Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 560042 Inspection date 21 July 2005 Inspector Lynn Clements

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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 three older children. They live in the village of Bicknacre near Chelmsford. The whole of the premises are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The premises are within walking distance of local shops, schools and parks. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding two children who attend on a part time basis. There was one minded child present during the inspection.

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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 organises her daily routines effectively around school runs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children explore the importance of hygiene through daily routines and discussions with the childminder. Children access the toilet independently and younger children are supported effectively by the childminder increasing their confidence as they progress from nappies to potty training. They remain protected from cross infection due to the clear sick child policy implemented by the childminder. Children are confident to make their own choices at snack and meal times. Attention to a variety of healthy options provides opportunities for children to try different foods. Children's individual dietary needs are met due to the close co-operation and sharing of relevant information between parents and the childminder. Toddlers are able to access their own drinks from child height furniture while older more able children learn to pour drinks for themselves as they need them. The childminder has a good understanding of young children's needs and her

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Helping children to be healthy

practice is supported through the use of the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework. Children can rest or be active according to their individual needs. They have access to a fully enclosed garden enabling them to run and play in the fresh air. Children have access to appropriate apparatus which extends their hand eye co-ordination and physical skills, such as wheeled toys, climbing frames, swings and slides. They all enjoy walks to the local park, sharing picnics and playing football.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Regular risk assessments made by the childminder helps safe guard children from potential hazards. She uses safety equipment such as socket covers, stair gates and cupboard locks are in place, enabling children to explore in safety. Children access toys with the encouragement of the childminder and they learn to tidy away to keep their play space safe. A good range of child height furniture ensures children play and learn in comfort. Children develop their independence and confidence with regard to road safety whilst out and about on school runs or trips to the local park or library. They practice fire evacuation procedures so everyone knows what to do in an emergency to keep safe. Children's welfare and overall safety is paramount. The childminder has a good understanding of local Area Child Protection Committee procedures, which she shares with parents to ensure children remain protected.

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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 move confidently around the childminder's home, selecting toys and activities at their own pace. They appear motivated to explore and investigate the wide variety of resources available and can extend their own learning due to the well organised child accessible storage. Children's development is supported as they make visits to the local park. They have plenty of opportunities to learn about the world around them, examining plants and creatures and noticing cars and planes while out and about. Children choose books and share stories. They dance spontaneously to music while building with duplo. Children are given time to concentrate and achieve tasks for themselves and they know they can ask for help if they need to. Children create models and have opportunities to use a wide range of creative media, happy to try things out without fear of failure. Carefully planned and consistent routines enable children to move confidently

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

between home and the setting. Parents have daily opportunities to talk with the childminder about their children's experiences and progress. The childminder has worked closely with parents to develop a two way communication record. Daily diaries and shared information ensures the needs and interests of children are put first and the childminder plans activities based on what they know and can do, to ensure they continue to make progress and have fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children form good relationships with the childminder and each other. The sensitive use of books and resources provide opportunities for children to learn about diversity in the wider world. Good behaviour is encouraged and children learn to take turns, share and respect each other. The childminder will obtain a copy of the Disability Discrimination Act to ensure she continues to meet children's individual needs. She has effective strategies in place to fully support children with special needs. Children and babies settle quickly and become confident due to the clear communications between parents and the childminder. All parents are kept fully informed of their child's experiences and progress through verbal discussions and record books. Parental wishes are respected and continuity of care between home and the setting is supported appropriately.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children and babies are able to develop their independence and pursue their interests due to the well planned activities and child accessible toys and resources provided by the childminder. There is plenty of space both inside and outside for

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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 children to explore safely. Toys and resources provided by the childminder support children's overall development. All documentation is in place, securely stored and confidentiality is respected. Records are updated and contribute to the health, safety and well being of all children cared for by the childminder. The childminder has attended training and ensures her reading regarding early years legislation and relevant information is kept up to date and shared with families. She has developed her practice with children under three by implementing the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework. The needs of children are 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): • obtain a copy of the early years Disability Discrimination Act booklet to support practice in relation to equal opportunities.

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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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