Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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590043 Unique Reference Number 21 February 2007 Inspection date Barbara Ann Bush Inspector

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Integrated Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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.

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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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and child aged seven years in Rayne, Essex near to local amenities. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has one pet hamster.

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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 11 children, who attend on a full and part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools and playgroups to take and collect children. She visits the library and park with the minded children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is an accredited member of The North West Essex Network and currently provides funded early education.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming home where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. Good practice is strongly encouraged. The childminder helps children to gain a competent understanding of hygiene and the need to become increasingly independent in their personal care. For example, pictorial illustrations in the cloakroom guide children through the hand washing process. Older children are reminded to flush the toilet as they are allowed to use the cloakroom by themselves. Children have an understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet, when returning from outside play and prior to eating. This reduces the risk of spreading infection. The childminder uses antibacterial solutions and alcohol wash to cleanse and eradicate dirt from their hands and work surfaces. Children are therefore playing in a clean environment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works to purposeful policies and procedures which she has devised in relation to health, medication and illness. However, she has not devised a sound policy outlining her health and safety routines which would explain to parents how she maintains procedures in the home. The childminder keeps an accident and medication book in accordance with registration requirements. Children receive appropriate first aid because the childminder maintains her first aid skills through regular training.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle because the childminder provides healthy snacks and meals. She promotes children's knowledge and understanding of nutritional issues through discussion and activities such as cooking. She always ensures that fresh fruit is available for children. Children have helped to grow foods such as tomatoes, herbs and carrots. The childminder meets specific dietary needs within the varied menu available to the children and respects parental wishes and preferences. For example, the childminder implements an alternative menu for children who are vegetarian. The children always sit at the table to eat, learn good manners and social rules, and respond to one another with courtesy. Children are positively encouraged to drink water which is freely available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a broad range of stimulating activities that contribute to their growth and development. The childminder has an understanding of appropriate types of activities and levels of support for each child. This promotes children's confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and recognise when to ask for help. All year round there is a daily opportunity to play outside either at the park or in the garden. However, there are missed opportunities to explain and promote children's awareness of the beneficial effects of exercise. Children walk to and from the schools and local shops. Children also have adventures in the activity centres and on nature walks around the village.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home environment. The childminder uses the ground floor primarily to enable children to access toys independently and safely. She has a small play

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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. room on the first floor that doubles as a sleep area for the younger children. The hall is used for information posters for parents and to display children's artwork. Children are protected by stair gates, locks and clear instructions about areas of the home that they cannot use for example, bedrooms.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from an easily accessible, wide range of age-appropriate resources, which are in a good state of repair. She carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys, to ensure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development and played with in a safe manner. For example, smaller pieces of equipment that are suitable for the older children will be used when the younger children are sleeping or not attending.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to move around and play safely, freely and independently because the childminder has identified and minimised all risks, balancing freedom for children and setting safe limits. Children are learning to keep themselves safe because the childminder has clear rules and routines in order to maintain their safety inside and outside the home. For example, the childminder clarifies the 'green cross code', safe areas to walk and assuring children that adults permitted into the household are introduced and are acceptable people with whom they can communicate. Children are transported in age-appropriate restraints in the car. House rules about running and jumping are explained verbally.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has all of the required policies and documents in place. She has comprehensive contact details on the notice board. The childminder has completed some additional training on child protection issues and shares information with parents. These measures ensure that the children's well-being is protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive and settle quickly in this friendly, relaxed family atmosphere where the childminder carefully prepares her home in readiness for the children. They arrive confidently and make themselves at home, demonstrating a real sense of belonging. They relate well to each other and socialise with others through regular meetings with other adults and children for example, at the toddler club.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is highly attentive to the needs of the children and ensures they have a balanced programme of activities. She has an exceptionally competent understanding of child development rooted in expert knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage guidance. She effectively uses her training in childcare and her constant commitment to update training to enhance and guide her practice. This supports the provision of flexible, high quality care tailored to each individual child's needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are supported in developing high levels of independence. They take an active part in their own play and learning. For example, children select from a wide variety of toys, books and activities which appeal to them. They decide when they have finished with a plaything and request alternative resources. Exceptional interaction by the childminder and excellent use of open-ended questioning enables the maintenance of interest and opportunities to challenge

