Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347690 Unique Reference Number 20 November 2007 Inspection date Lynn Amelia Hartigan 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 works with another registered childminder and minds from her co-childminder's house. The co-childminder's husband and two children aged three and six years live at the property. They live in a residential area of Clacton, Essex. The whole house is used for childminding and there is a fully 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 under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for 13 children who attend both full and part-time. The childminder works with a co-minder and an assistant. Both childminders have joint responsibility for the childminding practice. When working alone the childminder is registered to care for six children aged under eight years. The childminder attends a parent and carer toddler group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Young children are beginning to learn and take responsibility for their own personal hygiene as the childminder encourages them to wash their hands before snacks. Children are provided with a liquid soap and paper towels and they happily wash and dry their hands before eating. A good nappy changing procedure ensures that children's needs are met and that children are protected from cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children would be well managed in the event of an accident or emergency as the childminder has completed a first aid training course and has a well-stocked first aid kit that is easily accessible within the playroom. A well-documented accident and emergency policy is also available to parents. Parents are offered information and guidance on staying healthy and are provided with a copy of all the childminder's policies which includes sickness and illnesses. These are followed to ensure the children's health is not compromised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are also able to access very good resources to develop their physical skills, such as, ride-on toys, climbing frames, balls, skipping ropes, as these are provided within the garden. Children learn about their bodies and how to stay healthy as they are encouraged to walk to and from school. They discuss weather and the effects on their bodies through planned activities around these subject. The use of a daily calendar and weather chart also reinforces discussions around what clothes to wear in different weather. Children are able to enjoy fresh air and exercise daily as they freely flow from indoors to the garden. Appropriate clothing is available such as Wellington boots, hats and gloves.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's routines are well catered for. They are able to sleep in a quiet well-ventilated bedroom upstairs. A monitor is used and in addition the childminder regularly checks on them. Clean sheets and blankets are supplied as each child has a sleep bag and cuddly toy. All equipment is of excellent quality.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy options such as milk, fresh juice and water are offered and available throughout the day. Children are provided with their own named beaker with their photograph on. Meals and snacks are prepared in a clean, organised kitchen. Meals are cooked on request and fresh ingredients are used. Older children help plan the menu, taking into account everyone's dietary needs and these are displayed for parents. Discussions with parents prior to a child starting ensure their children's dietary requirements are met. Some children choose to bring their own packed lunches, and these are plated for them and stored appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy fruit and buttered toast for snack. They sit together at child sized table and chairs and chat happily to each other whilst munching away. The childminder reads them a favourite story at snack time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm welcoming environment that is safe and well-maintained. The childminder ensures that children and their parents are made welcome. For example, the children have their own coat pegs with their name and photograph and storage for personal belongings. Certificates and notices are displayed for parents. The playroom is brightly decorated with the children's artwork, posters and displays, this enables them to feel a sense of belonging.

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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 Children's individual needs are met as appropriate and well-maintained resources and equipment are provided. The wide selection of toys both indoors and outdoors and their accessibility, ensures the children can independently make choices and self-select. All toys are stored on low-level shelving or within low cupboards in the conservatory and upstairs playroom.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to play in a clean, safe environment as the childminder gives priority to protecting children. She ensures the home is risk assessed regularly and action is taken when a hazard is identified and reviewed. This includes fire safety. A fire evacuation plan and policy is in place for children and parents. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are also easily accessible. Even young children are able to tell you the procedure should the whistle be blown.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's understanding of road safety and potential dangers when out is promoted as the childminder discusses these issues with them when out walking. Children are beginning to understand how to take responsibility regarding their own safety within the home and follow simple instructions. For example, a child is reminded to sit on their chair properly as they may harm themselves. Priority is given to ensure the safety of children when using the car. Good quality car seats are in place. Written parental consents regarding transport are available. However children's safety could be compromised as car documents with the exception of a driving licence are not readily available for inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. A comprehensive written policy in place for parents is consistently reviewed. Confidentiality, anti-bullying, uncollected child and lost child policies are also available to ensure children are safeguarded at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have opportunities for many play experiences as there is a good selection of quality toys and resources available to them within the playrooms and garden. The childminder has made very good use of the space available and the house is welcoming and child-friendly. Children feel comfortable and secure. They are able to select toys with ease and confidence as they are organised and easily accessible within the conservatory and bright upstairs playroom. The childminder has a good understanding of children's development and ensures activities and toys are appropriate for their developmental age. As a result children are learning and having fun.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have plenty of opportunities for creative play. For example, they can choose when to paint as an easel and chalk board is available at all times. They have fun using the musical instruments and sing their favourite songs, and a wide selection of dressing up clothes are well-used.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from an organised childminder who works very well with a co-childminder. Flexible timetables in place form some structure to the day. However, children clearly dictate what they want to do and are supported well, for example, children request to play with the dough and this activity is swiftly set out for them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to enjoy free-flow play indoors and in the garden most days. They play well together and help to tidy away after themselves. The children enjoy looking at books and are read stories on request. A book case stocked with a wide selection of quality books is available to them.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder positively encourages good communication with parents to ensure she is fully informed regarding the children and their individual background, cultures and beliefs. The childminder ensures she can best support all children. The childminder is pro-active when welcoming children into the home. All children are able to initiate their own play and are able to use toys and resources regardless of gender. Some good resources that reflect diversity are in place in particular books. The childminder understands the importance of supporting the children in their learning regarding diversity and a well written policy with regard to equal opportunities details the childminder's practice. Children have been celebrating Diwali and firework night. They enjoy making cards and Mendhi patterns. They take pride in showing you their glittery firework pictures and excitedly talk about Christmas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

As children's needs are discussed and detailed the childminder can effectively support and protect them. Accessibility of good resources and the organisation of the home ensures inclusion. An informative policy with regard to learning difficulties and/or disabilities is in place. The childminder supports children well and ensures she is fully informed regarding their care to ensure a consistent approach. Children appear confident, happy and relaxed within the home and even very young children understand the boundaries as the childminder is consistent in her management of the children. Positive reinforcement is used frequently and the children are clearly pleased when they are praised.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive good care and attention as the childminder is committed in developing good working partnerships with the parents. They are welcomed into the home and given verbal feedback daily and a daily information book is kept for the younger child. The childminder has developed an information file that supports her practice. Copies of the policies are offered to parents along with regular newsletters. Good relationships between the childminder and the parents ensures they are fully informed about their children's activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by an experienced and qualified childcare practitioner. The childminder is about to commence the 'Introduction to Childminding Practice' training course. The childminder's commitment to training whenever possible, ensures she is up to date with current practice, therefore offering the children a good standard of care.

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Organisation

Children are protected well as the childminder has a good understanding of the vetting procedures. A well-documented register is in place and the childminder has a good procedure to ensure children are returned to a known adult. The childminder's ability to evaluate the care she provides and commitment to continuing improvement is good and therefore the children's individual needs are well-supported as a result.

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Organisation

Children's care is enhanced as the childminder manages her day well and is organised. The childminder is thorough when ensuring children's individual needs are well-documented. Appropriate paperwork such as personal detail sheets and contracts are well-maintained. These are stored appropriately to ensure security and confidentiality at all times.

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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

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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 complaint 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): • ensure car documents are readily available for inspection (this refers to MOT certificate and car insurance document).

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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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