Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357918 Unique Reference Number 04 August 2008 Inspection date Patricia Mary Champion 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 friend in a maisonette in a residential area, within walking distance of schools and shops in Chelmsford. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding. There is a garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children aged under five and two children aged over five, on a part-time basis. The childminder has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder encourages them to follow sound hygiene procedures, such as regularly washing their hands. The premises are kept clean and the childminder uses antibacterial cleanser to wipe the surfaces where food is prepared. Nappy

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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 changing is undertaken in a hygienic and sensitive manner. The childminder can act in the children's best interests in the event of an emergency because she holds parental permission to seek any necessary medical advice or treatment. She can deal with minor injuries because she holds a current first aid certificate. The necessary paperwork is in place to record any accidents, medication or incidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy and varied diet that includes fruit each day. They eat strawberries or raisins for snack and have a varied lunch menu, such as jacket potatoes or pasta. Sandwiches are packed for picnics in the park and drinks are kept within sight so that children do not become thirsty or dehydrated. Parents have the opportunity to give written information about children's dietary requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities for outdoor play and physical exercise. They go for walks to nearby parks or go on outings with the childminder to the swimming pool. The childminder has outdoor toys, such as a trampoline and sit and ride play equipment for the children to use. Children rest according to their needs. The childminder recognises the signs of tiredness in young children and acts on this knowledge to plan appropriate periods of rest and activity each day. Children sleep in a travel cot or rest on the sofa, where they can easily be observed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a comfortable environment that is generally safe. The childminder has recently moved home and has checked that the rooms used by children are mostly free from potential hazards. Children are kept secure by the childminder who knows that there should be a balance between freedom and safe limits. The childminder uses a safety gate to prevent the children from going upstairs unnoticed. There are smoke detectors and an accessible fire blanket, which the childminder regularly checks. An emergency escape route has been devised so that the childminder can evacuate the premises swiftly in the event of a fire. There is a small garden in front of the premises where children can play when accompanied by the childminder. However, children may not be fully protected from all potential risks because cleaning products are accessible in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about their personal safety when they go for outings. The childminder ensures that they hold hands and stay with her as they walk along the road. The childminder has booster and car seats appropriate for the ages and sizes of the children she minds. She holds appropriate car insurance and has obtained consent to transport children in a vehicle and take them on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with a reasonable range of toys and play materials. Not all the play equipment has been transferred to the childminder's new home or has been made accessible to the children. Toys are regularly checked for damage and cleanliness. The childminder is aware of her child protection responsibilities in order to safeguard the children. She understands the steps she needs to take if she has concerns about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with play opportunities they find enjoyable. The childminder tries to make each day as varied as possible and puts thought into providing resources and activities the children will find interesting. Interaction between the childminder and children is warm and

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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 friendly. The childminder ensures that children feel at ease and comfortable in her home. Children confidently make requests and chat animatedly as they play. The childminder develops language by telling stories and pointing out pictures in books. Children learn their colours and enjoy repeating what the childminder says.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy activities, such as baking cakes or designing and creating greetings cards. A variety of outings are planned to extend children's learning experiences. Each week the children attend toddler groups where they mix socially with other children. Outings to Colchester Zoo, Marsh Farm and the London Aquarium are organised to develop children's understanding of animals and the natural world. Local trips are also made, for example, to the 'Three Foot People Festival' specifically organised for young children and their carers. The childminder has not attended training relating to the 'Birth to three matters' framework, but has access to the literature in the pack, so that she can develop her awareness of suitable activities for the youngest children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a warm and close relationship with the childminder. This helps them to settle well and feel safe and secure. The childminder speaks calmly to children and they respond well to her expectations for good behaviour. Plenty of cuddles and encouragement is offered as children play. Positive methods, such as distraction are used to encourage children to play harmoniously.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children become aware of wider society when they look at books or play with toys that provide positive images of diversity. These resources introduce children to people's differences and similarities and enable them to develop a respect for others. The childminder is aware of the additional information she would need to gather if she was caring for a child with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit because the childminder works carefully with parents to meet the individual needs of the children in her care. Information is gathered before children start and verbal feedback is given at the end of each day, so that parents know what their children have been doing. The childminder has devised written contracts that detail the business arrangements. Parents give the childminder complementary references and they write how they appreciate the range of experiences, such as the different toys and various trips the children undertake with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy because the childminder organises her day around their needs. Flexible care is offered and the childminder meets the parents' working needs by collecting the children from them rather than expecting the children to be delivered to her home. Space and resources are organised to allow children to play, sleep and eat in comfort. The childminder is enthusiastic about her role and has a satisfactory knowledge of first aid. Although the childminder has attended several sessions of her introductory childminding course, she has not yet completed the relevant training.

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Organisation

Most of the essential documentation that ensures the efficient management of the childminding practice is in place. The childminder uses a diary to record when children are present and has

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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 devised the necessary form to gather children's personal details. The registration certificate is displayed in the kitchen where it can easily been seen by parents. Not all the necessary paperwork has been completed to safeguard the children. When the childminder recently moved premises, her friend relocated with her. The friend has not yet completed the necessary checks through Ofsted that ensures that she is suitable to live on a premises where childminding takes place. Documentation, such as contracts have not yet been updated to reflect the changes to the childminding practice and this gives potential for misunderstanding.

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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 all persons living on the premises and aged over 16 years complete the appropriate checks (this refers to a CM2 and a declaration form for the Criminal Records Bureau) • update documentation so that it reflects current practice (this relates to the change of address) • complete the introductory childminding course approved by the local authority at the earliest opportunity • assess the risks to children in relation to the cleaning products in the kitchen and take action to minimise these.

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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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