Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY349209 Unique Reference Number 11 June 2008 Inspection date Sandra Daniels 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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10, eight and two years in South Ockendon in Essex. The whole of the childminder’s 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 five children at any one time and is currently caring for three children aged six, three and one year. The family has a dog and a rabbit as pets. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a very clean environment. From an early age, they learn the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines. For example, hand washing and nappy changing routines are effective in helping to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder is trained in current first aid, which means children receive appropriate care if there is an accident. Medication and accident records are in place and shared with parents. The childminder's

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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 medication and accident policies are shared with parents to inform them of her practice. However, not all parents have yet given written consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Young children's sleep patterns are given consideration, with arrangements made for them to sleep safely and comfortably.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because the childminder plans meals and snacks carefully to take into account the hours of attendance of each child, and to include a healthy and balanced diet. Mealtimes are a social activity with children sitting together at the table. The childminder encourages children to develop good eating habits and independence in feeding themselves. Cooking activities are introduced to develop children's interest in food and healthy eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities for going out in the fresh air, such as walking to school and attending local community groups. Children also visit parks and play in the garden, where they can access a range of physical activities. For example, children play with water, learn to kick balls and develop their coordination by using either the large or small trampoline.

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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 very welcoming and safe environment. They can play safely both indoors and outside as all potential hazards have been identified and minimised by the childminder. Children learn to keep themselves safe because they are gently reminded about safety rules within the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a emergency evacuation procedure in place which is regularly practised with the children. The childminder has a fire blanket in the kitchen and working smoke detectors throughout the property which are tested on a weekly basis. Children learn about road safety whilst on outings, which helps them to begin to take responsibility for themselves and others. Children can self-select from a vast range of quality resources that are safe and in good condition, which helps create a stimulating learning environment for children. Toys and equipment are cleaned regularly which ensures that children play with safe and suitable resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities to protect children in her care. She has a good working knowledge of the signs of abuse and neglect. Her policy supports the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) guidance and she is aware of the importance of reporting and recording concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children feel relaxed and secure because they settle extremely well with the childminder and others in the setting. They thoroughly enjoy their play and this extends outside the home by partaking in outings and socialising with other children at the local toddler groups they visit with the childminder. Children spend their time purposefully. They are developing their language as they enjoy chatting and they love the excellent selection of books made available to them. They enjoy playing with water in the garden, pouring it from one container to another and talking about things that float or sink. Children’s creativity is encouraged through the extremely well-planned activities the childminder has available for them. For example, they busily complete the large puzzle and use their imagination as they play in the well-resourced home corner. Children also enjoy baking, dressing up and playing in the well-equipped outdoor area.

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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 Children are most enthusiastic in their play; they play happily together, sharing and taking turns. They are very proud of their achievements and eager to share them with others, which promotes their self-esteem very well. Children benefit from the childminder’s understanding of the ages and stages of development of the children in her care and how to meet their needs, promote their development and ensure their well-being. She plans activities which offer an excellent range of experiences. In particular, children enjoy regular walks in the outdoors, visits to the park and socialising with other children. The childminder maintains a photographic diary of children's activities and achievements. For example, it shows children using gardening tools as they plant sunflower seeds. The growing sunflowers are photographed at different stages

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

so that children can look back at their progress. These diaries are also shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' guidance, a framework to assist in the implementation of this aspect of practice. She carefully monitors and records children's achievements and uses this information to plan for future learning and enjoyment. Excellent opportunities offer children a stimulating and fun day in which to develop and enjoy their time as they flourish in this environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and a sense of worth as they explore the world around them from the secure base the childminder provides. The childminder is skilful in helping children to feel good about themselves as she treats them with kindness and care and helps them to recognise their own and other's individuality. She takes time to discuss children’s needs with parents, taking into account medical and dietary requirements, culture, beliefs and parental preferences. This information along with pre-visits helps ensure she knows each child well. The childminder has a positive understanding of all equal opportunities issues; this helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. A good range of resources are available in the home that promote positive images. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings within the local community. For example, to local shops and parks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the childminder's home, they are aware and respect the house rules, spontaneously say please and thank you, show respect for each other and for adults and are eager to please. They respond promptly to requests, for example, to help tidy the toys away before moving on to another activity. The childminder listens to the children, values their comments and responds appropriately. This helps them feel valued. The childminder has a very good understanding of caring for children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties and recognises the importance of close liaison with parents and outside agencies to ensure children are able to participate fully to reach their full potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are good; this contributes greatly to the children's well-being. The childminder discusses policies and procedures and the expectations of parents prior to the children starting to ensure they have a good indication of the care she offers. Parents develop good open relationships with the childminder who encourages discussions on all aspects of their child’s care and progress. She works with them to enhance the safety, health and welfare of the children. The childminder keeps a daily diary for each child which she shares with parents as a supplement to daily verbal exchanges. This helps provide the children with continuity of care.

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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. Overall children's needs are met. The childminder is committed to attending and updating her knowledge of childcare, for example, she is looking forward to a food hygiene course and attending the Early Years Foundation Stage training. This contributes to the overall care of children.

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Organisation

Children feel settled within a well-organised environment where they have opportunities to enhance their learning, socialise with peers and receive good levels of adult support. The daily routine enables children's time to be maximised in learning, attending community groups and have their individual needs met. This enables children to be confident and secure. Attendance records record the times when children are in the care of the childminder, which contributes to their safety.

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Organisation

The childminder has all the required documentation in place for each child in her care. She has compiled an informative range of policies and procedures which are shared with parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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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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 all parents give their written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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