Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357396 Unique Reference Number 22 May 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 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 August 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and five years in Waltham Abbey, Essex. The whole of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder may care for a maximum of three children at any one time and there are currently two children on roll, both attending on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and attends the local parent and toddler group with minded children. The family has a cat. 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 home, where they are learning the importance of good personal hygiene through the daily routines. The childminder displays good hygiene practices and has excellent procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection. For example; work tops are cleaned regularly using anti-bacterial spray, excellent procedures for changing nappies are in

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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 place, children are provided with their own hand towels that are cleaned and changed daily and pictures are displayed in the bathroom as reminders to wash hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are further protected from the spread of infection and their good health is promoted through the procedures in place, which include a written sickness policy. The childminder has a good knowledge of first aid, has maintained an up to date certificate and a fully replenished first aid box is kept in the home and car. In addition written permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice has been obtained from parents, ensuring that children are well cared for in the event of an accident occurring. However, she has yet to obtain permission from parents to apply cream, including nappy cream.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the healthy meals provided by the childminder. They enjoy a variety of tasty, nutritious and healthy meals such as, Irish stew, chicken casserole and chicken tiikka. All meals are served with a healthy portion of vegetables and fresh fruit is also made freely available, contributing to children's 'five a day'.

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Helping children to be healthy

Outdoor activities form a regular part of the daily routine. They access the garden freely where they enjoy a range of activities. The childminder responds well to the needs of young children ensuring that she meets their individual needs. Provision is made for children to rest and sleep and good support is also provided to young children learning to walk. The childminder provides a range of toys that support their growing independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home is warm and welcoming and the childminder has created a welcoming environment where children are comfortable to play. There is a good range of safe and developmentally-suitable resources that are well organised and easily accessible to encourage independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder carries out weekly risk assessments to ensure that all potential hazards to children are always identified and minimised. For example, stair gates are fitted at the top and bottom of the stairs and the main door is kept locked and there is a notice on the entrance gate reminding people to shut the gate behind them. Low-level cupboards have restrictors and there are smoke alarms on both levels of the home, a fire blanket in the kitchen and the emergency evacuation practices take place every three months.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When taking children out of the home the childminder is particularly attentive in ensuring that appropriate precautions have been taken with regards to safe transport and parents contact details are taken with her. Parents are also given emergency cards with the childminder's contact details and the childminder's mother/assistant is also given the contact details for the parents in case of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is confident of her role in the protection of children and shares a detailed written policy with parents informing them of her role in this.

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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 play in a happy and stimulating environment, where they take part in a good range of activities and experiences available to them which develop their confidence and self-esteem. Experiences are planned to promote learning through fun and independent play. There are a good range of resources including; arts and crafts such as, drawing, cutting and sticking, painting, sewing papier mache and playdough. Further resources such as construction bricks, cars and large wheeled toys are stored in a large toy box in the lounge.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good knowledge about how children develop and learn and as a result activities and opportunities are planned well to support children's needs. Younger children enjoy many activities and experiences to support their play and learning, including sensory toys which are provided for babies, plus soft and interactive toys. This is supported by the childminder's knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework following the training course that she has attended.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A colourful portfolio containing photographs of children engaged in various activities demonstrates the good range of fun-filled activities such as making ginger people, Easter baskets and Christmas decorations, taking part in garden activities including water play, jumping on the trampoline and riding the large wheeled toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of promoting equal opportunities through her practice. There are some resources that promote positive images and the childminder is continuing to develop this area. Children have their needs well met, which they are able to communicate in a supportive environment. Although no children currently attending have any learning difficulties and/or disabilities though the childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to meeting children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates positive strategies to manage children's behaviour taking into account their ages and stages of development. These include positive reinforcements such as praise, rewards and encouragement and distraction and appropriate explanations are given to the children. There are clear house rules in place and these are shared with parents at the start of their child's placement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the excellent continuity care provided by the childminder; this is because of the good partnerships that have been formed between her and parents. The childminder works closely with parents ensuring a regular exchange of information. From the initial stage of introduction, parents receive good quality information about the childminder and the service provided. They receive written policies and procedures, written agreements have been obtained and the childminder has a clear understanding of her role in handling complaints from parents, in line with current guidelines.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is fully supported by the childminder's good organisation of the setting. Children enjoy their time in the setting and they feel at home and at ease in the childminder's home.

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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 Space, play resources and activities are organised effectively to meet children's individual needs. The childminder uses her knowledge and skills to provide good care for children, promoting their welfare and care.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed the required courses for registration. She has an up to date first aid certificate and has attended an Introduction to Childminding course. In addition she has completed a basic food hygiene course and 'Birth to three matters' framework training. The required documentation is in place and available for inspection and the childminder has devised written policies and procedures for the effective management of her provision. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Overall children's needs are met.

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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): • obtain written agreements from parents to use creams on minded children including nappy cream • review the provision of resources that promote positive images to support children's understanding of the wider world.

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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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