Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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203257 Unique Reference Number 21 November 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 1999. She lives with her two children aged six and twelve years in Harlow, Essex. The whole of the 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 two children under five, one is full-time and the other part-time. There are also two children over five before and after school. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler groups. The family have a dog and pet fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of an approved childminding network. She is not currently in receipt of funding for early education for three and four-year-olds.

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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. Children play in an environment that is very clean and organised well to meet their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

They are learning about the importance of good hygiene practices as this forms an integral part of their daily routine. Children eagerly look forward to washing their hands after nappy changing and before food. The childminder's own hygiene routines ensures that children are protected from the spread of infection. Work surfaces are kept clean, she uses gloves when changing nappies and ensures that she washes her hands regularly throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with food that is appropriate for their individual and dietary needs. They enjoy a range of balanced meals which are prepared either by their parents or the childminder. Children benefit from the healthy snacks provided such as fresh fruit. They have access to fresh drinks at all times as their beaker cups are in easy reach. Consequently they are able to help themselves to a drink when they are thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are clear systems in place in the event a child has an accident or is sick because the childminder has an up-to-date knowledge of first aid and the sickness policy which is shared with parents is comprehensive.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive fresh air and physical exercise on a regular basis. They have lots of opportunities to visit local resources such as toddler groups and a children's activity centre. This is often arranged in line with what they want to do. Children also have access to a rear garden which has a variety of large equipment which they use to develop their skills, for example, manoeuvring wheeled toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor, where they move around safely and make choices from a selection of toys and resources. Some positive steps have been taken to minimise hazards and risks within the home, for example, ensuring that there are safety covers on low-level electrical outlets and a safety gate at the foot of the stairs. However, the systems in place to identify hazards are not yet robust. Consequently, in the two sheds at the bottom of the rear garden children are exposed to glass which does not meet the required safety standards. This results in their safety being compromised.

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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 a fire blanket is in place. Emergency evacuation is practised on a regular basis by all children attending. This promotes children’s understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and understanding of what to do in the event she suspects a child is being abused. As a result, children at risk would be identified and the necessary action taken quickly.

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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 happy and content in the care of the childminder as she is attentive to their individual needs. They are confident in communicating and expressing their feelings to her without any hesitation. Children enjoy talking to the childminder and like to involve her in some of their games. For example, as they play with puzzles, construction and small world play. The childminder interacts effectively with the children encouraging them to think and initiate their own learning. She is skilful at asking questions and through play she extends children’s learning. For example, children respond with great excitement as they attempt to identify colours and think about where a puzzle piece fits.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A wide range of interesting toys and resources are easily accessible to the children and provide appropriate challenge. They help themselves to what they want to play with because the areas used are carefully planned to take account of this. The children have access to the play room which is organised for their sole use.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy outings that are organised for them. Photographs show visits to the seaside and days out. They also look forward to planned weekly visits to toddler groups and occasional trips to a children’s activity centre.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder listens and values children's contributions this in turn helps children to feel secure and included. The childminder has sound understanding of equal opportunities and diversity and there are opportunities for children to learn about other cultures and backgrounds, for example, when celebrating cultural festivals such as Diwa, the Hindu festival of lights.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and respond positively to requests made by the childminder regarding, for example, tidying up and getting ready for lunch. They receive warm care and attention and the use of positive language contributes towards helping them learn to manage their own behaviour. Children are supported to understand the consequences of 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 are supported by the partnership between the childminder and their parents and carers. There is a regular verbal exchange of information about issues relating to children's behaviour, health and wellbeing. However, there is a weakness in the consistency of maintaining individual written parental agreements. The childminder is aware of the current complaints procedure.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The available space is organised well as a result, care is enhanced and play opportunities are maximised. Children are very happy, comfortable and settled in this caring and welcoming environment. Some of the management of care is promoting an awareness of how to keep each child safe, healthy and be able to make choices.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed the required training. She has also completed further training such as a Level 3 early years 'National Vocational Qualification', 'Makaton', 'Special Educational

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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 Needs code of practice training' and she is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. This ensures that she is up-to-date with current childcare practice.

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Organisation

Most documentation is in place and supports the care, learning and play. Children's records are on the whole maintained and stored confidentially.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved outcomes for children. She has ensured that the water feature in the rear garden inaccessible to children. This promotes children's safety.

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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 for risk assessment in order to effectively identify all risks to children and ensure proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents; this is in particular reference to glass which does not meet the required safety standards in the two sheds located in the rear garden • develop systems for ensuring that individual written parental agreements are in place for all children • develop systems to ensure that all required documentation is consistently maintained; this is in particular reference to emergency medical advise and treatment and children's time of arrival and departure.

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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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