Hodgkins, Susan Carole

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

204286 Unique Reference Number 11 January 2007 Inspection date Tina Anne Mason Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1990. She lives with her two adult children in Stifford Clays, Grays in Essex. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for seven children who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local parent/carer and toddler groups. The family has a pet cat, cockatiel and four love birds. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and very well maintained home where the childminder follows good procedures to help meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene throughout the daily routine. The children's welfare is taken into account if they are sick and there is a written exclusion policy shared with parents. The administration of medication is well documented, along with parental consent. All accidents are recorded and the childminder holds a first aid certificate in order to deal with any minor injuries.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Exercise and fresh air are very much incorporated into the daily routine, helping to foster the children's health, growth and development. Children enjoy a wide range of outdoor toys, such as climbing frames, slides, play house, and several wheeled toys. Planned activities include visits to the local park, and walks to the shops. The routine of babies and young children is respected. They sleep and feed when required and receive close support and attention, helping to foster their emotional well-being.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are very well met. Children enjoy healthy nutritious meals that are balanced and take account of their individual needs. Fresh fruit is available each day and meals and snacks are varied, to include fresh vegetables. Fresh drinking water is available at all times. The childminder has a good understanding of what constitutes a healthy, nutritious diet.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe and secure home. The environment is very welcoming for children and the childminder is vigilant about minimising the risks for them. Fire safety requirements are all in place and children learn about what to do in an emergency when they practise the fire evacuation procedure. Children further learn about safety through discussions on road safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select from a wide range of very good quality toys and equipment that meet safety standards. The childminder carefully supervises children's choice of toys, making sure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. The play space is very child centred with child size furniture and areas for rest and relaxation. Babies and young children are safely strapped into chairs at meal times and buggies and car seats for outings.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She has attended training courses on how to deal with child protection concerns, and has a written statement on what to do and who to contact should she have any worries about a child, or if an allegation should be made whilst children are in her care.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children happily settle in the childminder's care and eagerly engage in activities. They feel secure in a welcoming environment and confidently initiate interaction with the childminder. The childminder provides interesting and stimulating activities to challenge the children and help them make progress in their all round development. Children particularly enjoy various art and craft activities. For example, they play with different textured materials such as corn flour and have lots of fun making life size scarecrows out of re-cycled materials.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children become competent learners through the range of good experiences on offer. For example, young babies are given lots of opportunities to play with brightly coloured toys which have lots of different textures to explore. The childminder enthusiastically motivates their learning. Children are able to make connections through the use of all their senses because the childminder follows young babies' lead and allows them to explore their environment, people and resources.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good working knowledge of child development. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, but does not use it to plan regular activities with the younger children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected as individuals and play a full part in the setting. They are happy, and confidently express their needs. Children learn about different cultures and the wider world in which they live through a good range of toys and resources and meaningful activities. Children access a wide range of books, skin tone pencils, puzzles and toys reflecting positive images. The childminder is aware that some children have special needs and she is familiar with outside support services to help children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The positive environment and constant praise from the childminder reinforces the children's good behaviour and fosters their confidence and self-esteem. They are encouraged to share and take turns, and for older children to help younger ones. They demonstrate good manners, saying 'please' and 'thank you', and cooperate in response to simple instructions, such as tidying toys away and sitting down for drinks and snacks.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationship the childminder has with parents. Parents are welcomed into the home at any time. Information is shared through informal daily discussion and written documentation about the provision. Daily diaries for children aged under two years are kept and shared with parents and carers. Thank you cards evidence the parents and children's satisfaction with positive comments, such as 'Thank you for your looking after me you are the best childminder in the world'.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and secure in the care of the childminder. She uses her policies and procedures effectively in practice to promote outcomes for children. The space within the home is organised well so that children can play freely and choose resources independently. The childminder plans her weekly routine to include opportunities for young children to have fresh air and to gain an awareness of the wider world. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder stores documentation securely to maintain an appropriate level of confidentiality. She is well organised in the way she keeps all relevant information accessible. She demonstrates a positive attitude to gaining new skills and has a commitment to training and developing her knowledge of childcare. This ensures that children benefit from her knowledge and understanding of current childminding practice.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the following recommendation was made: consider ways to help children learn broadly about equality and ensure all persons over the age of 16 living on the premises undergo required checks. Children have access to a large selection of toys and activities and are given appropriate opportunities to learn about equality, therefore children have the opportunity to learn through play and at the same time gain an awareness of diversity. All persons over the age of 16 living on the premises have been checked by the required agencies. Therefore children's safety and well-being is promoted at all times.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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):

p.5

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 • improve the outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters'.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6