Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347685 Unique Reference Number 20 August 2007 Inspection date Patricia Mary Champion 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged one and three years. They live in a house in a residential area within walking distance of schools and shops in the Laindon district of Basildon. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child. The childminder walks to the local pre-school to take and collect children. The family has a dog, three cats and a guinea pig.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group and takes children on outings. She 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 stay healthy because the childminder has established hygiene routines such as regularly cleaning children's hands with individual wipes. Toilet training and nappy changing is hygienically undertaken. Changing mats and potties are cleaned after use and the childminder uses anti-bacterial hand cleanser to prevent the risk of cross-infection. Children are protected from illness and infection because the childminder has a sickness policy, which is discussed with parents and is included on the contracts. Reliable paperwork is in place to record any accidents or when medication is given and the first aid kit is easily accessible. However, the childminder may not always be able to deal with the children's health needs as she has not yet requested written parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment. Although the childminder does have basic knowledge of first aid, she has not yet attended a

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Helping children to be healthy

first aid course to update her first aid knowledge and skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat a healthy diet supplied by parents and supported by the childminder. Any perishable food and milk is stored in the fridge. The childminder records the food eaten on the daily diary sheets. Regular drinks are offered to prevent children from becoming thirsty or dehydrated. Sterilising equipment is available to keep baby items hygienically clean. Parents give written information about any allergies or special dietary requirements on the children's personal records.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities for physical play, which contributes to their good health. They have fresh air and exercise every day. The garden is equipped with outdoor toys such as a small trampoline and sit and ride toys to develop physical skills. Outings to the nearby park allow children to energetically run, swing and climb. Children sleep according to their needs and parents' wishes. The childminder recognises the signs of tiredness in babies and children and allows them to sleep peacefully and undisturbed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a comfortable and safe environment. The childminder is vigilant about the security of the children. The front door is kept locked to prevent children exiting unnoticed. Good use is made of safety items such as stair gates, socket covers and cupboard safety catches to protect children from potential hazards. Additional measures have been taken to make the banisters on the landing and the raised decked area of the garden safe for children. The childminder has a written fire evacuation plan. Smoke alarms are fitted and tested regularly and there is a fire blanket accessible in the kitchen. Children are closely supervised and a baby monitor is used so that the childminder can hear the moment that children awake from their sleep.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected on outings. The childminder has written permission to take children on outings in her car and she has the appropriate car seats. She talks to children about road safety when they go for walks and they are transported in a good quality double buggy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with a wide range of toys and play materials. They can select items from the well equipped toy cupboard. Boxes of play equipment are accessible so that the youngest 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 can make choices about their play. All toys within reach of babies can be explored by them using their mouth and hands. Play equipment is checked frequently for damage and cleanliness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has developed her understanding of child protection issues through training. She has the child protection handbook issued by the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and knows the procedures if she should have concerns about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with toys and play experiences they find enjoyable. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of how individual children develop and learn. She organises resources so that they are readily accessible to children and supports their play and learning. Bright and colourful toys stimulate the children's senses. They have fun emptying the toy boxes and then filling them again. Children enjoy looking at books and show interest in what is going on around them. The childminder encourages children to use their imagination and to ask questions. They spend time observing a spider, counting the legs and watching it move. Children go on a range of interesting outings. For example, they visit Marsh Farm, Colchester Zoo, the library or outings to feed the ducks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder adapts activities to meet the needs for all children. She has information about the 'Birth to three matters' framework to help her plan activities for the youngest children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have settled well in the childminder's home. Their individual needs are met because the childminder liaises closely with parents. Routines are discussed and this ensures continuity of care for children. The childminder is a calm role model and has positive strategies for managing behaviour. She promotes politeness and encourages children to share and take turns with their toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the wider world when they play with toys that portray positive images of diversity. They can explore the differences and similarities between themselves and others. The childminder ensures that her practice is inclusive so that all children can participate and the best possible care is provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit because the childminder is developing friendly and professional relationships with parents. Clearly written contracts are organised regarding the business arrangements. The childminder keeps parents fully informed through the daily diary sheets detailing the children's care routines, the food eaten and their play experiences. The childminder is aware of the need to keep a record of complaints that she can share with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well-organised home. Play space and resources are arranged to meet the children's needs effectively. The childminder ensures that sufficient adult support is offered to children. Her husband and her mother have been checked through the Criminal Records

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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 Bureau (CRB) and are cleared to work as assistants. The childminder has attended the Introduction to Childminding Practice course, but is waiting for her certificate. She does not hold a current first aid certificate, however, she does have a basic knowledge of first aid so that she can deal with minor injuries.

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Organisation

Most of the essential documentation required for the safe management of the childcare provision is in place. Records are stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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): • request parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • complete a first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young 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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