Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY231058 Inspection date 01 August 2005 Inspector Sharon Woodrow

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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 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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her partner and two children aged four and seven years. They live in a residential area of Witham. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and she is currently minding four children up to eight years of age and three over eight years, six attend on a part time basis and one attends on a full time basis. There are seven children on roll. During the inspection there were two minded children present. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has two

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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 hamsters, a rabbit and goldfish as pets. The childminder supports children with special educational needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle with the childminder. They understand simple health and hygiene practices and learn to take responsibility for daily personal care routines such as washing their hands before meals and after visiting the toilet. Children learn about healthy living through being offered healthy snacks, such as fruit and yogurts. The childminder explains which foods will keep them healthy and she discusses children’s dietary needs with parents. Children enjoy home cooked meals promoting their nutritional growth and development. Children have daily opportunities to enjoy the benefits of physical exercise. They have access to a fully enclosed garden enabling them to run and play in the fresh air. In addition, they often visit local parks to practice running and climbing. Children who need to rest during the day can lay on the sofa in the lounge, within hearing distance

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Helping children to be healthy

of the childminder and where they can be checked frequently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s safety is a high priority and the childminder has a proactive approach towards identifying and protecting children against any potential hazards. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe indoor and outdoor environment. Safety features such as socket covers and window locks are in place and a good range of child height furniture ensures children play and learn in safety and comfort. Children have access to age-appropriate, suitable and safe equipment. The childminder checks the play materials regularly and children learn to tidy away to keep their play space safe. The childminder discusses potential dangers with the children and they learn about personal safety whilst out and about on school runs or trips to the local park. The childminder’s knowledge of child protection procedures is limited which could impact on children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder’s home. They are provided with a good range of resources including children’s educational programmes on the

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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 computer. The childminder supports and extends their play. They enjoy imaginative play experiences, such as dressing up. Children develop their confidence and self-esteem through being encouraged to make decisions about their play and taking responsibility for tasks, such as tidying up. Praise and affection and the way the childminder speaks warmly of the children’s achievements, ensures they feel valued and respected as individuals. The children develop good relationships with each other and the childminder. She listens attentively when the children talk to her and she develops their language skills by asking open-ended questions. For example, they repeat letter sounds and count while putting letter shape puzzle pieces together, extending their knowledge of literacy and maths.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children regularly enjoy activities outside the home. They visit the local parks and play centres, such as ‘Crazy Kids’ where they can play together and develop their physical skills. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are encouraged to acquire new skills. They often use numbers in their play and enjoy looking at books with the childminder, extending their knowledge and experiences. The childminder's knowledge of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework is limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for according to their needs and with equal concern. They gain an understanding of people from other cultures and with differing needs using resources such as dolls, books and figures of various nationalities. The childminder has experience of looking after children with special needs. She ensures that they are cared for in a way which promotes their development and wellbeing. The childminder works in partnership with parents and ensures that all children are included. Children’s behaviour is good. They play harmoniously together and are encouraged to share. The strategies used by the childminder to manage behaviour take account of individual children’s ages and stages of development. Children are helped to understand right from wrong and they develop self-esteem and respect for others. Having clearly defined boundaries and a consistent approach has a positive effect on

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children’s behaviour. Children benefit from the close partnership the childminder establishes with parents to meet their individual needs and ensure they are included fully in the life of the setting. She respects parent’s wishes and works with them to be consistent in such issues as behaviour management. Parents are given daily verbal feedback about their child’s day.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has developed a sound knowledge and understanding of child development through her many years of caring for children. Although she is aware of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework she is not currently using it in her childcare practice. Children are able to play, rest and eat in a comfortable and welcoming environment. The childminder’s organisation of both space and resources enables the children to move around freely and independently, choosing from the toys available. The childminder ensures the care of the children over eight years does not adversely affect the care of the children under eight. All required written agreements and documentation are in place and information regarding the children is stored securely and confidentially. Parents are kept well informed of the care provided for their children. The childminder has agreed to make sure all person's over the age of 16 have

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Organisation

appropriate clearances to ensure children are protected. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to ensure written permission to seek emergency assistance is in place. She ensures accurate records are kept to protect children.

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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):

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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 • improve the outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework • ensure that the child protection procedure complies with those of the local Area Child Protection committee (ACPC) • ensure all persons over the age of 16 have appropriate clearance

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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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