Clark, Mrs Janet Claire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY304116 Inspection date 21 September 2005 Inspector Jacqueline Oldman

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2005 and works with 2 assistants when required. She lives with her child aged six years. They live in a house in central Maldon, close to schools, pre-schools, a park, library and the shops. The home is a short drive from the railway station. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for two children, both of whom attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 family has a cat. The childminder takes children on outings and to the local carer and toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about good health and hygiene because the childminder is secure in her knowledge of appropriate procedures. Her positive support and guidance helps children to become increasingly independent in their personal care. Children know to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet or having their nappy changed. Children enjoy eating nutritious well-balanced meals and are encouraged to learn about healthy eating through simple games. The childminder ensures that she is aware of allergies and other specific requirements so that children's individual needs are well met. Drinks are freely available to children and the childminder uses a range of strategies to ensure they drink regularly. Children who are unwell are sensitively cared for as the childminder has very clear written procedures regarding sick children. The management of medicines is well organised to enable the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder to act in children’s best interests if they are unwell. Children are well protected as the childminder can deal with children's minor injuries, is trained in administering first aid and has obtained written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Children benefit from good opportunities to develop their physical skills. They go on regular walks to the local park and enjoy physical freedom in a environment that contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and explore in a safe and comfortable environment. The childminder is knowledgeable about safety issues and aware that there should be a balance between freedom and safety. This means young children can practise newly acquired skills in safe surroundings. Children are beginning to self select activities from a range of good quality toys and equipment that are well organised to ensure they are appropriate for their age and stages of development. The childminder is very vigilant about security in her home. Parents are asked to give clear information regarding the people authorised to collect their child. When out walking safety is paramount because the childminder assesses and minimises possible risks. Younger children and babies sit in a buggy, while older children's growing independence is fostered through the use of reins. Children's practical road sense is developed well by the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder. Clear and consistent boundaries help keep children safe. Good use is made of safety items such as stair gates, socket covers and door stops, which help children understand about potential hazards and safety issues. Food supplied by parents is stored and served having high regard for current safety guidelines to protect children. Smoke detectors are tested and a suitable fire blanket is in place. A

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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 clear written emergency evacuation plan has been devised but children are not yet fully protected as it has not been practised with them. The childminder has a sound awareness of the need to safeguard children; she understands that she has responsibility for child protection and is fully aware of the need to implement appropriate procedures if she has concerns about a child’s well-being. Parents receive a copy of the written child protection procedures and are made aware of the childminder’s responsibility.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder’s home. Younger children are confident in their relationships with the childminder and they socialise with other children through regular attendance at carer and toddler group. The childminder uses the Birth to three matters framework effectively to ensure children are provided with stimulating materials and resources to encourage them to investigate, explore and be imaginative. She organises a varied range of activities to meet children's individual needs and to provide them with good opportunities to try out and practise new skills. The imaginative use of resources and music encourages children to listen and to express themselves in a variety of ways. Children explore with a range of creative materials, such as paint, sticking and play dough to help them to share their experiences, feelings and ideas. The childminder gives children individual attention

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and devotes her time to them. Interaction between the children and childminder is lively and stimulating. Children are able to make decisions about their play and are beginning to connect objects and ideas, acting out everyday situations. Their efforts are acknowledged and the childminder readily offers praise in recognition of their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident, happy and respected as individuals. The childminder takes time to gather information about each child so that good relationships are formed and children settle quickly. They are developing increasing independence in organising their play, supported by the childminder's arrangement of the routines, materials and equipment. Children are enabled to gain self-confidence to try new things. They learn to communicate, share and co-operate with others and are developing a sense of belonging by socialising with others, both at the childminder's home and at the toddler group. The childminder has some understanding of the issues in relation to equality of opportunity and some appropriate activities and resources are used to help children become aware of diversity. However, children are not yet able to fully respect and value the similarities and differences of others. Children benefit from a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

clear behaviour policy agreed by the childminder and parents. Children's good behaviour is recognised and consistently praised helping them to feel good about themselves. Children are beginning to understand the boundaries and simple rules as the childminder applies realistic expectations.

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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 good. The day is well organised to give children the opportunity to experience a range of age-appropriate activities, both inside and outside the home. They have plenty of space and can safely explore due to well implemented policies and procedures. Time is made for children to take walks, play and rest. Comprehensive records are maintained to support the welfare, care and development of the children and safe management of the provision. Information about children's progress and well-being together with the service provided is shared with parents. This keeps both parties fully informed and contributes to continuity in the children's care routines. Training such as attending the Introduction to Childminding Practice and the first aid course supports the childminder's good practice. The childminder is very enthusiastic about her role and children benefit from her motivation and commitment.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of the range of children being minded are being met.

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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): • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of anti-discriminatory practice and the range of resources reflecting diversity • assess the risks to children in relation to practising emergency evacuation procedures and take action to minimise these.

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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 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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