Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347774 Unique Reference Number 30 June 2008 Inspection date Barbara Ann Greenley 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 registered in 2007. She lives with her children aged 12, 10, seven and five years in the town of Braintree, Essex near to local amenities. The whole premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has a pet rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time. Currently there are four children on roll who all attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to school, visits toddler clubs, the library and the park with children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a clean and well-maintained home. Younger children can rest undisturbed in a cot, in an upstairs bedroom checked regularly by the childminder. Children are learning about good personal hygiene routines, washing their hands after outside play or

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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 using messy materials. Children are encouraged to be independent and take control for themselves. They are learning from the childminder that being clean is best. Parents and children benefit from well-written policies on health and hygiene and the training that has been undertaken.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children also benefit from the experience gained by the childminder when dealing with illness or any emergencies that may arise. Procedures have been put in place both verbally and in writing and the childminder is confident about her abilities to manage any situation concerning the children's welfare. The childminder has a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered regular meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day. Drinks are freely available and children are encouraged to take in fluids. The childminder is aware of children's preferences and any allergies that may affect them. Children enjoy lunches that are nutritionally balanced. Children are learning good table manners and how to behave when eating together. A food hygiene certificate has been obtained for the premises. Children have grown cress and have opportunities each week to make food such as jellies and cakes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have lots of opportunities for outside play in the garden, at the park, activity clubs and toddler group. Children are developing an awareness of their physical growth and general well-being and this is promoted by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are being cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. The childminder checks smoke alarms and is aware of the necessary steps to be taken if they sound, for the safeguarding and promotion of children’s welfare. Children in general are safeguarded from most hazards by the childminder undertaking regular risk assessments. However, some areas of safety are not always addressed such as the covering of electrical sockets and access to toilet blocks containing caustic soda. These hazards potentially put the children in danger.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to self-select activities from a broad range of toys and equipment meeting required safety standards and their developmental needs. The childminder regularly cleans, checks and replaces the toys and equipment to ensure that they remain safe for children's use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are beginning to learn how they can keep themselves safe through the childminder giving priority to helping them understand about safety, for example, by ensuring that they are transported in age and stage appropriate car seats and belts. Young children are either strapped into a buggy or on reins during their walks. Older children are learning how they can keep themselves safe by practising road safety during their walks to and from school. Their protection is being further promoted by the childminder talking to them as to why they must not run around inside the home particularly on the stairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an understanding of her safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring that children are only collected by authorised persons. She has a sound understanding of how to implement appropriate procedures to safeguard children if she has concerns for their welfare. The childminder has attended additional training on child protection issues.

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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 experience a varied day which includes free play and trips outside of the home. The day is structured around trips to schools and toddler group. They also visit nearby parks and activity clubs on a regular basis to ensure that they have outdoor play. Children's interest is stimulated by placing toys at their level to catch their eye and maintain their attention. Children enjoy play on a large trampoline, painting with vibrant colours on large pieces of paper and playing with floor toys such as trains.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a wide range of toys to suit all ages. Children's language skills are extended through questions and the childminder's interest in their well-being. Children can relax during the day and parents are aware of what activities are on offer. They clearly enjoy choosing their own resources. The childminder takes responsibility for ensuring that children are motivated by the toys on offer.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are given praise for their achievements and they are urged to play with a variety of toys. Children receive consistent care as minder and parents work closely to ensure there is a united approach. They have developed a bond with their carer, are reassured by her presence and display confidence when meeting strangers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is caring for children under the age of three years and has an understanding of their developmental needs. She was not given the 'Birth to three matters' framework or training as this was withdrawn by the local authority at the time of her registration.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals, with their needs being met by the childminder following their normal routines as discussed with parents or carers. If young children need to rest during the day, activities are organised around their sleep patterns. Children are able to make choices as they play and their independence is encouraged. They are developing a sense of belonging as the childminder welcomes them into her home and involves them in family life.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn about the wider world through everyday activities such as looking at books and playing with dolls that have different skin tones. The childminder is helping them to appreciate and value each other’s similarities and differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s individual needs are being met through the childminder consulting with their parents or carers about the need for any special services or equipment. The childminder has a sound understanding that some children have learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing an awareness of themselves by finding out what they can do, while testing out the boundaries with a childminder they trust. She responds in a positive way to them and reinforces their desirable behaviour with plenty of praise. Her actions are helping children to learn the ground rules to enable them to play harmoniously together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are benefiting from the childminder building friendly, helpful relationships with their parents or carers, who are kept informed of their children’s experiences and progress through verbal discussions. The childminder has a complaints procedure but this does not reflect current guidelines. The procedure ensures parents and carers can resolve concerns about children's care swiftly.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder has just over a year's experience and enjoys her work. She is committed to caring for the children who are on roll. The childminder enjoys training and has completed her first aid certificate. However, she has been unable to secure a place on the preparation training course. The childminder has a good understanding of childcare through her work, as a parent and training courses such as child protection, health and hygiene and safety.

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Organisation

The days are organised to give children the opportunity to experience a range of activities, both inside and outside of the home. Time is made to take walks, play in the park and socialise with other adults and children. Ratios are maintained which enables the childminder to give individual attention to the children.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised and the childminder has a satisfactory method of recording and storing her records. Paperwork is kept confidential but can be accessed by parents who want to see information on their own child. Children and parents benefit from a range of paperwork that is in place.

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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 attendance of an appropriate local authority approved childminding pre-registration course • inform parents about the current complaints procedure • develop strategies to minimise hazards around the home.

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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 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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