Childminder, Out-of school day care in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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590273 Unique Reference Number 12 October 2007 Inspection date Justine Leong 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and seven years in a house in Witham. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding. There is an 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 years and three children over five years on a part-time basis. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends toddler groups with the minded children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable home where they are beginning to follow simple health and hygiene practices. For instance, the childminder regularly reminds them to

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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 wash their hands before eating or after using the toilet. Children are generally kept safe from illness and infection as the childminder discourages parents from bringing children to the setting if they are unwell. However, the childminder does not have current first aid training or written parental permissions to seek emergency medical treatment for all children in her care, failing to ensure children would be well cared for in the event of a medical emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air and outdoor play as they have access to the secure garden. They play with a range of toys such as bats, balls and skittles, helping to develop physical skills such as balance and coordination. The childminder also regularly takes children to the local park for fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to learn about healthy living and the importance of a balanced diet as the childminder provides a range of healthy foods such as fruit or vegetables at snack times. Children bring their own lunches from home and these are appropriately stored in the refrigerator. Children have constant access to fresh drinks of juice or water to ensure they do not become dehydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a bright and welcoming environment where they have sufficient room to play and develop. Children's safety is considered and the risk of accidental injury is minimised within the setting as the childminder has taken steps to reduce possible risks. For example, stairgates are in place to restrict access to potentially dangerous areas and there are covers on all accessible plug sockets. Fire safety precautions are in place and the childminder regularly practises an evacuation procedure to ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Children are kept safe as the childminder checks visitor identification thoroughly and external doors are kept locked.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a range of safe and suitable toys and resources that are stored at an appropriate height for them to select safely and independently. All toys are regularly washed and checked for signs of damage and baby toys are regularly sterilised to ensure they are safe. Children's welfare is generally protected as the childminder has some understanding of her role in child protection. However, the childminder is unsure who to contact if she has concerns about a child in her care, potentially compromising children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed at the setting. They enjoy a broad range of play experiences provided through stimulating toys and activities that provide opportunities for development of emotional, social, physical and intellectual capabilities. The childminder draws on her skills and knowledge to provide resources that are interesting and challenging. Children enjoy free play much of the time in the home making their own choices from a broad range of imaginative, creative and educational toys. For instance, children play with home corner equipment such as a washing machine, making links to their own experiences and developing language skills. They then work to complete a numbers puzzle using simple counting skills, supported by effective questioning by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children also benefit from daily opportunities to be creative as they access the very wide range of creative resources available. All creative resources are stored at the correct height for children

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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 to access, helping to develop independence. Children play with paints, glue, glitter and play dough and benefit from the opportunity to mark make with a variety of exciting materials. Attendance at local parent and toddler groups gives children further valuable opportunities for social play, physical play and to take part in craft activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are beginning to build positive relationships. They are developing in confidence as the childminder knows them well and praises their achievements, for example, when carefully drawing a picture. She spends her time supporting children's play, responding sensitively to their requests and respecting their individual personalities to promote self-esteem. The childminder joins in with children's play, encouraging them to ask and answer questions and to share and take turns while playing games together on the floor.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled as the childminder listens very attentively and values children's responses. They are developing a good sense of belonging and an understanding that their work is valued as the childminder displays examples of their pictures around the home. Children have equal access to toys and equipment so they can become confident and independent. The childminder has some understanding of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and would be willing to work with parents to meet individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is calm and consistent and uses appropriate explanations to promote children's understanding of the needs of others. The house rules are decided between the children and the childminder and the behaviour management policy is shared with parents to promote a consistent approach. Children are cared for in an environment that positively celebrates children's differences and similarities and the wider world. They benefit from opportunities to celebrate a range of festivals including Easter and Chinese New Year and have access to resources such as books that are representative of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships the childminder fosters with their parents. Required documentation and consents are in place to ensure children are cared for according to their parents' wishes. The childminder encourages parents to read her policies and procedures to ensure they are well informed about her childcare practices. Information is shared through daily discussions and occasionally through a diary recording children's meals and routine to provide continuity of care. Parents are aware of the complaints procedure at the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her home to provide a child-friendly environment and offers a range of activities to support children's care, learning and play. Children feel confident and secure as they are familiar with daily routines at the setting. Space and resources are well organised to provide children with a balance of stimulating activities. The childminder follows sound procedures to promote children's good health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution.

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Organisation

The childminder has an understanding of the National Standards and her duty to comply with these and the conditions of her registration. Children's care is enhanced as the childminder has undertaken a range of training courses to underpin her practice. However, her first aid training has lapsed, potentially compromising children's good health in the event of a medical emergency.

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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 Most required documentation is in place including several written parental permissions to ensure children are cared for in line with parents' wishes. However, these are not in place for all children, potentially compromising children's safety. All children's details are stored confidentially. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder ensures a clear record of children's actual hours of attendance is completed daily. It was also recommended that the childminder's knowledge of child protection issues be updated and written permissions be obtained from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now maintains an accurate record of children's hours of attendance, helping to ensure children remain safe. The childminder has increased her knowledge of child protection issues but needs to ensure she understands who to contact if she has a concern about a child in her care. Although most written parental permissions are now in place for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice this is not the case for all children, potentially failing to protect some children in the event of a medical emergency. The last two issues remain as areas for improvement and, as a result, will be carried forward following 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.

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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 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): • undertake up-to-date first aid training • obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice for all children • update knowledge of child protection including who to contact if you have concerns about a child in your care.

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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 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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