Childminder in EssexOfsted inspection, 9 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 202685 Inspection date 09 September 2005 Inspector Susan Elizabeth Warren

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1999. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged thirteen and nine years. She is registered to provide care for six children. There are currently seven children on roll, one attends full-time and the others part-time. They live in a house in Clacton on Sea, Essex. Shops, schools and parks and other amenities, including the seafront and beach are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available

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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 for outside play. The family has tropical fish and two tortoises. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler 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 good. Children are kept healthy by the childminder's very good attention to hygiene and food preparation. Young children have their meals and snacks whilst safely strapped into a high chair; this is either food supplied by the parents or prepared by the childminder after discussion about children's individual needs, likes and dislikes. Food is healthy and nutritious and in line with daily requirements. Hand wipes are used after eating to keep children clean and fresh and the childminder has spare clothes for use if children become very messy during play or mealtimes. Babies are changed in the lounge using a changing mat and gloves; older children use the downstairs toilet independently and understand why they should wash their hands. A stair gate prevents access to the first floor. Children requiring medication have the doses recorded and parents sign this record. Children needing first aid are promptly attended to and any accidents recorded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have lots of physical play opportunities in the garden and when on outings. They enjoy using the trampoline and the exciting, large climbing frame; smaller children have fun with a trampette and wheeled toys. Children enjoy trips to the beach during the summer months, with a picnic and protective clothes for all weathers! Children enjoy the company of other children both at the childminder's home and on visits to other childminders and the toddler groups attended.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are kept safe and free from harm by the childminder's attention to detail with regard to safety. They cannot leave the house or garden unnoticed and play only on the ground floor under supervision at all times. Children can access their toys and play equipment from the low level storage units; the toys are carefully chosen and are of high quality, well maintained and offering stimulating play and learning opportunities. Children are reminded to move about safely in the house and garden. Babies have a safe space in the playpen where they can spend short periods, well supplied with

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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 toys. On outings a double buggy transports the youngest children whilst older ones walk sensibly. Children's contact details are available at all times for use in emergencies whilst away from the house. Older children may use the play equipment such as the trampoline and large climbing frame after written parental consent; young children do not have access to these. Children are further protected from harm by the childminder's understanding of child protection procedures; parents are aware of the childminder's role and responsibility in terms of child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities to promote their all round development. They can play with toys and books, watch videos and children's television programmes and use craft materials such as dough, paint and crayons. A favourite item is the 'building noodles' a fun craft activity for all ages to create 3d models. Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiastic and sensitive interaction to develop and extend the play, for example drawing round a young child's hand, talking about colours and shapes as they draw and colour together, as well as counting whilst posting counters into a slotted box. Young children enjoy variety by using the toys at toddler group and at the homes of other childminders. They enjoy outings to the beach and further afield, for example to a museum, travelling by bus which is part of the adventure. Outside play is encouraged as much as possible; the childminder is aware of the developmental needs of young children,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

particularly the need to be very active.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual requirements are very well attended to; young children are able to communicate their needs well and the childminder responds in a warm and friendly way. Children are encouraged to behave appropriately and politely, with gentle reminders to say please and thank you. Distraction and re-direction are used as strategies with younger children as well as simple and clear explanations and reminders about positive behaviour. Children respond well to lots of praise and encouragement which is used freely to reinforce positive behaviour, such as helping to tidy up, remembering to take off shoes after being outside and saying thank you for a biscuit and drink. Older children's needs are met and a daily dialogue between the childminder and the children's teachers ensures that all information is exchanged to support children's care and welfare. Children's days are recorded in the case of the youngest children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and verbally reported for older children. Parents may also speak to the childminder in the evenings to discuss any concerns without the children being present; their many

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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 letters of endorsement and high praise demonstrate the high regard in which the childminder is held.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are kept safe and free from harm; the childminder ensures that all adults in the household are vetted and checked. All supporting paperwork and documentation is maintained to a high standard, and frequently updated. The childminder takes her role very seriously and has a fully professional approach, keeping up to date with trends and developments in childcare. The house is well organised and very child centred, with attention to detail to ensure that minded children have a very positive experience, such as easy access to toys, safety gates and locks on all sheds, cupboards etc. The childminder has attended training on some aspects of 'Birth to three matters' and will seek out more training as this becomes available. She has attended courses on Food Hygiene and First Aid. All certificates and other useful information is kept in a folder, available to parents. The registration certificate is currently also held here, this

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Organisation

will be displayed on the wall in future. Overall, the needs of the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no actions at the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

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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):

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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 • ensure that the registration certificate is displayed for parents to see.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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