Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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202928 Unique Reference Number 10 September 2007 Inspection date Sandra Daniels 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 1971. She lives with one adult child in a residential area of Harlow close to shops, schools and parks. The whole of the premises is registered for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two dogs as pets. The childminder is registered to care for no more than six children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding three children aged 10 months, one year and three years, all on a part-time basis. The childminder regularly attends the local parent and toddler group with minded children and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of following good hygiene practices throughout the day to promote their good health. For example, they are reminded to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Older children understand why they need to wash their hands, "to get rid of the germs" they say. The childminder acts as a good role model to the children. Suitable resources, such as liquid soap and clean towels, are provided in the ground floor

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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 bathroom thus minimising the risk of cross-infection. The childminder discusses with parents her policy regarding the exclusion of children who have an infectious illness. This reduces the chance of germs being passed on. Records are available to use if an accident occurs. The childminder ensures she obtains written permission from parents prior to administering medications, and keeps a clear record of dosage and times of administration which is then shared with parents. This helps to ensure that children receive appropriate ongoing care to support their needs. Children are assured of prompt and appropriate treatment in the event of a minor injury, as the childminder is trained to administer first aid.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and dietary needs are very well met. They increase their understanding of healthy living as they enjoy free access to drinks and fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks. Although most children currently attending bring their own meals, the childminder provides nutritious foods such as roast dinners and spaghetti bolognese. Babies are always held whilst being bottle fed and they can sleep, rest or be active according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

There is space indoors for them to move around freely and learn new skills. For example, babies can safely crawl around on the floor and develop the skills necessary to learn to walk independently. Children have good access to the garden and are able to choose between playing inside or outside throughout the day. They explore and develop physical control through stimulating activities. Regular visits to the park encourage and develop children's curiosity and experiences. Children ride bikes, use the play house, run and climb in the enclosed garden.

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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 and safe home, where effective precautions are taken to protect them from harm. The childminder uses a good balance of supervision and effective safety measures to keep children safe. She checks all areas regularly, to ensure they are suitable for the ages and needs of children attending. For example, the childminder has stair gates in place as she is caring for younger children. Children have independent access to a good selection of well-maintained, age-appropriate toys and suitable equipment. The childminder is careful to check resources as they are used to ensure they continue to be safe. She makes sure that babies and younger children cannot get hold of small parts of toys used by older children. The premises and garden are secure and all necessary fire precautions are in place. Children practise an emergency evacuation procedure with the childminder. This helps them to familiarise

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

themselves with what to do in an emergency and helps them to learn about keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's awareness of safety is raised as they hold hands or hold on to the buggy when they are out walking with the childminder. Older children learn how to cross roads safely, always stopping at the kerb and looking both ways. When travelling in pushchairs or the car, the childminder checks they are comfortable and using appropriate restraints and seats for their age.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of her responsibilities within child protection procedures. Her willingness to record any concerns and discuss these with parents ensures that the welfare of children in her care is given high priority. The childminder has attended training in this area which has extended her knowledge and she is confident in her ability to protect children and keep them safe.

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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 are happy and comfortable in the childminder's home. New children make several visits with their parents before being left, meaning they settle quickly into the childminder's home. They follow a well-planned routine which takes into consideration their care needs, a quiet time and frequent use of the outside play area. The childminder interacts extremely well with all children in her care. She anticipates their needs well and helps children to gain in confidence. Children's communication skills are developed well through clear explanations and conversations with the childminder. Children play very well together, learning to share, take turns and enjoy each other's company. The childminder provides a good range of activities for the younger children, and has implemented the 'Birth to three matters' framework to help develop the planning of activities further. Children of all ages are making good progress in all areas because

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of the stimulating range of activities provided. Children have good opportunities to explore and experience a balance of outside activities, which include playing in the park and garden, riding bikes and cars. Children take part in all activities with enjoyment and enthusiasm, they all help tidy up resources happily and understand the rules of the home well. Children take part in lots of creative activities. They enjoy dancing and singing to music and listening to familiar stories. When out shopping with the childminder, older children help her to look for specific items on the shelves. They feel proud of themselves as they help the childminder by paying for the shopping. Children's independence is promoted well. They choose what they want to do and can select toys and equipment for themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are made to feel extremely welcome and included as the childminder creates a home from home environment where their contributions are valued and their individual needs fully respected. The childminder develops an excellent understanding of each child's needs, working closely with parents to ensure routines are respected and children's individual preferences are catered for. This helps to promote consistency in the care offered to each child which means they feel settled and secure. Children become familiar with the relaxed daily routines and develop warm and trusting relationships with the childminder. A range of play resources provides opportunities for children to increase their awareness of other cultures, disability and the wider world in which they live. For example, toys and puzzles reflect various cultures and a good range of books enables children to extend their knowledge and understanding. The childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

has a positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is aware of the need to ensure inclusion for all.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and develop good relationships with each other. They learn to play co-operatively, share and take turns. Children begin to learn right from wrong as the childminder explains to them about the consequences of their behaviour and gives lots of praise and encouragement for positive behaviour. Children respond well to the clear boundaries and the childminder's calm and consistent approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder builds caring relationships with children, offering cuddles. She engages and talks with children throughout the day. The childminder actively seeks information from parents about children's home routines and interests and adheres to these routines as much as possible. This results in contented and secure babies and children. Relevant information is shared with parents on a daily basis, including details of sleep times, meals, bottles and activities and experiences which children have enjoyed.

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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 good. Overall children’s needs are met. Children clearly benefit from being cared for in this well organised environment that is welcoming and where they have plenty of space to move around freely. The childminder makes good use of areas within the home and garden to maximise play opportunities for children. Children are very happy and at ease in the company of the childminder and are making good progress. They become confident, independent and develop a high self-esteem as they are enabled to make choices and decisions about their play and care.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains very accurate and clear documentation which demonstrate her thorough understanding of children's needs and are reflected in her good practice. These documents promote children's health, safety and well-being. However, daily records of attendance are not always kept up to date. The childminder ensures that children are never left unsupervised by any persons who are not suitably vetted. The childminder clearly enjoys her work with children and is committed to further training and development.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that drinks are available to children at all times. Children's good health is promoted as they can easily access drinks throughout the day. Younger children are reminded to take drinks regularly, particularly in hot weather. The childminder also agreed to ensure that written parental consent is in place for her to transport children in a vehicle and take them on outings. Children are safeguarded as this is now in place, alongside all other necessary parental consents.

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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): • ensure register of attendance is completed daily.

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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 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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