Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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202485 Unique Reference Number 18 July 2007 Inspection date Justine Leong 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 1999. She lives with her husband and three children aged 11, eight years and two years in Feering, Essex. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and 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 when working alone and six children when working with an assistant. She is currently minding five children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean and comfortable environment where they are encouraged to follow good health and hygiene practices from an early age. For example, children understand that they should wash their hands after using the toilet or stroking the dog and before eating. Their health is promoted as the childminder obtains all the appropriate information from parents

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 about children's individual health care needs and all written consents are in place to support this. The childminder has attended first aid training and has effective procedures in place to record accidents. Children are protected from the spread of illness as the childminder has a clear sickness policy in place, which she shares with parents, about the exclusion of children if they are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy living as for example, they are given healthy nutritious foods for snacks and at meal times. The childminder holds a food hygiene certificate and prepares a range of healthy foods such as pasta and vegetables. Children have constant access to drinks to ensure they do not become dehydrated, smaller children have their beakers replenished regularly by the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily access to the garden where they have the opportunity to develop a range of physical skills such as balance and coordination. A very wide range of resources are available including bats, balls, large wheeled toys, a slide and see-saw. Children are able to independently access these resources as they are safely stored in low-level containers in a garden shed. Children also benefit from regular trips to local areas such as the park, the zoo and the library.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment, where they can move around freely and independently under the childminder's close supervision. Children's safety is enhanced and the risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has taken effective steps to reduce possible risks. Steps to reduce risk include fitting cupboard locks and using stair gates to exclude children from potentially dangerous areas. Fire safety precautions such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms are in place and the childminder has developed a very thorough emergency evacuation procedure. This is regularly practised with the children and all documentation is in place to support this.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a stimulating range of high quality toys and equipment that meet safety standards. These are stored in the playroom at the correct height for children to access, for example the baby toys are stored on the lowest level shelving and toys for older children are out of reach for the babies. Children also have access to a range of books about safety that the childminder shares with them to help develop their understanding of how to keep themselves safe. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder has attended child protection training to ensure she is aware of the correct procedures to follow if she has a concern. These procedures are shared with parents and the childminder keeps a written record of any existing injuries to further promote children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy an excellent range of play opportunities provided through stimulating toys and activities. They are developing in confidence and self-esteem through their close relationships with the childminder who is very intuitive of their needs. The childminder regularly gets down to the children's level and joins in with their play, consolidating and extending their understanding using open ended questions. Children attend a number of social groups which provide valuable opportunities to enhance their social skills. The childminder draws on her skills and knowledge to maintain and create resources that provide interest and challenge. Children are motivated to learn and interested in what they do because the childminder provides a

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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 fantastic range of resources starting with the children's interests. Children relish their time as they enjoy activities that encourage development in language, mathematical thinking, imagination and social relationships.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children's needs are very well met by the childminder who plans exciting activities and reflects all aspects of the 'Birth to three matters' framework in her practice. Babies have access to natural resources which they can use to explore textures, developing their curiosity. The childminder encourages their communication skills by listening attentively and responding appropriately, demonstrating that their views are valued.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children freely access an excellent range of books which they enjoy sharing with the childminder in the comfortable and inviting book corner. Children have regular opportunities to develop dexterity as the childminder provides a range of craft activities including collage, cutting and sticking and painting. The childminder actively encourages children to tidy away activities before starting something new, this encourages them to take responsibility for their actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a good sense of belonging as the childminder ensures they are all valued and included. All children have equal access to toys and equipment that meet their individual needs so they can become confident and independent. Children become aware of the wider world through access to resources such as dolls and small world figures representing a wide range of abilities. Children also celebrate a range of festivals such as Hanukkah and Diwali helping them develop a good understanding of different cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships the childminder fosters with their parents. All required documentation and consents are in place to ensure children are cared for according to their parents' wishes. The childminder gives parents copies of her policies and procedures to ensure they are well informed about her childcare practices. Information is shared via a daily diary recording children's meals and daily routines to ensure their changing needs are met and to provide continuity of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about responsible behaviour as the childminder is a positive role model and has a good understanding of appropriate managing strategies depending on their stage of development. The childminder deals with behaviour in a calm and consistent manner, she encourages self-discipline and respect for others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for by a caring and competent childminder who uses her knowledge of child development to provide a safe and stimulating environment. The childminder has attended a range of relevant training to support her registration which supports and underpins her practice. Space and resources are very well-organised to provide children with a good balance of interesting activities. The childminder follows effective procedures to promote children's good health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution.

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Organisation

The childminder has a thorough understanding of the National Standards and her responsibility to comply with these and the details of her registration. Accurate checks are in place to ensure children are cared for by a suitably vetted person and children are never left alone with any

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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 person not vetted. A register is maintained, accurately showing children's actual hours of attendance and all required documentation is in place. The childminder has developed meaningful policies and procedures which include the required information to support her registration. All children's details are stored securely and confidentially and the childminder ensures children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder update her knowledge regarding children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and ensure that children are familiar with the fire evacuation procedure. Both areas have now been addressed. The childminder has undertaken training to improve her understanding of the needs of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, ensuring that the needs of all children can now be met. She regularly practises the fire evacuation procedure with children to ensure they understand what to do in the event of an emergency, promoting their safety.

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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.

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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): • continue to develop systems to effectively monitor children's development and plan activities to meet individual needs identified

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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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