Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 202385 Inspection date 20 July 2005 Inspector Lynn Denise Smith

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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 1993. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 17, 6 and 4 years in a house in Brightlingsea. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children, she attends local parent and toddler groups and takes children to the park and library. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding one child 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 childminder has two cats. The childminder attends a number of toddler groups and music and movements sessions with the minded children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health needs are well met by the childminder acknowledging the children's stages of development and working closely with the parents. They are encouraged to wash their hands and use a step to reach the wash hand basin. Children's nappies are changed frequently to ensure the child is comfortable and to prevent soreness. Children's medical needs are recorded in the accident and medication books and parental permission is in place for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment, to administer first aid and to administer prescribed medication. Children's meals are generally provided by the parents. Their dietary needs are well met and the childminder encourages them to eat the healthier options first, but still gives them choices. Children sit together at meal times in the kitchen or in the garden. They chat freely at mealtimes about the food they eat and whether it is good

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Helping children to be healthy

for them. Children have drinks throughout the day, they are positioned on the table for easy access. Children under the age of three years are cared for by the childminder acknowledging their home routines and following the Birth to three matters framework.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in the lounge, dining room and garden. They use the bathroom which is situated on the first floor. They experience a warm, comfortable environment which is homely and child friendly. Children move freely between the lounge and dining room and use the lounge mostly for quiet activities such as watching the television or reading. Children have good access to an extensive range of toys and play equipment. They make choices from a large selection of equipment stored in storage boxes in the dining room. They also have additional resources stored in the bedrooms which is alternated to provide a more stimulating selection. Children are kept safe within the home by the childminder following general good practice such as using stair gates and having high locks on garden gates. One smoke alarm on the ground floor has no battery, but is linked to the upstairs one. Children learn about fire safety within the home through regular fire drills, these are

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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 fun and relaxed and the childminder ensures children understand their importance. Children gain an understanding of road safety when walking along the road or on outings, by following the childminder's clear instructions. They hold the pushchair on the inside of the pavement, listen for cars and cross the road when they and the childminder have established that it is safe to do so. Children's safety is of paramount importance to the childminder. She protects them from possible harm by following the area child protection procedures. She does not currently have a copy of the booklet 'What To Do If You Are Worried A Child In Your Care Is Being Abused'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and settled with the childminder. They are made to feel a welcome part of the household and develop strong relationships with the childminder and her family. They relish their time in the safe setting which puts them first. They gain independence in their play and everyday routines, supported by the childminder. Children's social development is extended through regular attendance of toddler groups, singing groups and social sessions with other childminders and their children. They go out every morning and spend the afternoons participating in well organised, worthwhile activities. Children's language skills are developed by the childminder naming objects and talking to them constantly. Babies and children under three are encouraged to develop skills by the childminder using her many years of experience to adapt activities to suit their stage of development and encourage language through singing, playing music and replying to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met by the childminder. She gets to know them prior to commencing caring for them, by arranging pre-visits with the parents to discuss their needs, likes and dislikes. Children are settled and made to feel comfortable by the childminder and parents having good methods of ongoing communication. Children have access to some equipment which reflects equal opportunities and are provided with a good selection of books on multi-cultural issues and various festivals. Children are valued and the childminder works hard to build children's self esteem. She has a positive attitude towards developing the whole child. Children understand the house rules and boundaries set by the childminder; they are well behaved and co-operate effectively.

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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. Children are cared for in a homely and well organised setting, they are able to explore the home and garden freely and safely. Toys are accessible and alternated regularly to provide added interest and stimulation. The childminder is committed to keeping her childcare knowledge updated through regular training. She has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice course, Caring for Children 5-14 yrs, the Diploma in Nursery Nursing Practice, First Aid, Equal Opportunities course and a Business Success course. All relevant documentation is in place and appropriate certificates displayed for parents to view. Confidentiality is maintained and the records are updated. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that written consent was obtained for the childminder to take children on outings and for her to seek emergency medical treatment. Parents now provide written consent for both, ensuring that children are able to participate in trips and outings outside of the childminder's home and that in the case of an emergency medical treatment can be obtained quickly.

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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 a copy of the booklet 'What To Do If You Are Worried A Child Is Being Abused'

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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 • ensure smoke alarms are maintained and in working order at all times .

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The quality and standards of the care

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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