Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY271875 Unique Reference Number 05 June 2008 Inspection date Lynn Denise 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 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged three years, twenty months and five weeks in Loughton, Essex. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. She is currently minding two children on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a rabbit and a guinea pig as pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop a good understanding about keeping healthy as they follow the childminder's clear directions. They know that they need to wash their hands before eating meals and after they have used the toilet. They have access to a ground floor bathroom. Younger children's

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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 personal needs are effectively met as the childminder carefully checks and changes children's nappies and disposes of soiled nappies in appropriate outdoor bins.

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Helping children to be healthy

If children have accidents in the childminder's care, their injuries are suitably dealt with by the childminder using her up-to-date first aid knowledge. A clear record of their injuries are logged in the accident book and shared with their parents. Medication is only administered to children who are unwell when the childminder has their parent's written consent.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of meals during their day at the childminder's home. They are provided with a selection of healthy choices and discuss what foods are good for them with the childminder. The children's dietary needs, likes and dislikes are shared with the childminder effectively by their parents. Children have regular drinks throughout the day and sit together with the childminder's children to eat their meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to experience fresh air on a daily basis. They enthusiastically play in the childminder's garden and make good use of local parks and playgrounds when they go for walks with the childminder and her family.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a clean and welcoming home. A number of improvements have been made to the premises over the past few months which provide minded children with a ground floor bathroom and wash basin. Children move freely around the ground floor of the premises accessing the lounge, dining room and garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with an exciting selection of toys and play equipment which is stored in clear plastic boxes in the lounge and dining room. They are generally presented with a range each morning and then self-select further resources throughout the day. Children play with clean and well-maintained equipment as the childminder follows her effective policy on washing and cleaning the play materials on a regular basis. The children often become involved in this process as they bath their dolls or wash the construction toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is given high regard by this childminder, who ensures that her home is safe and organised before the children arrive each day. They are prevented from accessing the stairs and first floor without the childminder's supervision as the lounge door is kept closed. When travelling in the childminder's car, children use appropriate car seats and restraints.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from potential harm as the childminder ensures that her knowledge of current child protection procedures is updated in line with changes. Information is available regarding the Local Safeguarding Boards and the childminder is hoping to gain a place on an appropriate training course as soon as possible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with this childminder. They excitedly play in the garden making good use of the physical and imaginative play equipment on offer to them. They have access to an interesting selection of toys and play equipment which is presented at their height to enable them to make free choices over their play.

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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 receive good quality interaction form the childminder and her assistant. They sit with the children and encourage them to play together. The children's language development is extended as the childminder asks the children open ended questions and involves them in discussions and decisions as much as possible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy going for walks in the local area and making use of the play parks situated close to the childminder's home. They also go on trips to farms and make good use of the local library. Children enjoy creative play and are provided with a selection of creative play materials.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's personal interests are followed as the childminder asks them to contribute ideas and suggestions for activities and outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled within the childminder's care. They approach her with ease and enjoy the interaction they share with her and her assistant. Children's individual needs are effectively shared between the parents and childminder as they ensure they follow a policy of good ongoing communication. Children are encouraged to develop their understanding and knowledge of other people's cultures and differing needs through toys, resources and books which reflect diversity and equality of opportunity, however, they do not currently have opportunities to extend this learning through festivals and the celebration of special occasions. Children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities have their needs effectively met as the childminder and parents work well together. They share relevant information about the children's conditions and the childminder seeks further advice and information from other

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well-behaved and gain a good understanding about right and wrong as they follow the childminder's clear rules. They learn to take turns and to share through the games and resources on offer to them. They are praised and encouraged to behave well by the childminder and encouraged to consider each other's feelings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's well-being is promoted as the childminder and parents work effectively together. They talk about the children's needs on a regular basis and update each other on the day to day changes at arrival and collection times. Parents are made aware of the childminder's service through her written policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are affectionately cared for by a childminder who is also a qualified nursery nurse. She uses her years of experience in child care to offer the children a safe and caring environment. They benefit from her working alongside an assistant which means that they have the attention and interaction of two adults. The childminder has completed all relevant courses, however, has not yet had the opportunity to acquaint herself with the changes which are due to take place in childcare later this year. She has not obtained information about the Early Years Foundation Stage and how the changes will affect her service.

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Organisation

Children are cared for in small numbers which enables them to receive good quality care and interaction from the childminder and her assistant. Their day is planned around school and the time they spend at the childminders on a school day is generally governed by the children. They

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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 are encouraged to use the time to relax and 'chill out' after their busy school day. The time spent at the childminder's house during school holidays is generally more productive and organised.

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Organisation

Clear and effective records are in place and available for inspection. The children's details and agreements with parents are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that the childminder is kept aware of any changes to the children's lives. Written policies and procedures are in place which support the childminder's practices. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last inspection, the childminder was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course, update her first aid kit, devise and implement an emergency evacuation plan and ensure that working smoke alarms are fitted on each level of the house. She was also required to obtain public liability insurance, obtain information and contact numbers for the Local Safeguarding Board, ensure children's details are appropriately recorded on registration forms and devise contracts with their parents. A log of the children's daily attendance was also required.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection, children's well-being is actively promoted as the childminder has attended an appropriate first aid course, updated her first aid kit and implemented a monthly check list to ensure that it remains up to date. A written emergency evacuation plan is now in place and practised regularly and working smoke alarms are now fitted on each level of the house and checked at regular intervals. Public liability insurance has been obtained and information about the Local Safeguarding Board is held on file. Children's personal details are accurately recorded and the childminder has written agreements with parents. A clear log of the children's daily attendance is maintained and available at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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): • ensure knowledge regarding the changes in childcare and the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage is updated

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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 • extend children's knowledge and understanding about other people's cultures and religions through festivals and special occasions.

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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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