Mercz Carol

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 203049 Inspection date 19 July 2005 Inspector Jenny Curtis

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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 1999 and is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children under 8 years. There are currently 8 children on roll who all attend on a part time basis. The childminder lives with her partner and 4 children aged 2, 4, 11 and 13 years. She works regularly with an assistant. They live in a house in a residential area of Chelmsford, situated within walking distance of local amenities including shops, toddler groups, parks and a library. The

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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 whole of the property is registered for minding purposes and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family has a dog and 2 guinea pigs. The childminder attends local toddler groups with minded children on a regular basis.. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning about the importance of health and hygiene through reinforced routines provided by the childminder. They know, for example, that by helping themselves to wipes when needed they will be clean. Children are beginning to learn about healthy food choices from a range of snacks offered by the childminder. In addition, the childminder informs parents through the nutrition policy about her practices and liaises with them to provide packed lunches to meet children's needs. Children can ask for drinks when required and sometimes they help themselves from their own cups from the breakfast bar. Arrangements for children who are unwell are in place and parents are made aware of these through the sickness policy. Children's individual health needs are met in partnership with parents although entries to the medication book are not always fully confidential or signed by parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

An outdoor area with a broad range of physical toys enables children to exercise and play in the fresh air. Children access this frequently and play in and out of doors at their own pace. Children enjoy regular trips to the park, farms and wildlife centres. Younger children are able to rest or be active according to their needs under supervision of the childminder and her assistant.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children have access to a safe and secure environment. In addition to a fully enclosed garden there is a child centred playroom and conservatory, where much of the children's work and achievements are displayed. Children are given freedom to play independently with all resources in and out of doors and the childminder encourages them to tidy away in order to keep their play space safe. Younger children are kept safe by close supervision by the childminder and her assistant and through the occasional use of a play pen.

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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 Risks to children's safety are minimised by the childminder. She checks toys and equipment regularly and uses safety equipment such as cupboard locks and stair gates. Smoke alarms are tested regularly. The childminder plans outings well in advance and puts in safety measures such as wrist tags and has written procedures to follow in the event of a child becoming lost which is shared with parents. An emergency care plan is also in place in the event of the childminder being unable to care for children. Children are discovering how to keep safe by talking about road safety rules and practising the fire escape plan regularly with the childminder. Children's welfare is monitored and the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures and this is supported by her written policy which is discussed

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

with parents. She has attended training to enhance her knowledge in this area. She has completed a first aid course and ensures appropriate insurances are up to date for her home and car which promotes the safety of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They play contentedly as the childminder and her assistant interact warmly with them as they play. Children benefit from the childminder's flexible approach to activities which ensures that they can join in structured activities such as pre-reading and writing skills or freely accessing toys and equipment of their choice. Children have access to a range of books and resources that stimulate their interest and encourage their development in all areas. The playroom is organised in a child centred way with developmentally appropriate resources. Toys and equipment are provided at the children's level and children confidently and independently choose from what is on offer, which increases their ability to be actively involved in their care and learning. They know where things belong and show respect for their environment

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

by helping to tidy away their toys before moving onto another activity. The childminder's developing knowledge of the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework is helping her to think more broadly about how she is meeting younger children's developmental needs. She offers activities suitable for the range of minded children and adapts her interaction with the children to meet their developmental stage. This increases the opportunities for younger children to explore and investigate activities at their individual level. Visits to toddler groups and trips to local parks and places further afield provides opportunities for children to explore and socialise in the wider community.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a positive attitude towards equality and provides activities to meet children's individual developmental needs. Children are encouraged to treat others with equal concern and some equipment and activities are available to help children learn about people's similarities and differences. Children behave well. They are encouraged to treat others with respect and the childminder uses consistent and age appropriate behaviour management strategies to help them learn right from wrong. This is also supported by her written policy which is discussed with parents. Children are learning to share and take turns when they play together. Parents are fully consulted about their children's needs and are introduced to the childminder's practices through the policies shown to them at the beginning of placement. They are encouraged to share information and are well informed through

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Helping children make a positive contribution

a daily diary which records experiences and events for the children, such as eating, sleeping and activities they have participated in.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are able to develop their independence and pursue their own interests due to the childminder's well planned and organised routines and resources which helps them explore and extend their own play and learning. The homely, child centred environment and the childminder's strong relationships with parents helps children feel confident and secure in the childminder's care. Good communication with her assistant supports consistency of care for the children. All required documentation is in place which is organised and stored appropriately, and this supports the childminder to care for the children well. The provider updates her knowledge and practice through additional training, this enhances the care that children receive. Overall, the needs of the range of children attending the setting are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no areas for improvement noted at the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report about the provider.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • develop the use of the medication book to ensure that all entries are recorded confidentially and signed by parents.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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