Snow, Jennifer Christine

Inspection report for early years provision

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203136 Unique Reference Number 02 March 2007 Inspection date Deirdra Keating 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 has been registered since 1985. She lives with her husband and three children aged two and a half, seven and thirteen years. They live in a house in Great Clacton, close to shops, parks and schools. The whole of the ground floor, of the property is used for childminding as well as a specially dedicated playroom adjacent to the house. 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 a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 satisfactory. Children's health is promoted satisfactorily through sound procedures. Children are becoming aware of personal hygiene, they wash their hands and use wipes to ensure their hands are clean before meals and after going to the toilet. Adequate measures are taken when providing personal care to prevent children from cross-infection. Children receive appropriate care if they become ill or have an accident because the childminder follows correct procedures. Written permission is obtained regarding emergency treatment and any medication requirements. Children who become unwell are made comfortable until they can be collected and the caring childminder is attentive and intuitive to their needs. The childminder has a first aid certificate and a well stocked first aid box, subsequently children's health is not compromised in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are sufficiently met. The childminder provides a range of snacks comprising of toast, fresh fruit and biscuits. Children's dietary requirements are detailed in written contracts which ensures their individual needs are respected. Packed lunches brought from home are stored in the fridge. Free access to drinks stored on a low level table ensures children remain hydrated at all times. Children can rest according to their needs, a travel cot and pull out bed are available for younger children to sleep on. Daily fresh air and exercise are all part of the daily routine which develops children's understanding of healthy lifestyle. They visit the local park and play in the secure garden where they enjoy a range of activities. Babies have room to pull themselves up and move around the furniture. Resources include suitable equipment to promote babies physical development such as walkers and play tunnels.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and suitable environment that is well maintained. They can move around freely under the childminders close supervision. The childminder takes steps to minimise most risks, however unsuitable seating is used and therefore children's safety can be compromised. There is a sufficient range of equipment to promote children's care, learning and play. The organisation of resources enables children to self-select some activities others are stacked up on high shelves which does not enable children to be independent. The house and garden are secure, cupboards are locked and socket covers are in place. Stair gates are fitted throughout the house and the childminder minimises most risks to children. Fire prevention equipment is in place, however an emergency evacuation procedure has not been thought out to ensure children's safety in the event of fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are taken out with written permission from parents in suitable car seats. Dangers such as crossing the road are discussed with children to ensure that children remain safe on outings. Children are closely supervised in the garden which is checked to ensure that any hazards are minimised. The childminder is aware of local safeguarding procedures and has contact numbers should a concern arise about a child in her care. She is hoping to attend a training course which

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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 would enhance her knowledge and help protect children from harm. A verbal policy is discussed with parents prior to admission and any existing accidental injuries are recorded correctly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled in the welcoming and child-friendly environment. They enjoy spending their time choosing from the balanced range of activities that are on offer and are suitable to their age and stage of development. Children enjoy a mix of adult-led and child-led activities. They join in with songs and rhymes, use construction materials and enjoy decorating biscuits for their snack time. The childminder is interested in what the children say and do and interacts warmly giving them support in their play. She listens carefully to the children and is attentive to their needs. the childminder attends parent toddler groups and visits other childminders which encourages children to develop their social skills. Children develop confidence and self-esteem as the childminder knows them well and praises their achievements. A comfortable and relaxing area provides children with the opportunity to enjoy books and watch videos, they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enjoy these quiet areas and use special comforters to provide them with security.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have enough opportunity to develop their physical skills. Access to the garden is provided during warmer months and a range of activities are provided. The childminder plans messy activities such as water, sand, painting and craft which encourage the children to gain dexterous skills. They use large scale equipment including play tunnels a swing and ride-on toys in the garden. Children gain confidence as they explore the park enjoying a range of activities. The childminder is keen to develop her practice with children under three and interacts well with babies and younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a sense of belonging as the childminder knows children the and their families well and ensures that each child is valued and included. Photographs of children are displayed on the wall along with their achievements which gives a personal sense of ownership to each child. Children have stable and positive relationships with the childminder who clearly respects their individual personalities. Regular discussions with parents ensures that children's individual needs are met. Children have equal access to toys and equipment however there are insufficient resources reflecting different images of our diverse society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a very positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has experience and knowledge of caring for children and is positive and proactive in her approach. The childminder understands the need to provide activities that are inclusive for all children. She has creative solutions to adapt activities and understands the need to work closely with parents in order to provide individual care. Behavioural expectations are shared with parents verbally prior to admission and any significant events are recorded. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of appropriate behaviour management strategies and ensures they are appropriate to the age and stage of the child. A calm and consistent approach is taken and good behaviour is rewarded.

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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 Daily communication with parents ensures that any behavioural incidents are shared and discussed. Children benefit from the trusting relationships the childminder has with parents. Sufficient information regarding the childminders practice is given out prior to minding. Written contracts from parents provide most information in order that children can be looked after according to parents wishes. However the format does not provide a clear summary of children's needs and additional information is written on the back of agreements. The childminder aims to build good relationships with parents and promotes daily verbal exchanges. A notice board provides parents with some relevant information regarding relevant updates.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her house and play room to provide a secure environment in which children can access a range of activities which supports their care, learning and play. Space has been reasonably well-organised to provide children with a balance of interesting activities. The childminder follows adequate procedures to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and ability to make a positive contribution. Children are cared for by safe suitable adults who have had all the necessary checks to ensure children's safety and well-being.

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Organisation

The childminder has a basic understanding of the National Standards which ensures children are adequately protected. Good ratios are maintained to provide children with individual care and attention. The childminder has attended the required training in order to comply with the requirements of her registration. She understands her responsibility to comply with the registration and ensures that her practice meets most requirements. Children's well-being is generally promoted by the documentation kept. This is stored securely to ensure children's details are kept confidential. A register is maintained showing children's hours of attendance and all required documentation was available at the time of inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that she completed a first aid course for child carers. She has attended relevant training which ensures children's safety in the event of an accident. The childminder was asked to facilitate all necessary checks on adults in the house, this has been done and ensures that all adults in the house are suitable and safe to be with children. The childminder was also asked to have the most up to date information regarding child protection procedures. Correct numbers are now available to protect children form harm and ensure their well-being.

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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 National Standards. 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

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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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): • develop resouces to reflect positive images of wider society • ensure that an emergency procedure is developed in order to ensure children's safety in the event of a fire • ensure that equipment is well maintained and suitable for purpose.

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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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