Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY336733 Unique Reference Number 20 November 2006 Inspection date Jacqueline Oldman 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged five years and two years. They live in a house in a residential area of South Woodham Ferrers within walking distance of schools, shops and the railway station. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for two children, one of whom attends on a full time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has no pets. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She 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 good. Children thrive because the childminder has very good routines which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. They are cared for in a warm, clean home in which they learn about hygiene and personal care through the daily routines. Children's awareness is raised as they are encouraged to practice good hand washing procedures and take part in fun activities such as dusting. Nappy changing has good regard to hygiene and the changing mat is cleaned with anti bacterial spray after each use to protect children from germs. Children have their own towels and cups and a verbal sickness policy is shared with parents to help prevent the spread of infection. The management of medicines is well organised to enable the childminder to act in children’s best interests if they are unwell. Children are well protected as the childminder can deal with children's minor injuries, is trained in administering first aid and has obtained

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Helping children to be healthy

prior written parental consent to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet because the childminder talks to them about what they eat and what they like. They can help themselves to easily accessible drinks and are encouraged to make healthy choices regarding snacks. The childminder takes account of parents’ wishes and children’s choices when providing nutritious home cooked meals that include fresh fruit and vegetables.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical skills because the childminder provides different types of activity that require a range of skills and creates space in which they can move around in different ways. For example, they take part in parachute games in the garden or persevere at manipulating small cogs to make dinosaurs or concentrate when carefully hanging items onto Tigger without causing him to bounce. Children have exercise and fresh air every day when they walk to and from school to collect older children and sometimes stop to play in the park; this promotes a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and explore in a very safe and well-organised environment. The childminder is very vigilant about security in her home and carefully checks all visitors to the home. Parents are asked to give clear information regarding the people authorised to collect their child and good procedures are in place should alternative arrangements be necessary; this protects children from unauthorised persons.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is very knowledgeable about safety issues and demonstrates a sound understanding of the importance of providing a balance between freedom and safety. She has given careful thought to organising the home and resources to meet children's individual needs to keep them safe. Good use is made of safety items such as cupboard locks, socket covers and steps; this help children to develop an understanding of potential hazards and safety issues while promoting their independence. This is enhanced by the childminder giving children clear messages regarding the restrictions imposed on them. As a result, they are beginning to

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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 understand that standing on chairs or putting toys in their mouths could be potentially hazardous.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's practical road sense is developed well by the childminder and they are developing a sound understanding of the possible dangers. Clear and consistent boundaries, such as holding onto the buggy or waiting at the kerbside, help keep children safe. Smoke detectors are regularly checked and suitable fire blankets are in place to help protect children. An emergency evacuation plan has been devised and children are confident of what to do in an emergency as they learn how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are enabled to independently access activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment that are organised to ensure they are appropriate for their age and stages of development. Children know they must clear away one floor activity before getting out another to prevent them from falling over.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of her child protection responsibilities. She has devised a comprehensive written policy that includes all the important contact details. This is shared with parents to ensure they are made fully aware of the childminder's role and responsibilities in protecting children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settling well and really enjoy being close to the childminder. They experience a broad range of activities with plenty of challenge offered to help them play and learn. They are curious about their tasks and persevere. For example, they take their time and concentrate when building with Duplo or manoeuvring items without triggering a response in games such as Pop up Pirates. The childminder gives plenty of praise and encouragement to raise self-confidence and spends her time skilfully talking to the children to develop their language and vocabulary. Children respond enthusiastically as they explain what they think is going to happen next in a story or count how many creatures are in a picture. More able children spend time helping younger children to play games and are good role models helping them to learn right from wrong and develop a sense of fairness.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing imaginatively and creatively. They use their initiative as they try to link cogs to make real and pretend toys or make firework pictures using chalks. The childminder thoughtfully extends children's knowledge by asking questions that encourage children to think and give interesting answers. They excitedly talk about the differences in various dinosaurs and confidently say their names. Children regularly go on outings to nanny groups and visit the local park to extend and enhance their experiences. The childminder adapts activities having regard for the differing ages of the children and she has implemented ideas from the 'Birth to three matters' framework to support her good practice.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Young children are developing an awareness of themselves as individuals and are finding out what they can do. They are developing confidence in their physical skills as they are very well supported and enjoy a varied range of activities. The childminder understands the importance of children being emotionally secure and dedicates her time to playing and reading with them. She uses a range of positive strategies to enable children to express their needs. The childminder has a very good understanding of the developmental needs of children and provides appropriate activities and resources that provide sufficient challenge to promote their all round development. More able children are developing increasing independence in organising their play and learn to play harmoniously with others, respecting their individual needs. Children are enabled to gain self-confidence to try new things, share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A range of toys and books reflecting the similarities and differences of others are freely accessible to help children learn to respect others. They have good opportunities to taste a variety of foods from other cultures and the childminder has a positive attitude to answering children's questions openly and honestly. Children attend groups to broaden their experiences and develop their social skills. Children are encouraged to learn to recognise their own needs and those of others by doing simple tasks such as tidying away one lot of toys before getting more out.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are well met by the childminder as she values good communication with parents and ensures they are made aware of the majority of her responsibilities. She provides daily verbal feedback and shares written information on some of the activities they take part in. The childminder takes time to gather information about each child to enable her to meet their individual needs effectively. She demonstrated a commitment to adjusting activities to meet any additional needs children may have and to work with other agencies as and when required.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and kept busy because the childminder organises her day effectively around their needs. Children benefit as she is a qualified nursery nurse with a wealth of experience. Children have the opportunity to take part in a varied range of age-appropriate activities, both inside and outside the home, because of the well-organised routines. Time is made for children to take walks, go on outings, play, rest and eat in comfort and safety. The childminder has completed the required training and attended the 'Birth to three matters’ workshop to keep up to date with current childcare issues and trends. Children are protected because the childminder has contingency arrangements organised so they can be cared for by alternative carers, who they know well, in the event of an emergency.

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Organisation

Effective record keeping supports and promotes children's ability to stay healthy, safe, enjoy and achieve and make a positive contribution. All the essential paperwork is in place to meet the National Standards and associated guidance. The childminder has given careful consideration and time to producing many written procedures about her routines and child care practices.

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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 She demonstrates her commitment to providing quality care by highlighting this as an area for continued improvement to enhance the service she offers to parents and their children. Records are stored having regard for confidentiality.

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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 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): • enhance the procedures for ensuring parents are fully informed of the routines and child care practices.

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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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