Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360089 Unique Reference Number 08 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 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 September 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged five years and two years in Loughton, 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 four children at any one time and there are currently two children on roll attending on a full and part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local parent/carer and toddler groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean home, where they learn to follow basic hygiene routines such as washing hands at appropriate times throughout the day. The childminder's own hygiene practices contribute towards promoting children's good health. She washes her hands before preparing meals and disposable gloves are worn when changing children's nappies.

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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 Children are further protected from the spread of infection and their health is promoted through the procedures in place. A sickness policy for administering medication is shared with parents and the childminder has a sound knowledge of first aid. In addition an up to date certificate is maintained and a first aid box is kept in the home. Appropriate procedures are in place in the event of an accident or a child needing minor medical attention and relevant signatures of consents have been obtained from parents, including permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy meals provided. Healthy options such as cheese, fruits and various sandwich fillings are provided for lunch and light snacks and drinks are freely available. Children with individual dietary needs have their needs well met because the childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to making changes to accommodate them. Weaning babies are fully supported by the childminder who follows instructions given by the parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical skills are encouraged through a range of opportunities including visits to the local park and toddler groups. Babies and young children rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are comfortable in their environment and the childminder has created a welcoming playroom for them to play. The childminder has taken some positive steps to identify and reduce possible hazards to promote children's safety. Some of these include; safety gates at the lounge door ensuring children play in a safe room, restrictors on low level cupboards, door stoppers, locks on windows and loose wires and cables have been placed out of reach. Fire safety measures are in place through the use of smoke alarms, a fire blanket and emergency evacuation procedures are in place and practised regularly. However, some resources in the playroom are not properly organised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When taking children out of the home sufficient precautions have been taken with regards to safe transport. Appropriate car seats are provided, appropriate vehicle insurance is in place and written permission to transport children in a vehicle has been obtained from parents. When walking with minded children the childminder ensures that babies are safely strapped into a buggy and older, walking children know that they must stay close by.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of the signs and symptoms and she knows who to report her concerns to. She is confident of her role in the protection of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and well settled in the childminder's home. They have established warm and positive relationships with childminder and her family. They play in a stimulating environment, where they take part in a range of activities and experiences available to them which develop their confidence and self-esteem. These are planned to promote learning through fun and independent play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a sufficient range of toys and resources available including role play equipment, books, puzzles, cars, dolls, construction and interactive toys. Children explore and experiment through

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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 a vast range of activities that are organised to match their needs and ages. On visits to the parent and toddler group they use a range of creative materials that enables them to develop their imaginative, exploratory and sensory experiences. They explore different materials as they paint, colour, stick and cut.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has sound knowledge of child development. Consequently, she plans and provides opportunities and experiences to support their play and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Equal opportunities are well supported in the setting and children have access to a range of toys, books and resources that reflect positive images of cultures and abilities, helping them gain an awareness and respect for others. No children attending have any learning difficulties and/or disabilities, though the childminder demonstrates a sound attitude to meeting children's individual needs and exchanging information regularly with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are mostly well behaved and play co-operatively together. At times where negative behaviour is displayed the childminder has strategies in place to manage this taking into account children's ages and stages of development. As a result, children are gaining an understanding of right from wrong through the explanations they receive.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed positive partnerships with parents. Information about the child is gathered from parents at the beginning of their placement. Regular updates are exchanged throughout. As a result, children benefit from the continuity of care provided. Policies and procedures are shared and most written agreements have been obtained from parents. The childminder has a clear understanding of current legislation with regards to handling complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall children's needs met. All adults living in the home have completed the required checks for registration; ensuring children are in the presence of suitable adults. The childminder has completed the required courses for registration including first aid certificate and an Introduction to Childminding Course.

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Organisation

The home is generally sufficiently organised to support children's care learning and play needs. However, weaknesses in the daily routine and the organisation of the playroom can sometimes have an impact on children's enjoyment as they sometimes become over tired and restless. The childminder is aware of this and is currently reviewing her organisation.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is all in place and well maintained with the exception of the attendance records which are not always completed at the times of arrival and departure.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration that the required the childminder or Ofsted to take any actions to remain fit for registration.

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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 The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they may see on request. The complaints log may contain complaints other than those known 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): • review the organisation of toys and resources in the playroom to further promote children's safety in the home • review the overall organisation of the setting to improve outcomes for all children and ensure that the attendance register is completed 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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