Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

506264 Unique Reference Number 13 December 2007 Inspection date Jenny Howell Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1992 and co-minds with her husband. She lives with her husband and three adult sons. They live in a house in a residential area of Billericay within walking distance of schools, shops and the park. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a chinchilla.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for 12 children, including those over the age of eight. She provides full- and part-time care, as well as before and after school care.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children on outings and attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health is very effectively promoted. The childminder follows sound procedures to maintain hygiene in the home and understands how to help children learn about health and hygiene. Extremely well-established daily routines such as hand washing before eating and after using the toilet, together with simple explanations about keeping clean and getting rid of germs, effectively help children to reinforce their understanding of how to keep clean. Children are very well cared for if they become ill or have an accident. The childminder has up to date training in first aid and ensures that a first aid kit is close to hand at all times. All relevant medical information about children is kept on file and the childminder makes sure that parents are kept very well informed.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met extremely well. They enjoy a very good range of balanced and nutritious meals and snacks which effectively helps them to learn about making healthy choices on a daily basis. Drinks are freely available so that children are able to keep well-hydrated throughout the day. The childminder is aware of the allergies, likes and dislikes of individual children and works effectively with children and parents to ensure that children enjoy the food they eat. Children have excellent opportunities to exercise and develop physical skills. Children walk to and from school on a daily basis and also enjoy a wide variety of sport and exercise opportunities including swimming, football and simple athletics. Children also enjoy walks around the local reservoir and visits to a soft play centre. Children's enjoyment of exercise is effectively enhanced by the childminder's enthusiasm for sport and physical activity. Children

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

are able to rest and relax according to their individual needs. Comfortable sofas are available for children to relax on after school and younger children can sleep in comfort and safety, using a travel cot if necessary.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder has a good understanding of how to minimise risks and ensure that children are safe at all times. The childminder thoroughly checks all areas used by children on a daily basis. Precautions such as socket covers, smoke detectors, cupboards locks and a fire blanket are in place to protect children and simple rules such as not using the stairs help to protect children further. Children are kept safe on trips and outings as the childminder has good procedures in place to protect children. appropriate seats and restraints are used when travelling by car and children learn to walk responsibly during everyday trips and outings.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with safe and suitable equipment. The childminder checks them for safety and cleanliness on a regular basis and ensures that resources are appropriate to the ages of the children for example, by keeping small toys out of the way of babies and toddlers. Children's welfare is effectively safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has a good understanding of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child. She is aware of the value of having up to date training in child protection and keeps written guidance and advice on file to refer to should she need it.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop good levels of confidence and self-esteem. They feel comfortable and secure in the childminder's home and enjoy a strong and supportive family atmosphere. Children develop good relationships with each other, as well as the childminder and her family. Children happily talk about the things which interest them and support each other well in their play.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show great interest in what they see and do as the childminder provides them with a wide range of activities and opportunities, using her good understanding of child development. Children have free access to toys including construction, train set, puzzles, cars, painting and drawing. They also have access to the outdoor garden for activities such as football and mini-golf. Children enjoy playing collaboratively at games such as scrabble, dominoes and hang-man. Children also enjoy playing together imaginatively by, for example, playing 'schools'. Children also enjoy trips and outings, including visiting the mobile library, swimming, toddler groups, zoo, beach and sea-life centre.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to access toys and resources freely. They are also able to make suggestions about what they want to do and the places they would like to visit in the future. This helps children to feel valued and ensures that they are fully involved in the activities and games they take part in. The childminder has a good understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses it effectively to support and improve the care she provides to children under three.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a strong sense of belonging as they are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home. They develop good relationships with family members who take time to get to know children. Children feel a valued part of the home as they talk about the things that interest them during social meal times and are free to choose the activities and resources which interest them. Children develop a good understanding of wider society as they enjoy activities and resources which help them to develop a positive attitude towards difference and diversity. Children see positive images of difference through the toys, books and puzzles they play with and learn about world traditions as they find out about festivals such as Easter and Chinese New Year.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a very positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She works closely with parents to ensure that she is aware of the individual needs of every child and the best way that she can support children and help them to make progress. The childminder has attended further training in the Code of Practice for learning difficulties and/or disabilities and this has helped her to refresh and develop the way in which she meets the needs of individual children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. They are effectively supported in learning about responsible behaviour and are clear about the simple house rules which are in place. Children have good relationships with each other. Older children support the younger children well and are able to play games where children of all ages have a part to play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive good quality information about the childminder and the care their children will receive. The childminder has produced written policies covering areas such as behaviour management, equal opportunities and child protection, this helps to provide parents with

p.4

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 additional information before their children are cared for. Parents are encouraged to talk to the childminder with any concerns or questions they may have, however they are not yet provided with information about how to make a formal complaint. All relevant written information is collected from parents before children are cared for in order for the childminder to provide appropriate care and an extended settling in period is offered so that parents and children can get to know the childminder before full-time care commences. This effectively helps both parents and children to feel secure and comfortable with the childminder.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by safe and suitable adults. The childminder has attended all required training and continues to update her knowledge and understanding of childcare by attending further training, for example in the Code of Practice for learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is ensures that all household members over the age of 16 have undergone checks with the Criminal Records Bureau and keeps evidence of this on file. Children are cared for in numbers which enables the childminder to provide all children with individual attention and to ensure their needs are met effectively. The childminder works with a co-minder to ensure that children's needs can be met at all times and to provide cover in the event of an emergency. The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards and has produced written polices and procedures which effectively support her in meeting these when caring for children.

p.5

Organisation

Children's well-being is effectively supported and promoted through well-organised records and policies. Records are clear and up to date. They are easy to access, yet are stored securely to ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times. All required documentation is in place to ensure that children can be well cared for, in line with their parents' wishes. This includes written permissions to transport children by car and to take children on trips around the local area.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to review how medication records are kept and to raise her awareness of the Code of Practice for the Identification and Assessment of Special Needs. The childminder keeps medication records up to date and ensures that parents read and sign each entry after medication has been given, as well as giving written permission before medication is given. The childminder has recently attended training in the Code of Practice for caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This has helped to improve her understanding of current legislation and subsequently the care and support that she can provide for all children.

p.5

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.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • share further information with parents about the complaints procedure.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6