Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY246463 Unique Reference Number 24 January 2008 Inspection date Ann Marie Cozzi 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and 9 years in Old Harlow, Essex. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day, and one child over five after school. The childminder walks to local schools to collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group. The family has a pet dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in premises which is clean and homely. They learn about some appropriate hygiene practice through the daily routine, for example, hand washing before and after food. However, the childminder is yet to review arrangements to ensure that health and hygiene are fully promoted when children are in the proximity of the pet dog.

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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 There are systems in place for administration of medication and the childminder ensures that parents and carers consistently sign accidents records to acknowledge the entry.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides children with a balanced and nutritious diet which includes plenty of fresh fruit. Drinks are accessible at all times and younger children are encouraged to take regular drinks throughout the day in order that they remain hydrated, this promotes good health. There is an appropriate verbal sickness policy which is implemented in practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with appropriate opportunities to practice skills whilst taking part in art and craft activities in the home and at a local toddler group. They have access to a secure rear garden and regular opportunities for fresh air and vigorous exercise during trips out to walk the dog and visits to local parks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children on the whole enjoy a clean and well-maintained environment which is equipped with safe and suitable resources. Risk assessments are evolving to take account of all identified potential risks and hazards. For example, there are safety features in place, such as, locks on low-level cupboards and the promotion of road safety when outside of the home. However, there is a weakness in the identification of potential risks to children, such as, low-level glass in the home and rear garden and access to the stairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder places high importance regarding child protection and has attended child protection training in the past. The childminder is aware of the signs and indicators of abuse. In the event she suspects abuse the childminder has access to the government booklet 'what to do if you're worried a child is being abused'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident and secure in the childminder's home. They explore the home and activities independently and the organisation of resources enables them to make some choices. They have satisfactory opportunities to investigate and develop their skills in all areas of learning, for example, regular opportunities to engage in physical play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder listens carefully to children, giving them time to share their thoughts and ideas. She interacts and encourages them as they, for example, play with a matching game and attempt to identify everyday objects. Young children are developing their physical independence this is encouraged and supported by the childminder who actively engages them in activities and tasks, for example, throwing a ball at low-level and opening a box containing a puzzle.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has an sound understanding of the needs of the younger children and provides a satisfactory range of activities and resources to support their physical and emotional development. She is attentive and interprets their gestures and facial expressions which helps them to communicate their needs.

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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 satisfactory. Children's individual needs and routines are discussed with parents on a daily basis. They are encouraged and supported to participate in activities through the warm and positive language used by the childminder. This in turn contributes towards ensuring that they feel secure and included.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing some awareness of the wider community through the use of a satisfactory range of resources which reflect positive images. Younger children's experiences are enhanced by the use of a local toddler group. Children are offered appropriate explanations which are in line with their maturity and level of understanding. They enjoy and respond well to the positive praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are supported by the partnership between the childminder and their parents. There is a regular verbal exchange of information about issues relating to children's behaviour, health and wellbeing. There is a written procedure in place for in the event a parent wishes to make a complaint which reflects current guidance.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has completed some of the required training. However, although she has undertake first aid training in the past, she does not hold a current first aid certificate. This impacts on her ability to ensure that in the event of an accident children receive treatment which is always up-to-date.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is well organised and stored confidentially. However, although there is a system in place to record children's hours of attendance it is not consistently maintained. As a result this does not fully support the safe management of the provision.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved outcomes for children. She ensures that written permission is sought from parents for emergency medical advice or treatment. This promotes children's well-being. She has improved fire safety precautions by ensuring that a fire blanket, which conforms to BS EN standards is accessible in the kitchen. Some safety issues have been addressed, however, this has been identified as an area for further development at this inspection. The provider has increased activities and resources which promote equality of opportunity. This in turn promotes anti-discriminatory practice.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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 the parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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 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): • review the arrangements to ensure that health and hygiene are fully promoted when children are in the proximity of the pet dog • develop risk assessments in order to promote safety within the setting and ensure proper precautions are taken to minimise risks to children • ensure that hours of attendance are consistently recorded.

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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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