Childminder in EssexOfsted inspection, 20 Jul 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 560139 Inspection date 20 July 2005 Inspector Lynn Clements

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1993. She lives with her husband and five children aged 17, 16, 14, 11 and 2 years. They live in a residential area of Chelmsford. The whole of the premises are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children when working on her own but may care for a maximum of nine children when working with another childminder. She is currently minding thirteen children part time. During the inspection there were four minded children present. The childminder is registered to

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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 provide overnight care. The childminder attends local mother and toddler groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children and babies are discovering the importance of personal hygiene and keeping safe. They are supported by the childminder who encourages them to practice hand washing throughout their daily routines. Children make their own choices regarding healthy eating, discovering their personal likes and dislikes and they are able to choose from a wide range of healthy options provided by the childminder. The childminder works closely with parents to discuss menus which will meet their child's individual dietary need. Younger children help themselves to drinks provided in beakers and placed on child height furniture. Older children are encouraged to help themselves and pour their own drinks. The childminder ensures babies are offered drinks regularly. No children remain thirsty. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework and intends to use it to support her practice with children under three. All children are able to rest or be

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Helping children to be healthy

active according to their needs. A fully enclosed and safe outside area enables children to exercise and play in the fresh air. Children develop good co-ordination as they climb, pedal and play catch with balls. A wide range of equipment provides appropriate challenge for all age groups. Children's physical development is supported appropriately by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risks to children are minimised by the childminder's effective organisation. She prepares the play space and child accessible areas of the house before they arrive to ensure it is safe and secure. The childminder regularly checks toys and safety equipment such as buggies and car seats before going out and about. The provision of child accessible storage encourages them to tidy away after playing leaving the play areas safe. Children know that smaller toys which can be dangerous to babies due to small bits, are played with in the living room while baby is crawling around the playroom. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues to ensure children's welfare remains paramount. She discusses her responsibility with parents prior to placement. She is careful to check the identification of visitors and never allows children to leave with adults she has not met and agreed with

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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 move confidently around the childminder's home, selecting toys, resources and activities at their own pace. They explore the wide variety available and extend their own play and learning due to the well organised child accessible storage. Babies early communication skills are positively fostered, they enjoy the different textures of toys using their mouths, hands and feet to feel and investigate. The childminder appropriately supports children as they grow and learn. Role play ideas are extended based on real and imagined experiences as they bandage adults and then nurse them better. Carefully planned and consistent routines helps all children to develop confidence between their home and the setting. Babies receive lots of cuddles from the childminder which increases their sense of well-being. Children learn to share, take turns and respect each other, forming positive relationships. Children are supported

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

by the childminder to explore other cultures and beliefs. They are able to ask questions and interact with others, in addition using books and resources to help them to make sense of the wider world. Parents have daily opportunities to speak with the childminder. She keeps them informed of their child's progress and shares photographs and written records. Parents feel happy and supported by the childminder. Open communications between parents and the childminder provides continuity for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children form good relationships with each other and adults. They learn about the differing needs of others such as keeping small toys away from the baby. The childminder provides resources which positively reflect diversity and children are encouraged to explore their understanding and feelings through discussions and activities. The childminder is obtaining a copy of the Disability Discrimination Act to ensure she continues to meet children's individual needs. Good behaviour is encouraged and children learn to help each other. Children and babies settle well and quickly become confident aided by the clear communications between parents and the childminder. Children with special needs are supported appropriately. All parents are kept fully informed of their child's experiences and development through daily discussions, enabling parents to share in their children's achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children of all ages are able to develop their independence and pursue their own interests due to the well planned activities and available resources provided by the

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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 childminder. In addition, toys and resources are child accessible, providing opportunities for them to extend their own play and learning as they move freely around the child centred environment. All documentation is in place, stored securely and confidentiality is respected. Regularly updated and well maintained records contribute to the health, safety and well-being of all the children attending. Students and other childminders are organised well in the setting to share their skills and knowledge and support children appropriately. The childminder has attended various training courses and will shortly be updating her first aid training to ensure she remains qualified to provide emergency care. She intends to develop her knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to Three Matters'

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Organisation

framework to maintain the high levels of care and support she offers to children under three. The needs of the children are met.

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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): • seek relevant first aid training to ensure children are cared for appropriately in an emergency • develop knowledge and understanding of the needs for children under three further, for example through the use of the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework. Also develop knowledge in relation to the Disability Discrimination Act to ensure the individual needs of all children continue to be met effectively.

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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 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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