Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY276316 Unique Reference Number 23 November 2007 Inspection date Ann Marie Cozzi 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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged six years and a grown up daughter in Harlow, Essex. The whole of the 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 at any one time and is currently minding four children under five part-time and one child over five before and after school part-time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean home, where the childminder promotes good hygiene routines. For example, children are provided with disposable paper towels and are asked to wash their hands before eating. The childminder's own hygiene routines ensures that children are protected from

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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 the spread of infection, for example, she ensures that she wears disposable gloves when changing nappies and ensures that they are disposed of hygienically. Children are further protected from the spread of infection through the sickness policy in place, which excludes children if they have infectious illnesses. Children are assured of swift and appropriate help if they have an accident due to the childminder's knowledge of first aid.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with food that is appropriate for their individual and dietary needs. The childminder offers a balanced lunch of finger foods and children benefit from the healthy snacks provided such as fresh and dried fruit. Drinks are freely available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical play as they take part in a range of activities when they go on walks to local schools and parks. They also participate in activities at local toddler groups and both indoors and in the garden. This is because they have opportunities to use large equipment and babies are provided with appropriate space in order to practise skills such as crawling.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are comfortable in the environment and space is organised to meet their basic needs. Children playing in rooms on the ground floor of the premises and rear garden can easily be supervised by the childminder. Documentation is in place to underpin the safety and well-being of children. For example, the childminder has obtained written parental permission for outings and transport.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The welfare of children is safeguarded by the use of a range of suitable furniture, play equipment and resources that are safe and well maintained. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe and are given gentle reminders about picking up toys from the floor. They receive supervision and respond well to the childminder who promotes an awareness of boundaries within the home. The childminder has taken some positive steps to address safety issues, however, she is yet to ensure that low level glass in one area of the home does not pose a risk to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

On regular daily walks to school children have the opportunity to learn how to cross the road safely and develop an understanding of the importance of holding hands and staying close. All persons with regular access to children are suitably vetted. The childminder recognises her responsibility towards protecting children in her care, however, she is yet to develop her knowledge and understanding of current guidelines in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a good selection of toys and activities suitable for their age and stage of development. Resources for younger children are organised by the childminder in order to encourage their participation. They confidently make independent choices from what is on offer choosing items that interest them such as the ball pool. Children's talking and listening skills are being developed as the childminder consistently talks to them about what they are doing or playing with. Interaction between the children and the childminder is warm and positive and children are confident to approach her for a cuddle or to sit on her lap.

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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 The immediate and individual needs of children are met effectively because the childminder has a good understanding of each child. As a result, their interests are planned for and reflected the play and learning opportunities on offer. For example, younger children attend a weekly sign and rhyme group.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children engage in a mixture of after school activities such as drawing, sticking, painting and play dough. They benefit from the childminder's support with reading practice and when learning key words. Resources are organised well in order that children can easily access age-appropriate games or toys for themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged and supported to participate in all activities through the warm and positive language used by the childminder. The play provision is rotated in order to keep children interested in what is on offer. They are developing an awareness of the wider community through some of the resources that reflect positive images and these form an integral part of their play and experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive praise and recognition for their achievements from the childminder and this in turn reinforces the good behaviour and promotes their self-esteem. However she is yet to develop a wide range of positive strategies to manage children's behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's sense of security and belonging is beginning to be fostered through the working partnership between the childminder and parents. The childminder works closely and cooperatively with the parents, encouraging a regular verbal and written exchange of information. As a result, children are beginning to form a close and trusting relationship with her. A range of information relating to the care and service offered is available for parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The available space is organised well as a result, care is enhanced and play opportunities are maximised. Children are very happy, comfortable and settled in this welcoming environment. Some of the management of care is promoting an awareness of how to keep each child safe, healthy and be able to make choices. However, the management of care is not fully promoted as the childminder failed to notify Ofsted about a significant event.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed the required training. She has also completed further training such as 'Promoting race equality' and the 'Birth to three matters' framework. This ensures that she is up-to-date with current childcare practice.

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Organisation

Most documentation is in place and supports the care, learning and play. However, children's attendance records are not completed consistently by the childminder. As a result, this does not promote children's welfare and the safe management of the setting.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the provider has improved outcomes for children. She has an appropriate first aid qualification. This assists in ensuring that children receive swift and appropriate attention in an emergency situation. The childminder ensures that safety is maintained when bottle feeding babies. There is written parental consent in place to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This promotes children's welfare and the safe management of the setting.

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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 the 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 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): • take positive steps to promote safety within the setting, this refers to low level glass • develop knowledge and understanding of current guidelines in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures • develop a wide range of positive behaviour management strategies • ensure that children's records of attendance are consistently maintained • ensure that Ofsted is notified of significant events which may effect the safety and welfare of children

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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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