suitable for their age and stage of development. They make independent choices about what they would like to play with choosing items that interest them. Toys allow children to develop in all areas of learning and children enjoy using the range of equipment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Resources include a variety of small world play, puzzles, games, dressing up and role play equipment. As a result, children develop their imagination and act out real life experiences. Board games develop children's social skills as they share, take turns and learn how to follow rules. Children take part in creative messy play including gluing. As a result, children have opportunities to develop a variety of skills in a fun and enjoyable way. The childminder supports children by encouraging them to make their own designs on their collection bags for Halloween. Children show good concentration, enjoying the activity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in various extra curricula activities including tennis, football and violin classes which they very much enjoy. Children are developing an awareness of the natural environment as they explore the fields and garden, planting and digging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a range of toys and resources and they make independent choices about what they want to play with as they freely access toys from the bedroom upstairs. The childminder has a sound understanding of equal opportunities and diversity, however, opportunities for children to learn about other cultures and backgrounds are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although the childminder has no direct experience of working with children with special needs, she demonstrates a positive attitude to meeting children's individual needs and she keeps parents informed of their child's progress. Children behave well which is encouraged through the use of praise and encouragement. She offers appropriate explanations about acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and children know the house rules and boundaries in place when they go on outings to the field and park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnerships established between the childminder and parents. She ensures that parents receive regular feedback regarding their child's progress and she takes time to listen to their ideas and requests.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare is generally well safeguarded. The childminder and her husband have completed the required checks. However, there is a weakness in the childminder's understanding of her role to notify Ofsted of any significant changes or events. Including notifying Ofsted of another adult staying in the home, this potentially exposes children to unsuitable persons. Space is organised sufficiently to meet the needs of children and the environment is welcoming.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed the required training courses, however an up-to-date first aid certificate has not been maintained, as a result children are potentially at risk in the event of an accident. The required documentation is in place and contributes to supporting children's care, welfare and learning. There are regular opportunities for parents to exchange information with the childminder and written agreement are in place to support the childcare practice.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure the accident book is signed by the parents and ensure the daily register is completed at times of arrival and departure of minded children. Parents sign their acknowledgement of children's accidents. The register clearly shows children's arrival and departure times. This demonstrates the childminder's commitment to ensuring children's welfare is maintained and ensures parents are kept informed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to minimise hazards inside and outside the home. The home is well maintained and potential hazards have been identified and removed, demonstrating the childminder's commitment to keeping children safe whilst in her home.

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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 log 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 children have access to an appropriate range of activities that promote equality and positive images • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes first aid for infants and young children and ensure this is maintained • improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in the regulations and set in place a procedure to notify Ofsted of any relevant matters.

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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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