Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY338431 Unique Reference Number 31 January 2007 Inspection date Lynn Amelia Hartigan 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her partner and two children aged 13 and 15 years. They live in a residential area of Colchester. Schools, pre-schools, parks and shops are a short walk away. The whole of the premises is used for childminding with the exception of one bedroom. There is an 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 6 children under 8 years at any one time and is currently caring for 2 children who attend either full or part-time. During the inspection there was 1 child aged 9 months present.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a rabbit and fish as pets. The childminder attends a parent/carer toddler group and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 learn about good personal hygiene as they are encouraged by the childminder to keep themselves healthy. She encourages children to wash their hands following the use of the toilet, before snack and if they have played in the garden. Children are also protected through good hygiene procedures when their nappies are being changed to ensure they are protected from cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Providing good opportunities for communication with parents ensures children are protected with regard to illness and medication. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and an appropriate well stocked first aid kit is available. Accident and medication books are well maintained. However, children's health could be compromised as written parental consent with regard to medication is not available. Children can rest according to their needs, babies and young children are made comfortable. For example, young babies sleep within a well-ventilated, lounge, in a travel cot or their buggy. Clean sheets and blankets and their soothers are provided for each child. The childminder patiently cuddles and rocks the babies to sleep.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating as the childminder encourages them to eat nutritious snacks and meals such as fruit. Good communication with parents and maintained records ensures the children's dietary needs are met. All meals are prepared and cooked fresh daily to ensure the children are offered a nutritious, balanced diet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy fresh air and exercise daily as the childminder ensures they have a walk as part of their daily routine. This may include a visit to the local park, or library. Children are able to access some resources such as, a slide and balls as these are easily accessible within the garden. Opportunities for children to develop their physical skills are provided as the childminder arranges visits to adventure, indoor soft play areas.

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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 welcoming, clean and child friendly environment. Children are able to make choices from a good selection of safe, clean toys and resources that are organised in toy boxes and easily accessible within the lounge. Children play in a safe environment as the childminder risk assesses her home regularly, to meet the changing developing needs of the children she cares for. As a result the premises meet with all requirements. Children are kept safe when out walking as the childminder encourages the children to be aware of road safety and potential dangers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is a protected, as the childminder is fully informed with regard to child protection issues. The childminder ensures she has read and is familiar with all procedures and up to date with current practices, as a result the children's welfare is fully safeguarded.

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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 have many opportunities for different play experiences as the childminder is committed to providing a varied selection of quality toys, resources and dedicates her time to the children. The toys available to children are easily accessible within toy boxes and children are able to freely select what they want to play with. Children enjoy messy activities such as sticking, cooking and play dough. They enjoy trips to the park and local library, joining in the singing group.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children feel very comfortable within the home and receive one to one attention as the childminder is very organised and dedicated to her work. Young babies enjoy playing with toys that are presented at their level and interact well with the childminder. The childminder has a good understanding of children's development following completion of training courses and is confident in supporting the children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are supported well as the childminder ensures she is fully informed regarding their family backgrounds. Parents are encouraged to share information so that the childminder can best meet their individual needs. The children's knowledge and understanding of a wider world is encouraged through conversation, experiences or by the resources in place that reflect diversity, such as, books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is not currently caring for any children who require additional support, but would ensure she is fully informed regarding their needs. She would encourage good communication with parents to ensure a consistent approach. Resources and the organisation of the home ensures inclusion for all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand the boundaries within the childminder's home through clear guidance from her. A positive approach towards behaviour management ensures that children feel secure and settled. Children feel valued and respected as the childminder is calm and praises the children for their efforts, for example, when young babies play with the toys and chatter away, making early attempts at speaking.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures that parents are informed about their children's activities as she provides them with some information about her working practice, within a file. This includes some policies and certificates. Parents are positively welcomed in the home and are encouraged to discuss their children's development on a daily basis, however, not all written consents are in place. The childminder is extremely supportive of not only the children in her care but also their families.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder's home is welcoming and effectively organised to support children's play. The play space indoors and outdoors enables children to explore and play safely. The children benefit from being cared for by a motivated and dedicated childminder, who is committed to training and ensures she is up to date with current child care practices. The childminder can effectively support and meet the needs of the children in her care as she is organised, as a result children receive good care and attention.

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Organisation

Effective, well maintained documents and information regarding the children ensure the childminder is aware and can support the children's individual needs.

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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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • ensure all parental written consents are in place (this refers to administering medication in emergencies).

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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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