Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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590120 Unique Reference Number 22 January 2008 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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her family in a house in a residential area in South Woodham Ferrers, within walking distance of schools, shops and the railway station. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of six children under eight may attend at any one time and she is currently minding fifteen children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local childminding group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are protected against sickness through a clear and effective written policy, which is shared with parents. The childminder ensures that parents give written consent and guidance

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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 for any medication administered and all details are clearly documented and signed by parents. The childminder is extremely effective in ensuring children's health and well-being is promoted in line with their parent’s wishes and home routines. They have regular opportunities to take part in outdoor activities such as playing in the garden, the local park and going for walks which helps to promote children's physical development well.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has extremely high standards of hygiene to protect children from the spread of infection and encourages children to learn good self-care skills to promote their understanding of personal hygiene. Children are able to use the toilet independently and the childminder offers support if needed. Children use paper towels to dry their hands on which promotes their health and minimises any risk of cross-infection. The childminder practises excellent nappy changing procedures to protect children from the spread of infection and each child has their own bedding for sleeping.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a healthy and varied range of food and drinks which are all provided by the childminder. The childminder provides children with healthy and nutritious foods to meet their individual requirements. For example, children have fresh fruit and crumpets for snack, lasagne for lunch with fresh fruit for dessert. Children learn about healthy eating and personal hygiene well through the food that is provided and by the good example set by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder's knowledge on safety ensures that children are kept safe and protected from potential hazards. Children benefit from the safe environment, which gives them freedom to move about. The childminder is rigorous in checking and maintaining her home to ensure children's continuing safety. Children's safety is a high priority as the childminder takes appropriate precautions when on outings. For example, young children are strapped into pushchairs or wear safety harnesses if walking. The childminder completes a written annual risk assessment on all areas of the home and garden to ensure that children's safety is effectively maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children feel safe and settled, they enjoy consistent care. Children can choose from a range of well-maintained toys and resources, which they can safely and easily access. The childminder regularly checks all resources and equipment for any potential hazards and ensures that they are regularly cleaned. The childminder tests the smoke alarms regularly and practises the emergency evacuation procedures with children on a regular basis which she records, this ensures children's safety is a high priority.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of the local safeguarding children procedures. She has a written policy with clear procedures in place to follow with contact numbers to ensure that children's welfare is a high priority. She has comprehensive documentation on safeguarding children for the area where she lives which effectively promotes children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder organises her home to allow children to access age-appropriate resources freely and independently. Toys and resources are all set out at children's level and are rotated for variety depending on their interests. For example, children play with animals, bricks and

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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 the childminder offers support with puzzles and reads books which they have chosen, pointing to the pictures as she reads. There is lots of interaction between the childminder and children present, she talks about the activities they are engaged in and asks questions which helps them to think and helps to promote their development well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder collects children from playgroup and listens intently as they describe their morning and what they have been doing. Children's independence is promoted as the childminder gives them time to remove their coats and shoes themselves and attend to their own toileting needs. Children are offered reassurance if they become unsettled, the childminder maintains children's home routines and prepares children ready for a sleep after lunch. The childminder gets down to the children's level and joins in with their play. Children of all ages are fully supported by the childminder in their development. However, the childminder does not have regard to the 'Birth to three matters' Framework in promoting outcomes for younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a wide range of resources, which reflect different people and their needs. For example, 'Small world' toys show people with a range of disabilities and different cultures and books which celebrate diversity. Children take part in activities in the home and in the local community to promote their understanding of the wider world. All children have equal access to resources and activities with appropriate support from the childminder. The childminder offers new children several visit and support to help them settle depending on their needs. The childminder provides appropriate support for children with additional needs and works in partnership with parents to ensure that children's health and care needs are met appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has good relationships with children who are happy and confident and benefit from consistent care from the childminder. Children are given positive encouragement and praise from the childminder which helps to promote their self-esteem and confidence well. Children learn the house rules through positive examples and clear explanations from the childminder. For example, when eating or drinking children know that they must sit down.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's well-being and progress is promoted as the childminder has developed good relationships with parents. All policies and procedures are shared with parents keeping them fully informed of the childminder's practice. She writes a daily contact book for younger children about their day and gives verbal feedback when they are collected which ensures that parents are kept fully informed about the activities they are involved with and their progress. The childminder gathers information from parents about their child and ensures that this is kept up-to-date and confidential.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have continued support from the childminder to feel secure and confident as she ensures that the required adult to child ratios are maintained. The childminder ensures that her registers are completed on a daily basis. Each child has their own file which ensures that their personal information is kept updated and fully confidential, ensuring that their needs can be fully met. The childminder has many years experience of looking after children and has developed a good understanding on child development to support 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 The childminder has an extensive range of policies and procedures in place that benefit children's welfare and supports her good practice. The childminder ensures that she has all the relevant permission slips in place to maintain children's well-being. Children are fully supported by the childminder as she makes effective use of the space and resources in her home. She organises toys in her home to ensure that children have free access to age-appropriate resources that meet their individual needs. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her knowledge and understanding of the legislation regarding the care of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder has obtained information on inclusion and also has written a policy on special needs which is shared with parents. The childminder also works very closely with parents to ensure that their child's needs are met appropriately at all times.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also asked to develop her knowledge and understanding on child protection issues. The childminder has obtained a folder with comprehensive information on Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures; she has the booklet for Essex childcare providers with referral details and local contact numbers in and also the booklet 'What to do if you are worried about a child' which ensures that children's care and welfare needs are fully supported.

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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 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 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): • improve the outcomes for children under three by using an approach in line with ‘Birth to three matters’.

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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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