Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY292255 Unique Reference Number 24 January 2008 Inspection date Barbara Ann Greenley 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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and five years in the town of Bishop's Stortford, Essex close to local amenities. The whole property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently caring for three children aged under eight years, all attend on a part-time basis. The childminder lives within walking distance of schools, playgroups, toddler groups, library and parks. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through everyday routines. They wash their hands with anti-bacterial soap after using the toilet, messy play and before eating. Children understand that they are removing 'bugs' to protect them. Children are protected by the

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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 childminder's written policy with parents regarding sickness and preventing the spread of infection. Children benefit from the extensive range of information the childminder has gathered regarding their medical history, food preferences and allergies. Children are able to rest in travel cots and the childminder checks to ensure that they are comfortable.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's nutritional needs are supplied primarily by parents with additional meals prepared by the childminder. Drinking water is readily available and children are encouraged to drink freely. Children sit together sociably with their carer for their meals; learning suitable table manners and how to eat their food properly. They are provided with a variety of healthy meals, such as meat, vegetables, fruit and yoghurts. Children have experienced the growing process of foods such as tomatoes and are able to choose their own food on shopping trips.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a variety of daily activities to enable them to experience physical play. They participate in walks, trips to the park and duck pond. The garden is used when the weather permits and is resourced with toys that will encourage movement and control when balancing and climbing. As yet, the children do not fully understand the reason for exercise and the benefits this has on their bodies, growth and well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder organises the home to be child-friendly and checks the premises to minimise potential hazards. A written check list is completed regularly. Children can move around the home freely as the childminder organises the play area to be safe and suitable for their use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access an extensive range of equipment that provides them with challenging, fun activities. The childminder ensures that toys are easily within reach of the children, this allows them to use their own initiative when organising games. Children can play safely with the resources as the childminder monitors the condition of the equipment regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe. As the children develop a greater understanding, the childminder introduces them to safety measures regarding road safety, running and climbing in the home and keeping themselves protected from strangers. During the visit the childminder explained that the necklace around a child's neck could be a danger and removed it before sleep time. A written fire evacuation procedure is in place and smoke detectors are checked to ensure they work properly. Ratios are maintained on outings; a travel first aid kit and emergency numbers on hand in case of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is very aware of the information regarding child protection and written procedures are shared with parents. The childminder is confident about the correct referral system and feels that the updated training she completed in 2005 increased her awareness and knowledge, assisting her to fully protect the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a varied day that includes trips outside of the home. The childminder does not formally plan each day but takes her lead from the children's requests. Consequently there is spontaneity, for example, giving children choices of what they want to watch or what they want to eat. Games such as snakes and ladders encourages the use of counting, colour recognition and the need to take turns. Children's interest is stimulated by creatively placing

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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 toys at their level to catch their eye and motivate their play. Children play with books, puzzles, games and toys to use their imaginations such as a cooking unit.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are encouraged to share and cooperate with others. Children's play opportunities broaden in line with their developmental needs. Children's language skills are extended through questions and the childminder's interest in the children's conversations. They are competent talkers and easily articulate their needs. The childminder keeps an excellent photographic record of the children's achievements and the activities they participate in, during their time at her home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are given praise for their existing achievements and they are urged to play with a variety of toys. They have developed a bond with their carer, are reassured by her presence and display confidence when meeting strangers. Children receive consistent care as minder and parents work closely to ensure there is a united approach. Diaries are shared and ensure that information is passed on efficiently.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder cares for children under the age of three years. The childminder is very aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses the information to organise the play for the children. She provides a broad range of stimulating materials to ensure that the younger children grow and develop successfully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met as the daily routine is discussed with parents and any instructions are followed by the childminder. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world through trips outside of the home and the play materials on offer to them. Discriminatory remarks made by adults and children are challenged. Children can access a good range of resources reflecting diversity in the community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are no children attending who have identified learning difficulties and/ or disabilities. The childminder is aware of the Disability Discrimination Act and would liaise with parents in all aspects of a child's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to the clear policy on behaviour management devised by the childminder and discussed with parents. Children therefore have boundaries agreed by their carer and parents. They understand the house rules, paying attention to instructions and appreciating the information they receive. Children respond to the childminder's guidelines and respect each other and the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder acknowledges the important role the parent's play in the children's lives and works closely with the families to ensure the children have a secure and happy time with her. Children's background information has been obtained giving the childminder a clear understanding of the children's requirements. The childminder has incorporated the new guidelines regarding complaints into her documentation which ensures that parents and carer resolve any concerns swiftly.

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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 good. The childminder speaks about her work with enthusiasm, her commitment to the families and the care of their children. She has almost four years experience as a minder and has attended the required training courses. She has also completed additional courses and intends to continue training. The childminder is fully aware of her responsibilities as a carer and the conditions and regulations that govern her work.

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Organisation

The daily sessions are organised to give children the opportunity to experience a range of activities, both inside and outside of the home. Time is made to go to the park and socialise with other adults and children. Ratios are maintained which enables the childminder to give individual attention to the children.

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Organisation

Documentation is very well organised and easily accessible. The childminder has a methodical and efficient approach to record keeping, ensuring that the National Standards are adhered to at all times. Policies and procedures are updated and reviewed by the childminder regularly. Paperwork is kept confidential but can be accessed by parents. Children and parents benefit from a range of documents that are in place.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to develop her understanding of child protection procedures. She has since attended a course and has all the relevant information on file. She believes that this knowledge now assists her to fully protect the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also required to obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment. Permission is now on file for all of the children and this information ensures that the childminder acts in the best interests of the children in the event of an emergency.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to increase the range of toys on offer to include the older age range. Now that her own children are growing, the resources have increased to meet their needs and in doing so, the range has broadened to meet the needs of any older minded children on the register.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • increase children's knowledge and understanding of the benefits of exercise on their growth and general well-being.

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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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