Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY249313 Unique Reference Number 04 December 2007 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and four years in North Weald, Essex. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five part -time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. A tidy and welcoming environment is organised for children. The childminder promotes good personal hygiene and ensures that children wash their hands at particular times, for example,

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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 before and after food. They have their own individual towels which are provided in order to prevent cross- contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Systems are in place to gather information from parents regarding their child's medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. Children are assured of swift and appropriate help if they have an accident due to the childminder's knowledge of first aid. However, the childminder does not fully promote children's safety and welfare because she does not consistently record all accidents which occur. Written parental consent has been obtained for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment. This protects children's welfare in the event of an emergency occurring.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide children with a packed lunch and dinner which is stored appropriately, for example, in the fridge. The childminder is happy to provide children with balanced meals on request. They are provided with unlimited drinks of fresh water and they enjoy healthy snacks of fresh fruit.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to the rear garden weather permitting and they receive fresh air and exercise daily on the walk to school. They also benefit from having other outdoor experiences which include outings to the library.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The environment is homely and welcoming to children. Space and resources are organised in order that children's developmental abilities are taken into account. For example, there is sufficient and safe space for young children to move around.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety has been considered with regards to fire precautions as smoke alarms are fitted on both levels of the home, and emergency evacuation is practised by children on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a range of suitable and safe toys and equipment which are BSEN approved. There are a number of safety measures in place, for example, there are safety covers fitted to low- level electrical sockets. However, the systems in place to identify hazards are not yet robust. Consequently, children are exposed to risks such as, access to the stairs, low-level hazardous products and low- level glass.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder recognises her responsibility towards protecting children in her care. She has a satisfactory knowledge and understanding in this area and as a result, children at risk would be identified and the necessary action taken quickly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children's confidence and self-esteem is being developed by the childminder who acknowledges their achievements and values what they have to say. They are happy to express their needs or share their experiences in the safe knowledge they will be listened to.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans and provides a satisfactory range of stimulating activities for children. Toys and resources are chosen each day and made easily accessible in order that children can help themselves to what they want to play with. The childminder uses plenty of positive praise

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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 and encouragement to develop children’s interest and participation. As a result, they are happy to try different activities without fear of failure. Children enjoy communicating with the childminder who encourages them to talk about what they are doing, for example, when using role play resources. As a consequence, children learn new words and develop their language skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children are involved in purposeful play which is age-appropriate and offers some appropriate challenges. Older children engage in a mixture of after school activities, such as craft or completing their homework. They benefit from the support they receive from the childminder, for example with reading practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected and valued as individuals. Their needs, such as diet and care are discussed with parents and incorporated effectively into the daily routine by the childminder. This in turn promotes a feeling of security and assists in meeting children's individual needs. The childminder has sound understanding of equal opportunities and diversity. However, positive images do not form an integral part of children's play opportunities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are in the main well behaved and respond well to the childminder. They receive warm care and attention and the childminders' positive approach and language contributes to helping them learn to manage their own behaviour. Children are consistently helped to understand their actions through developmentally appropriate explanations, which in turn contributes to forming positive attitudes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children experience consistent care and parents are kept well informed. This is because there is a regular exchange of verbal and written information about issues relating to children's behaviour, health and well-being. There is a procedure in place for parents to follow should they have a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and at ease within the family home environment. The childminder organises time to allow for a restful period indoors so that children can sleep according to their needs. The space is used to meet the individual needs of the children attending and they are familiar with their surroundings. As a consequence, this promotes a feeling of security.

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Organisation

Some of the management of care is promoting an awareness of how to keep each child safe, healthy and be able to make choices. However, the systems to accurately record attendance and accidents are not maintained.

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Organisation

Children's needs are identified through the verbal communication the childminder has with parents at drop off and pick up times. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. The childminder uses some of the policies and procedures effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved outcomes for children. She ensures that she provides separate bedding for children. This assists in the prevention of cross-infection. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder has consent in place for each child to seek emergency medical treatment. Although, she has addressed some identified safety issues her systems for identifying potential risks are not yet robust. As a result, this has been brought forward as an area for further improvement at this inspection.

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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. 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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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): • develop systems to identify safety issues in the premises and ensure that proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents • develop systems to ensure that attendance and accident records are appropriately and consistently maintained • develop the range of resources promoting positive images in order that they form an integral part of children's play opportunities.

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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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