Childminder in EssexOfsted inspection, 27 Feb 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303148 Inspection date 27 February 2006 Inspector Sharon Henry

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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 satisfactory. 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. She lives with her three children. The family live in the Chingford area of Waltham Forest. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently caring for one child. The family has a budgie.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's nutritional needs are well met; this is because the childminder is fully aware of individual dietary requirements and preferences which are discussed in full with parents. The children receive a range of healthy snacks, including fruit and raisins. This helps children develop healthy eating habits. Children are protected from spread of infection through sensible exclusion policies which are shared verbally with parents. Children are encouraged to learn good hygiene practice through daily routine. For example, to minimise the spread of germs, they are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet. Appropriate nappy changing procedures ensure there is little risk of cross contamination, for example, children have their own individual changing towel. There are clear procedures to protect children from illness or infection. The use of the

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Helping children to be healthy

National Childminding Association documents ensures all accidents and administration of medication are appropriately recorded. However, written parental permission is not requested for the administration of medication and the seeking of any emergency medical advice or treatment. Children's physical development is generally well supported with walks to the local school and the use of the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a warm and welcoming environment, which enables them to feel settled and comfortable in their surroundings and contributes to them making the smooth transition from their home life. Effective use of space allows children to move freely and play with little disruption. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to ensuring children are safe whilst inside and outside the home. This enables children to be able to explore their environment safely whilst enjoying the effective security systems provided for their safe arrival and collection. Effective safety equipment is in place to maximise children's safety, for example smoke alarms and a fire blanket. Children's safety is further promoted through the childminders knowledge and understanding of the local authorities child protection procedures. She is confident in her role in child protection issues with regard to reporting and recording any

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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 The provision is satisfactory. The children have very good relationships with the childminder and they enjoy her company. This is because the childminder gives the children lots of positive time, attention, praise and encouragement. The day is flexible to take account of individual children's needs. They enjoy a wide variety of interesting activities, that generally support their overall development, however the learning opportunities for the under two years are minimised due to limited age appropriate equipment. For example, there are few opportunities to support early balancing and pre walking skills. Children receive support during play activities and the childminder promotes children's vocabulary and language skills through effective interaction, which encourages children to respond verbally and with gestures. The childminder's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

knowledge and understanding of younger children's development is satisfactory, but there is scope to develop this further through the use of the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder uses appropriate techniques for managing children's behaviour, this helps children understand right from wrong and to play together harmoniously. Children are given praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements, which contributes to the children becoming confident in what they do. Children benefit from the childminders commitment to working in partnership with parents. This ensures that the children's individual needs are well catered for and enables parents to play an active role in the care of their child. Information is shared with parents, who receive daily feedback on their child's progress. Children are valued, respected and taught to respect each other's differences through acknowledgment and discussions. Children's awareness of diversity is generally promoted by the childminder, however the range of resources to support this further is limited.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from good levels of supervision and support, which enables them to feel safe and secure in the childminder's home. Consequently, children are confident to make their own choices when selecting toys and initiating play. Space is organised effectively to ensure children are able to move freely between different play areas and activities. The children move around the organised environment with ease and feel at home, as a result they are confident in extending their own play and learning. All information is kept in a confidential manner and shared with parents regularly. Documentation is well organised and held securely, ensuring confidentiality for parents and children.

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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 Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are met and promotes continuity of care. The childminder has yet to complete a pre-registration course and first aid training for infants and young children which compromises children's wellbeing. The childminder is meeting the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 record may contain complaints other then 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 satisfactory. 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): • request written permission from parents before administrating medication to children • request written permission from parents to the seeking of any emergency medical treatment • develop equipment to ensure it meets the development needs of children aged under 2 years. And ensure children have a range of equipment and resources that promote diversity. • develop knowledge and understanding of caring for children under three: for example by using the Birth to three framework. • complete a local authority approved childminders pre-registration course and a first aid training, that includes first aid for infants and young children.

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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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