Sullivan, Vivian Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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404452 Unique Reference Number 28 November 2007 Inspection date Deborah Kerry 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 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 registered since 1998. She lives in a house in South Woodham Ferrers, near to local amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding activities apart from the conservatory; bedroom two on the first floor is used by older children for play. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding 11 children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder supports several children where English is a second language and children with learning disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder belongs to the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has in place appropriate strategies for dealing with children who become unwell whilst in her care to prevent the spread of infection. The records for accidents and medication administered is signed by parents which ensures that they are kept informed about the welfare of their child. The childminder holds appropriate training in first aid and ensures that all medication is inaccessible to children which helps to promote their health and welfare effectively. The family has a dog which is regularly treated for fleas and worms and all vaccinations are up-to-date which protects children from possible hazardous infections. Through the daily routine children have developed a good understanding of personal hygiene as they know to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular access to physical play to promote their health as the childminder takes them on regular outings, they walk to pre-school and attend activity centres. The childminder ensures that she maintains children's home routines for sleeping and older children can rest on the sofa in the lounge. The childminder has a travel cot for younger children which is placed within her sight and hearing ensuring that children's welfare is a high priority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures that information on children's health and dietary requirements are collected from parents before minding begins to ensure that their needs can be appropriately met. Parents are encouraged to provide healthy options in their child's packed lunch; the childminder ensures that these are all stored correctly in line with environmental health guidelines. The childminder respects parents' wishes regarding their child's dietary needs to ensure that their health is promoted. Children are able to help themselves to drinks freely according to their own needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is effectively promoted as the childminder ensures that external doors are kept locked and they are alarmed, which goes off each time the door is opened which would alert the childminder if children opened the door. The childminder prepares suitable resources each day ready for children's arrival. Resources are stored on the floor in boxes within easy reach of all children so they are able to select resources independently. All resources are checked and cleaned if needed before being packed away and are rotated for variety and children's individual ages and interests. The childminder is a good role model for children as she encourages them to look after resources and tidy away when finished, which help to prevent accidents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has devised a plan for emergency evacuation of the premises to promote children's safety well. This is practised with minded children several times a month which ensures that they are learning how to promote their own safety. The childminder has procedures in place for emergency cover with another registered childminder to ensure that children's welfare and safety is effectively maintained should there be a need. Children's welfare is further promoted as the childminder has a written statement on child protection which parents are asked to sign making them fully aware of her responsibilities on children's welfare. The childminder has in place the Essex hand book for childcare providers on safeguarding children's welfare with details of referral procedures and contact numbers should she have concerns for the welfare of a child.

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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 are provided with a range of resources and activities which are suited to their age and stage of development. The childminder plans suitable activities each week around what children enjoy and their individual interests. Children are settled in the childminder's care, they chat freely with her and each other. Children are taken on regular visits to local activity play centres as part of their weekly routine which helps to promote their physical development and their social skills. Children take part in a range of art and craft activities which the childminder displays on her wall in her 'art gallery'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children build with Duplo which they share as they play well together. They enjoy playing with cars, dinosaurs and ask the childminder for the train track which demonstrates their confidence in asking for resources which they like. The childminder gives children cuddles and reassurance when they become upset and they are learning to share and take turns. The childminder sits with children when eating to ensure that they eat their sandwiches first and good table manners is encouraged.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder finds out about children's individual needs by talking with parents before they start. The childminder listens to children and gets down to their level. The childminder works with parents to ensure that children can spend time getting to know the childminder and other children when they start to help them settle. Children are provided with a range of resources which they can self-select independently. All children and their parents are welcomed. She is currently minding several children where English is a second language and they are fully supported as she provides books they can enjoy in their home language. The childminder provides appropriate support for children with additional needs and works closely with their parents and other professionals to ensure they are fully supported. The childminder liaises with the nursery and primary school to ensure that children's individual needs are met well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a written statement on behaviour management which is shared with parents and uses positive praise when managing children's behaviour. The childminder has developed good relationships with parents and ensures that all relevant information on children's individual needs is obtained so that the appropriate care can be provided. Parents wishes are respected with regard to their children's care needs. Parents are provided with copies of all policies and procedures. However, information for parents regarding outings and activities that the children are involved with is limited.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder ensures that the correct ratios are adhered to at all times. She ensures that her registers are kept up-to-date on a daily basis. The childminder has some written policies in place which are shared with parents on her childminding practice. Children's welfare is promoted effectively as the childminder keeps all documentation updated and has all written parental permission slips in place.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures that her home is prepared and organised ready for children's arrival each day to ensure that they can move around freely and safely. The childminder stores all

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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 documentation regarding children's individual needs confidentially. Children's independence is promoted as the childminder provides support and encourages children to meet their own needs with regard to potty training.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to notify Ofsted of serious injury or death to minded children. The childminder keeps a log for all incidents and complaints and is fully aware of her responsibility to keep Ofsted informed of any changes or significant events.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received information about how children’s behaviour was managed, particularly when playing outside. These concerns relate to Standard 11: Behaviour Management. Ofsted made an unannounced visit to the childminder on 17 March 2005. An action was set to ensure that the childminder records any incidents and shares this information with parents. The provider responded to the action within the specified timescale and showed that working practice had been adjusted to incorporate the required practice. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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 information given to parents on the daily activities and outings that minded children are involved with.

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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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