Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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590192 Unique Reference Number 08 January 2008 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 has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband, four children aged 13, 9 and 7 years and 8 month old baby. They live in a residential area in Maldon, Essex. The ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have many pets which include, two dogs and a cat.

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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 four children who attend both full and part-time. The childminder attends a parent and carer toddler group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning how to manage their own personal hygiene and are protected from illnesses as the childminder follows her good health and sickness policies. These are regularly reviewed to ensure the children's health is not compromised. Children learn about keeping themselves

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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 healthy as the childminder positively encourages the children to wash their hands after using the toilet, playing in the garden or if they have been around the pets. A good nappy changing procedure further ensures children are protected from cross-infection. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and a fully stocked first aid kit is in place. Maintained accident and medication books ensures the parents are fully informed regarding any incidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has many pets, however good management of the animals, for example, a separate garden for the dogs ensures children's health and safety at all times. Children's health is promoted well as they enjoy fresh air and exercise daily. Children are able to free flow from indoors to the garden during the warmer months. They regularly visit the park for climbing and running. They can access good resources to develop their physical skills, such as a trampoline, a well written policy and parental consent ensures their safety on the equipment.

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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 playroom. The childminder is able to regularly check on them. Clean sheets and blankets are supplied and all equipment is of good quality.

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Helping children to be healthy

Care is taken to ensure the children enjoy healthy nutritious snacks. Healthy options such as milk, squash and water are offered and available throughout the day. Children enjoy dried apricots and rice cakes for their snack. Discussions with parents prior to a child starting are planned to discuss children's dietary requirements and good communication with parents and maintained records are effective to ensure the children's dietary needs are met.

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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 childminders certificate and general information for parents are displayed within the entrance porch. The playroom is brightly decorated with the children's artwork and this enables them to feel a sense of belonging.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 playroom.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A fire evacuation plan and policy is in place for children and parents. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are also easily accessible and fire drills are practised every month. 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 calmly reminded not to throw toys as they may harm themselves or others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 may be compromised when playing in the garden as precautions regarding a water feature and pond are not considered adequate. 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 to ensure children are safeguarded at all times.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have opportunities for several play experiences as there is a good selection of quality toys and resources available to them within the playroom and garden. The childminder has made good use of the space available and the house is welcoming and child-friendly. Children feel comfortable and secure. They are mostly able to select toys with ease as these are accessible within the 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 having fun. Children have some opportunities for creative play, for example sand and water play both indoors and outdoors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Although consideration is given to the children's individual routines, a flexible timetable in place forms some structure to the day. Children are able to enjoy free-flow play indoors and in the garden most days. They play well together and are encouraged to help to tidy away after themselves. Young children enjoy musical toys, stacking bricks and cars. The childminder is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and is beginning to introduce some heuristic play opportunities. Children enjoy outings to places such as, toddler groups, parks and the library.

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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 and is proactive 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 resources that reflect diversity are in place in particular books. The childminder understands the importance of supporting the children in their learning regarding diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

As children's needs are discussed and detailed the childminder can effectively support them. Accessibility of good resources and the organisation of the home ensures inclusion. 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 young children understand the boundaries as the childminder is consistent in her management of them.

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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, parents are encouraged to settle their child as described in the childminder's settling in policy. The childminder has developed an information file that supports her practice. Good relationships between the childminder and the parents ensures they are fully informed about their children's activities. Verbal feedback is given regarding the child's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by an experienced childcare practitioner. The childminder is about to commence the Childminding diploma training course. The childminder's commitment to training

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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 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. 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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to develop her knowledge and understanding of current childcare practice. The childminder has arranged to commence training such as the Diploma in Childminding Practice to develop her knowledge and childcare practice.

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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 the pond and water feature are made safe or inaccessible to children.

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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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