Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY286374 Inspection date 01 June 2005 Inspector Jima Fotopoulou

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2004. She lives with her partner and two children aged five and twelve years. They live in a residential area of Harlow. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding one child who attends on a part time basis. There is one child on roll. During the inspection there was one minded child

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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 present. The childminder organises her daily routine around school runs. The family have one cat and two rabbits as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through established daily routines which are reinforced by the childminder. Younger children learn, for example, that hand washing before meals and after using the potty is part of the routine to keep them clean and healthy. The childminder is aware of the need to keep accurate records and to ensure that she uses her accident and medication book when required. She ensures children's welfare by updating her knowledge in First Aid and by having a sickness policy which she verbally shares with parents/carers. Children's independence is actively fostered and they are supported in making healthy choices while their likes and dislikes are respected. Children are able to choose from a wide variety of healthy snacks and well balanced meals provided by the childminder and the parents. Close co-operation between the childminder and the

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Helping children to be healthy

parents ensures that children's individual dietary needs are fully met. Children have access to drinking water at all times. Their daily food and drink intake is verbally shared with the parents at the end of each day. The childminder is aware of the Birth to Three Matters Framework but she has yet to implement it. Children's outdoor play is supported by a fully enclosed and safe garden which enables them to exercise and develop their physical skills. Children are able to sleep and rest according to their needs. The childminder provides each child with clean bedding making sure that they are protected from cross infections.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a hazard free environment which fosters their development and learning. Younger children learn about personal safety by getting actively involved in safety routines such as helping to tidy away their toys after use to ensure a clear and safe play area. Children's safety is of great importance to the childminder. The childminder ensures that children have access to safe, suitable and age appropriate toys and equipment by performing daily risk assessments. Children can access a wide range of toys and equipment easily which fosters their independence while keeping them safe. Children

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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 are able to make choices with the childminder's support while their safety remains a priority. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and current child protection procedures to ensure children's welfare remains paramount. Children's safety is further enhanced by policies and procedures, such as child protection policy and lost/uncollected child policy, which are shared with the parents/carers. Children are collected by their parents or nominated persons known to the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and settled in the setting. They form good relationships with the childminder and her children. They are involved in choosing their play materials and their decisions are respected. They have access to a wide range of suitable and enjoyable activities which they find interesting and help them develop their skills. The childminder offers ample support which helps children extend their play and learning for example by asking questions which develop their language and mathematical thinking. Children enjoy exploring novel ways of expressing their creativity such as splashing the paint and naming it "rain" while being supported and praised by the childminder. Children's language development is actively fostered by the childminder and her effective methods such as using labels for everyday objects. The childminder regularly attends local mother and toddler groups with minded

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children helping them develop their social skills and gain experience of the world beyond their home. Children have access to a wide range of resources and they are able to make choices, which foster their independence. The childminder's constant support ensures that children's choices are respected and encouraged. Children are made to feel part of the family and develop strong relationships with the childminder. They have access to toys and books which reflect positive images of diversity which helps them form a wider understanding of self and others. Children are able to develop their physical skills by using a safe, fully enclosed garden with a wide range of recourses such as child size bicycles. Daily exchange of information with parents/carers ensures continuity of care for the children. Good relationships between both parties promote children's welfare according to their parents' wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children form good relationships with the childminder in a homely and inclusive environment. Children's independence is fostered throughout their play with the childminder's constant support. The childminder ensures that positive images of the wider community as well as gender toys are available to children promoting equality of opportunity.

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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 The childminder uses age appropriate techniques in managing behaviour. Children are appropriately praised for their efforts and the childminder ensures that good behaviour is encouraged and promoted. Younger children develop a sense of belonging as they actively choose activities and help themselves to toys and resources at their own pace. Children are settled and confident due to daily, verbal exchange of information between the childminder and the parents/carers. The childminder has devised a portfolio with policies and procedures which ensure that parents/carers are kept fully inform. This means that children are well cared for and in accordance to their parents' wishes. Confidentiality is maintained.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The range and quality of activities and opportunities both indoors and outdoors is good for all children. The setting is homely and well organised to support children in their play and appropriate storage ensures that children's independence is fostered. All necessary documentation is in place and is stored accessibly while confidentiality is maintained. Children's needs are met due to the childminder's effective organization and her close relationship with parents/carers. The childminder has yet to complete her pre-registration course to ensure that her practice, knowledge and skills remain up to date. She has booked a place in a First Aid course well in advance to ensure that she remains able to respond effectively in case of an emergency. Overall, the needs of the children for whom day care is provided, are met.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • complete a local authority approved childminding pre-registration course

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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