Childminder in EssexOfsted inspection, 27 Jul 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY235757 Inspection date 27 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 has been a registered since 2002 and is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children under 8 years at any one time. There are currently two children on roll who attend on a full time basis. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 11 weeks, 3 and 7 years. They live in a house in North Weald. The library, shops and a park are all within walking distance. The nearest station is Epping.

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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 The whole of the house is used for minding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder attends a local toddler groups with 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 they should put their tissue in the bin after wiping their nose. Children are beginning to learn about healthy foods from a range offered by the childminder at each meal. When asked about their favourite foods, they talk about fruit and vegetables. Children confidently access drinks freely from their own cups available from furniture at their level. Arrangements for children who are unwell are in place and parents are made aware of these. This is further supported by the childminder's sickness policy which is shared with parents. Children's individual medication needs are administered in partnership with parents and accurately recorded in the medication book. An outdoor area with a range of physical toys enables children to exercise and play

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Helping children to be healthy

in the fresh air. Children are taken on short walks and trips to the park. Older children attend a gymnastics group weekly with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risks to children's safety are minimised by the childminder. She checks toys and equipment regularly and uses safety equipment such a fire guard and a stair gate. Smoke alarms are tested regularly. There is also a care plan in place which is agreed with parents, in the event that the childminder is unable to care for the children in an emergency. Children are given freedom to play independently with all resources and the childminder encourages them to tidy away in order to keep their play space safe. Children are discovering how to keep safe by talking about road safety rules and by practising the fire escape plan with the childminder every six months. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures. She has completed a first aid course and ensures appropriate insurances are up to date for her home and car which enhances the welfare of 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

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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 alone or together and the childminder interacts warmly with children as they play. Children receive lots of praise and eye contact, increasing their sense of well-being. Children make choices from well stocked and presented resources. Most toys and equipment are provided at the children's level and children confidently and independently choose from what is on offer. This increases their ability to be actively involved in their care and learning. They know where things belong and show respect for their environment by helping to tidy away their toys. Children clearly enjoy their time whilst in the childminder's care. The childminder has a sound knowledge of children's developmental stages and the value of activities that extend children's learning. This knowledge is shared with parents through an information pack given to them at the beginning of placement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

She offers activities suitable for the range of minded children. There are opportunities for younger children to explore and investigate activities at their individual level. The childminder has an awareness of the ‘Birth to Three Matters’ framework, but is yet to implement the document into practice enabling her to further meet younger children's developmental needs. Children have access to a range of books and resources that stimulate their interest and encourage their development in all areas, this includes access to activities to promote equal opportunities. Trips to local parks and activity groups provide opportunities for children to socialise in the wider community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a positive attitude towards equality and adapts activities to meet children's individual developmental needs. Children are encouraged to treat others with equal concern and equipment and activities are available to foster children's independent learning about people’s similarities and differences. This is supported by the childminder’s equal concern policy which is discussed with parents. Children 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. 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 information pack and policies given to them at the beginning of placement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Parents are encouraged to share information. They are kept fully informed about their children's care and progress through daily feedback and a diary which records daily experiences and events for the children.

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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 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 open approach to children and parents helps children feel confident and secure in the her care. All documentation is in place, organised and stored appropriately. This supports the childminder to care for the children well. The childminder has completed required training. Overall the needs of the range of children attending this setting are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop documentation and update her knowledge of reporting child protection concerns to improve children's safety and to develop use of activities that help children to learn about equal opportunities. The childminder has made all required improvements which enhances children's overall safety and their ability to learn about people's similarities and differences.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • increase knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework

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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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