Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355743 Unique Reference Number 28 April 2008 Inspection date Samantha Smith 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 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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her two daughters aged 10 and 12 in Loughton, Essex. The whole of the childminder's home 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 there are currently five children on roll attending various sessions. The childminder collects children from the local school and attends the local parent and toddler group with minded children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean home. They learn about good hygiene practice through the hand washing routines in place. The sick child policy contributes to preventing the spread of infection. Medicine and accident records are mostly clear and give parents all the relevant details. However parents' signatures of acknowledgement were not evident.

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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 The childminder has completed up to date first aid training and an easily accessible first aid box means that the childminder can act quickly when an accident occurs. Additionally parents' written consent is obtained to enable the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and therefore act in the best interest of children in a medical emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder provides fresh home-cooked food which includes healthy portions of vegetables. Fresh fruit is also provided throughout the day, helping to contribute towards children's 'five a day'. Drinks are freely available; young children are provided with juice cups that are left on their level and the older children are able to help themselves from jugs of pre-made juice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in physical activity as they engage in a range of outdoor play activities. They enjoy running around the garden and access a good range of toys and resources that help to foster their co-ordination and balance. They become competent at using their small motor skills when completing puzzles, building with small blocks, drawing and painting. Babies and young form close, caring relationships with the childminder, they respond well to hugs and cuddles, helping them foster their emotional well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Resources and space within the home are organised effectively to reduce the risk of potential hazards and actively promote children's independence. Children mainly play in the lounge where they use a broad range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards and are appropriate for their ages. Toys and resources are regularly checked and cleaned by the childminder; any damaged or broken toys are immediately discarded. Resources are set out so that children can access them easily, independently and safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe and child-friendly home where the childminder has taken positive steps to maintain a secure environment for them through the regular risk assessments carried out. For example, she ensures that exposed plug sockets are covered, stairgates are in place at the bottom of the stairs and all low-level cupboards are free from dangerous substances. The garden is fully enclosed and provides a safe and secure outdoor play space.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of her role in protecting children from child protection issues. A written policy is shared with parents and the childminder continues to up date her knowledge of this.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder who has a warm and caring approach. Children have developed positive relationships with each other and they are learning to share and take turns. They are well supported by the childminder who encourages them to extend and develop their experiences by listening to them and talking with them. She enables them to develop their own play ideas, but is readily available for support if needed. The childminder divides her time equally between the children, she spends time reading to the older children whilst smaller babies enjoy the close contact they feel as they sit on her lap exploring their own toys.

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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 take part in a range of stimulating and fun experiences which follow their interests and help them to learn. Resources include; toys for babies such as mobiles and shape sorters and for those learning to walk, large wheeled toys and walkers. Creative activities such as painting, cutting and sticking help develop children's fine motor skills. The childminder has a sound understanding of child development and she has attending training in the 'Birth to three' matters framework, consequently activities are suitably planned as result younger children enjoy activities and experiences that support their play and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcome in the childminder's home and respected as individuals. They play a full part in the setting and the childminder demonstrates positive attitude to supporting equal opportunities. A range of resources provide children with positive images of cultural diversity and disability, for example, dressing up clothes, books and small world characters. This enables children to learn about the wider world and to acknowledge and respect differences. They enjoy planned activities that extend their knowledge and understanding of diversity, as well as respecting their own cultural and religious festivals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is currently not caring for any children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties though she demonstrates a positive attitude to meeting children individual needs and sharing information with parents. Children are generally well behaved and occasional misbehaviour is managed appropriately to which the children respond appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the partnerships in place between the childminder and parents. From the beginning of the child's placement the childminder gathers relevant information from parents and there is a good two way flow of information exchanged between them on a daily basis. Parents are fully informed of the childcare practice through the written policies provided and written agreements are in place. The childminder is clear in her responsibilities in dealing with complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a suitable adult because the childminder has completed the required suitability checks. In addition she has completed the required courses for registration including an Introduction to childminding and a first aid certificate. She continues to keep herself updated on childcare issues; she has attended training in the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is in place and available for inspection with the exception of some signatures from parents and the accurate records of attendance, which contributes to the overall effective running of the provision.

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Improvements 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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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 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): • ensure parents' signatures of acknowledgement are obtained after medication has been administered to children • ensure children's arrival and departure times are recorded accurately.

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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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