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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. children in extending their knowledge. For example, whilst children play with play dough the childminder asks about colour, shape and texture.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework extensively to adapt activities such as singing, story telling and mark-making to promote younger children's learning. They relish opportunities to peel their own fruit, the achievement of completing a jigsaw or being able to make a toy work. The children spend time purposefully. They enjoy exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity, such as painting and cooking sessions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is good. The childminder has a secure knowledge of the Foundation Stage, having completed a course with the National Childminding Association. Primarily she uses one-to-one teaching sessions but involves all of the children in some of the activities. She plans interesting activities which she adapts to meet individual needs and interests. As a result, children are motivated, challenged and interested in learning. Children behave well and respect each other. Assessment and monitoring records have not been put in place which provides information to help children move on to the next stage of learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children handle books confidently and demonstrate an awareness that print carries meaning as they run their fingers under the text prior to turning the page. They develop an awareness of letter recognition and linking letter sounds as they read stories with the childminder. They have plentiful opportunities to mark-make due to the very well organised craft materials that are used in the kitchen. They access writing media and paper at their leisure and are gaining confidence in forming recognisable letters as they label their own artwork.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have frequent opportunities to count and to problem-solve in practical situations. They learn about number, size, and measurement as they play games and participate in cooking activities which involves weighing the quantities of ingredients. Children have the chance to learn about shapes for example, activities to draw circles, backed up with alternative words like round, circular, ball-shaped. They develop an awareness and respect for others as they learn about different religions and faiths through the celebration of cultural festivals. They use their imagination creatively in role play activities negotiating characters, resources to be used and the theme of their story-line.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing their physical agility as they exercise their bodies climbing up and over apparatus and use different paces for walking and running. Work is still to be done to expand the children's awareness of the effects of exercise on their growth and general development. They use a range of tools to enhance their fine muscle movements such as scissors and knives to cut, pencils, pens and paintbrushes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Overall, activities are well thought out and executed in a purposeful manner. The childminder is skilled at delivering a curriculum due to her confidence and knowledge of the Foundation Stage guidance. Children are making progress in all areas of learning. This is recorded in photographs, and examples of their work which link to the stepping stones.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children have a strong awareness and understanding of others because the childminder actively provides opportunities for them to mix and play with resources reflecting diversity. For example, the childminder takes the children out to activity centres and walks around the village. She strives to keep her service accessible to all. She provides an extensive range of resources and activities to promote a positive view of the wider world. She makes full use of a toy library to supplement her equipment and provide increased variety and range. For example, figures which represent different cultures, disability and books about other countries. This means that children access unique equipment from specialised sources to enhance their learning. They establish an excellent understanding of their local community as they travel to and from school, visit friends and go on nature walks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has completed training on the needs of children who need additional support. She has a comprehensive policy in place and a good awareness of the Disability Discrimination Act. All children are highly valued and respected as individuals and are fully included in all activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very confident individuals. They have positive levels of self-esteem and respect the opinions and actions of others because the childminder consistently praises their efforts. She reaffirms their achievements, guiding their social and moral values. Children receive excellent support according to their individual needs. Children's behaviour is very good. They demonstrate high levels of understanding about responsible behaviour and know, for instance, to seek permission to leave the table following a meal. They are given certificates and stickers in recognition of 'being very kind' and 'being very helpful'. Children's spiritual, moral social and cultural development is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder effectively meets children's needs through the daily routine as discussed with their parents. Parents of younger children actively contribute towards their children's development because they remain fully informed of the daily activities at all times. Parents are given regular written updates on their children's progress and daily activities. Younger children have their own individual record books which contains pictures of their play, mealtimes and achievements. The childminder has established excellent working relationships with the parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers of nursery funded education is good. The childminder has comprehensive written policies and procedures that are shared with parents. The childminder ensures that daily discussion about the service provided, keeps parents informed about the activities on offer each session. This ensures that parents are aware of their child's progress on a day-to-day basis. However, parents have not been fully informed about the Foundation Stage; do not receive regular written assessments about their child's learning or have involvement with their work. Parents have expressed their satisfaction to the childminder and intend to increase their use of the service.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is an established carer, with almost seven years experience as a childminder. She is a qualified nursery nurse who has worked as a nanny and in a day care setting. The childminder has a professional approach to her childminding practice. She uses detailed written policies and procedures effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. The childminder has completed additional training since registering and continues to look for courses to further her knowledge.

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Organisation

Children feel at home and are at ease within this well-organised environment. They participate in the activities with eagerness and initiating their own play. The days are organised around the children's needs and plans are in place for all of the children to ensure they participate in a range of activities and experiences. The childminder offers very good quality play opportunities which are rooted in her knowledge of childcare and development.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to maintaining relevant and up-to-date knowledge of child care practice and legislative guidance. She uses the internet, training courses and childcare literature obtained from the National Childminding Network. The daily register reflects the times of arrival and departure of the children accurately and therefore it is possible to pinpoint the whereabouts of children on any given day. Comprehensive planning of the daily routine is monitored and adapted to keep children safe and to enable them to make good progress in all areas of their development.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to consider documenting when fire drills were carried out and when smoke alarms were tested. There is now a book in place with dates of drills and testing of alarms. Children have also been informed about the drill and understand the need to evacuate the home quickly. Therefore children are safer as the childminder knows how to put the procedure into action swiftly and efficiently.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also required to have a regard for the code of practice (2001) for the identification and assessment of Special Education Needs. The childminder now has the Disability Discrimination Act and has completed some training. This means that the childminder is more able to recognise a child's individual needs and work with parents and outside agencies if required.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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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): • promote children's understanding of the benefits of exercise and healthy living (this also applies to Nursery Education) • devise a health and safety policy that reflects procedures used in the setting.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • devise and implement the use of regular assessment and monitoring records; to document children's achievements and identify the next steps for progress • ensure that parents are involved with their children's learning; that a system is in place to discuss the aims of the Foundation Stage and the six areas of learning.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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 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.

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