Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY348088 Unique Reference Number 09 August 2007 Inspection date Barbara Ann Bush 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 registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and four children aged seven years, two years and twins of one month in Springfield, Chelmsford near to local amenities. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for two children aged from five years at any one time and is currently minding one child, who attends on a part time basis. The childminder supports children who have English as an additional language. The childminder walks to local schools and playgroups to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group; also visiting the library and park with children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to learn the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines. They understand the need to wash their hands after using the toilet, using anti-bacterial gel

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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 to help prevent the spread of infection. Children are protected by the childminder's routine, which is shared with parents, regarding sickness. Children are further protected by the range of information the childminder has gathered regarding their medical history, food preferences and allergies. However, the childminder has not obtained permission from parents to seek treatment or advice in the event of an emergency arising.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have an understanding of healthy eating as they are given information by the childminder about their nutritional needs. Breakfast consists of toast, cereals, juice and fresh fruit. Soya milk is provided due to allergies. Drinking water is readily available and children are encouraged to drink freely. Children sit together sociably with their carer for their meals, learning good table manners and how to eat their food properly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a variety of daily activities to enable them to experience physical play. They participate in walks, trips to the park and garden play. The younger children have toys to help their coordination and dexterity. The childminder has a sound understanding of child development and provides resources to improve their confidence and agility.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy using a sufficient range of toys and equipment appropriate for their stages of development. Toys and books are stored at child height to enable their safe access and children can independently choose from the resources. Equipment is maintained and cleaned ensuring that children are protected from injury. Children have the use of a dedicated toy room.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risk assessments undertaken by the childminder helps to safeguard children from potential hazards. They are further protected by steps taken to clear the garden of any dangers. However, there is no fire blanket available, sockets are not covered and there is no smoke detector on the first floor. Public liability insurance is being sought but is not in place at present. The childminder has devised a fire evacuation procedure and children will practise when they are a little older. House rules about jumping, climbing and running in the home are explained to the children and this prevents accidents from occurring. Children are also introduced to road safety measures and this ensures that they stay close to the childminder and do not run into the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and is aware that she needs to share information with parents. Children's well-being is seen as important as the childminder is familiar with the correct procedure to take should she suspect a child was being abused. The collection policy ensures children are not picked up by unauthorised persons.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are encouraged to share, take turns and cooperate with others. Children's play opportunities will broaden in line with their developmental needs. Children's language skills are extended through questions and the childminder's interest in their well-being. Children access a range of books, musical toys and colourful resources that catch their imagination. The children are involved in art and craft work producing pretty designs on glass objects.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a varied day which includes free play and trips outside of the home. Children attend for very short periods of time hence the childminder does not formally plan each session but takes her lead from the children's moods. Consequently there is spontaneity in their play.

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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 Children's interest is stimulated by placing toys at their level to catch their eye and motivate their play. The childminder has a good understanding of the children's needs. They are able to play board games to aide their recognition of numbers and colours. Children are given praise for their existing achievements and they are urged to play with a variety of toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is not registered to care for children under the age of three years. She has experience of younger children as a mother and will complete a training module on the 'Birth to three matters' framework during her preparation course.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met as the daily routine is discussed with parents and any instructions are followed by the childminder. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world as the childminder is French and she is able to talk confidently of other countries. Discriminatory remarks made by adults and children are challenged.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is not caring for children with additional requirements but does support children who have English as an additional language. She is aware of the importance of working with parents and outside agencies should the need arise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to the clear approach to behaviour management devised by the childminder and discussed with parents. Children therefore have boundaries agreed by their carer and parents. They understand the house rules, paying attention to instructions and appreciating the information they receive. Children respond to the childminder's guidelines and respect each other and the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder acknowledges the important role the parent's play in the children's lives and works closely with the families to ensure the children have a secure and happy time with her. Children's background information has been obtained giving the childminder a clear understanding of the children's requirements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has recently started to care for children and is gradually becoming more confident about the documentation that is required to meet the National Standards. She is seeking enrolment on the preparation course and first aid training and anticipates completion within the designated timescale. She is reflective of her own practice and identifies areas for improvement.

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Organisation

She organises her time to ensure that she spends most of her working day involved with the children. They are given individual attention as ratios are adhered to at all times. The children enjoy each other's company and look forward to playing together. They benefit from the childminder's competent approach to her work. Documentation regarding the children is kept confidential but is easily accessible for parents to share. The majority of the required paperwork is on file and kept in order.

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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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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): • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency treatment or advice for minded treatment if required • minimise hazards in the home; in particular the installation of a smoke detector on the first floor, socket covers and a fire blanket • obtain and maintain public liability insurance • complete the preparation training and a first aid course within six months of registration.

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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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