Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 202161 Inspection date 16 August 2005 Inspector Patricia Mary Champion

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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 1991. She lives with her partner and adult daughter, who both act as her assistants. They live in a house in a residential area within walking distance of schools and shops in Heybridge. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 6 children aged between 3 and 8 years and 2 children aged over 8 years. Some children are cared for on a part-time basis. The childminder drives to a local school to take and collect children.

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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 have a dog, three cats and a parrot. The childminder takes children on outings and attends 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 understand simple health and hygiene procedures and follow the good example set by the childminder. They always wash their hands after using the toilet and individual wipes are available to protect children from cross-infection. They play in a very clean and hygienic environment and procedures are in place to deal with illness or accidents. However, the details in the accident and medication book are not recorded confidentially. The childminder's first aid certificate has now expired. Further training has already been arranged for October 2005. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They enjoy eating a range of different fruit for snacks and drinks are freely available throughout the day. Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder works well with parents. She is extremely well aware of any allergies or special dietary needs. The childminder is

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Helping children to be healthy

flexible about her arrangements to provide food and some children bring lunch boxes each day. Once a week the children go out together for a meal or a picnic. Children are protected effectively in hot weather. Sun cream is applied before children go outside to play and sun hats are worn. A gazebo is erected to provide additional shade in the garden and the childminder ensures that the children drink plenty of fluids. Children have good opportunities for physical play in the garden or at the park. They play with a wide variety of outdoor toys. They can also rest and sleep according to their needs as the childminder provides opportunities for children to sit quietly during the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable and well maintained environment. The childminder is well aware of the need to minimise hazards within the home. Smoke alarms are regularly tested and children know what to do if they have to evacuate the house in an emergency. A high regard is given to the children's security as the premises has a CCTV system. The childminder has given careful consideration to the children's safety around the splash pool. A safety cover has been fitted and written parental permission has been obtained for children to use the pool. The childminder is considering erecting additional trellising to prevent children from having easy access to the pool area.

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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 Children select from an extremely wide variety of toys and games. The childminder puts careful thought into new purchases to ensure that they are safe, well designed and appropriate for all the children that attend. Children are kept safe on outings. The childminder keeps a copy of emergency contact numbers with her at all times and the children learn about keeping themselves safe. Literature and flyers regarding children's safety within the home and 'out and about' are shared with the parents and the children. Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a clear understanding of her child protection responsibilities. She keeps up to date with current issues and procedures through reading the recommended literature.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy taking part in an excellent range of stimulating and fun activities that are planned to develop their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. Activities are linked to themes and events during the year. The childminder makes sure that projects and tasks will keep children of all ages busy and interested throughout each day. Children particularly enjoy imaginative play and extremely good use is made of the themed resources. The garden becomes a market as children become stallholders selling fruit and vegetables. They adeptly count money from the till and confidently explain how credit cards can be used. They dress up, helping each other to put on and fasten the clothes. They spend time in the outdoor home corner, preparing meals and making birthday cakes. They imaginatively re-enact a birthday celebration, singing songs and playing games. Children enjoy demonstrating their creative skills, making models with play dough or

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

designing and creating place mats. They imaginatively create pictures with felt to represent fairy stories. Children have very good opportunities to learn about technology as they play with the computer, video games and electronic toys. Children build warm and friendly relationships with the childminder. Interaction is excellent; the childminder uses carefully formed questions to make children think. Children acquire new knowledge and skills as they learn cooking techniques. For example, the childminder spends time describing how a blender mixes milk and powder to make pudding and deserts. Children develop confidence and self-esteem as the childminder offers them plenty of praise and encouragement as they play. Children enjoy an exciting range of interesting outings. Good use is made of local venues to extend children's learning experiences. They go on trips to Maldon Promenade, Colchester Zoo, Mangapps Farm Railway Museum to see the steam

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

trains and the Wacky Warehouse for energetic indoor soft play. Festivals and special events are celebrated throughout the year and the children and parents share these experiences by dressing up and attending parties. The

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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 childminder keeps a scrapbook of photographs so that the children can share and remember what they have done.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave extremely well. They understand responsible behaviour and play harmoniously with each other. The childminder encourages them to think about each others' feelings and they learn social skills such as turn-taking and sharing. Children are happy and settled in the family environment. Children develop self-esteem and respect for others. They are learning about wider society as they play with toys and resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity and disabilities. The childminder has attended a workshop regarding care for children with special needs. There is a very good partnership with parents. Information is shared through a written newsletter; this details dates that parents need to be aware of and items they may need to supply. Parents are given the opportunity to complete a questionnaire. Both parents and children speak positively about the childminder and the care she

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the good quality care provided by an experienced childminder. They are cared for in an extremely well organised home. Play space and resources are arranged to meet the children's needs effectively. They can move freely between outdoor and indoor play. The childminder has organised efficient daily routines during school holidays and term-times. Children benefit from effective adult: child support, as the childminder now has two assistants to help her when required. The childminder is enthusiastic about her role as she researches on the internet to keep up-to-date with current childcare issues and trends. All the required documentation to meet the National Standards is in place. The childminder has taken time to further update some records to ensure that they support and promote the welfare and care of the children. Consent agreements have been extended to cover taking photographs, using the splash pool and leaving the

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Organisation

children in the care of an assistant in the event of an emergency. Short policies have been written to cover what happens if a child is unwell and ensures that parents are well aware of the business arrangements. The provision meets the needs of the children that attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken steps to improve her documentation. At the last inspection

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Improvements 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 childminder was asked to ensure that the register records the children's hours of attendance and the names of the persons looking after them. The childminder has now organised attendance sheets that contain all the required details. Additional consent agreements have been obtained from parents. The parents now give written permission to allow the childminder to transport the children in her car.

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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): • review how accident and medication records are kept to maintain confidentiality.

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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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