Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 202208 Inspection date 21 February 2006 Inspector Barbara Ann Bush

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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 has been registered since 1986. She lives with her three adult children in Chelmer Village, Chelmsford, near to local amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding ten children, both full time and part time.

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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 two cats and three gerbils. The childminder regularly attends the library with the minded children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a clean and well maintained home. Younger children can rest undisturbed, in a cot and older children use the sofa. Sleeping children are checked regularly by the childminder. Children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene, washing their hands after outside play, toileting or using messy materials. Children are encouraged to be independent and take control for themselves. The childminder has completed health and hygiene training which helps her to assist and inform the children. Children benefit from the experience gained by the childminder when dealing with illness or any emergencies that may arise. Procedures have been put in place verbally with parents and the childminder is confident about her abilities to manage any situation concerning the children's welfare. Children are offered regular meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day. Drinks are

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Helping children to be healthy

freely available and children are encouraged to take in fluids. The childminder is aware of children's preferences and any allergies that may affect them. Children enjoy meals that are nutritionally balanced, containing fresh fruit and vegetables. Children are given the opportunity to try new flavours and textures, with meals served up in an attractive, colourful style. Children learn good table manners and how to behave well when eating together. Children have opportunities for outside play, to exercise and use balls, to run and to jump. Children enjoy time in the garden, trips out to the shops, walking and parks. Children can use a trampoline and tunnel for indoor play when the weather is inclement. Children are developing an awareness of their physical growth and general well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can make choices in an environment that is kept safe by the childminder who knows there is a balance between freedom and safe limits. The childminder organises the home to be child friendly and checks the premises to minimise potential hazards. Children access an extensive range of equipment that provides them with challenging, fun activities. The childminder ensures that toys are easily within reach of the children which allows them to use their own initiative when organising games. Children can play safely with the resources as the childminder monitors the condition

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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 of the equipment regularly. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe. The childminder teaches them about road safety, using equipment and general house rules regarding running, climbing and jumping. Children are protected by the childminder's knowledge of child protection issues and procedures. The childminder has updated her training and she has the appropriate guidelines and telephone numbers on file.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a varied day which includes free play and trips outside of the home. The childminder stimulates the children's interest by placing toys at their level to catch their eye and motivate their play, particularly the younger child. Children enjoy books, music and floor toys. The games they play initiate conversation and laughter. Children can progress their own interests for example, during the winter, interest was shown in ice so experiments were organised on ice cubes, shapes and crystals. The children are encouraged to share, take turns and co-operate with others. Play opportunities broaden in line with the children's developmental needs. The pre school children aged four years are currently interested in the local newspapers and pick out pictures they recognise. Children's language skills are extended through questions and the childminder's interest in their conversations.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has developed a bond with the children, offering praise for their existing achievements and urging them to play with a variety of toys. They are reassured by their carer and they are confident when meeting strangers. The minder and parents work closely to ensure that the children are having consistent care. The childminder is caring for children under the age of three years and she acknowledges that she has improved her practice by using the 'Birth to three matters' framework. The childminder is committed to providing quality care and improving her knowledge of current trends in the childcare field.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a clear written policy on behaviour management which is discussed with parents. Children therefore have boundaries agreed by their carer and parents. Children understand the house rules and behave well. Children respond to the childminder's instructions and respect each other and the home. Children have access to resources reflecting diversity in the community. Children and their parents can use specialised books covering a wide range of subjects that the childminder has collected. Children's religious and cultural needs have been discussed with parents and their needs are respected.

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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 At present there are no children attending with identified special needs, however the childminder has had experience in this field and completed some training five years ago. This is an area in which the childminder feels she could improve her knowledge and understanding. Children have a secure and happy time as the childminder acknowledges the important role the parents play in the children's lives and works closely with the families. Parents are given daily information about their children's well-being and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is an experienced carer and has completed additional childcare courses to increase her expertise on the subject. She continues to be interested, enthusiastic and motivated by her work with the children. The day is organised to give children the opportunity to experience a range of activities, both inside and outside of the home. Children benefit from the wide range of resources in the playroom. Time is made to take walks, play in the park and socialise with other adults and children. Ratios are maintained, enabling the childminder to give individual attention to the children. Documentation is well organised and the childminder has an efficient method of recording and storing her records. New guidelines have been read and understood and the childminder has a complaints system in place. The childminder cares for younger children and has been using the 'Birth to three

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Organisation

matters' framework. She is finding this information pack beneficial in enhancing her knowledge and understanding of child development. Overall, the children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has had suitable checks completed on all household members over the age of 16 years, thus ensuring that children are only in contact with vetted adults in the home.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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 other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints 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

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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): • expand knowledge and understanding of the requirements of children with special needs

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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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