Childminder in Southend on Sea

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313641 Inspection date 24 March 2006 Inspector Lisa Paisley

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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 outstanding. 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 partner and three children aged 15 months, 12 and 13 years in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 1 child under 5 years all day and 3 children over 5 years after school. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are well protected by the childminder's consistent high standards of hygiene. They play and learn in clean and exceptionally well maintained premises. The childminder provides very good equipment for children to take care of their personal hygiene. For example, they use antibacterial soap and individual hand towels. The thorough nappy changing procedures prevent the spread of infection. Soiled nappies are discarded effectively and the changing mat is cleaned after each child's nappy has been changed. Children learn about personal care through daily routines, such as hand washing before snacks. Excellent procedures are in place in the event of a child being unwell while in the childminder's care including a written sickness policy and a detailed emergency plan in the event of an accident. Children thrive in the healthy environment where they frequently enjoy fresh air and

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Helping children to be healthy

exercise. They enjoy an extensive range of physical activities which help keep them healthy. The childminder is beginning to link in the 'Birth to three matters' for younger children, ensuring their development and good health. All children have access to physical play through the range of resources the childminder provides, which are mainly outside. They make daily trips out to the park, library, local shops and toddler groups, promoting their physical well being. Children have very good opportunities to rest and be active, according to their needs, in the home. Children benefit from the childminder providing an extensive range of healthy and nutritious foods including fresh fruit and vegetables such as butternut squash and sweet potato. Drinks are made available throughout the day and they choose from either fresh drinking water or pure fruit juice. Children are encouraged to help themselves from their own cups, increasing their independence. The childminder is

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Helping children to be healthy

comprehensive in the exchange of information with parents to ensure she meets children's individual dietary requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play safely within the well organised, safe and secure premises of the home. They are protected by the very good practice the childminder follows for the safe arrival and collection of children. She has clear procedures to be followed in the event of a child being uncollected or lost. The childminder carries out very good risk assessments and effective action is taken to reduce any potential risks within the home. For example, safety gates, fire guards and low level sockets are in place. The home is effectively organised, resulting in the children being able to move around safely with independence and self selecting toys. Toys and equipment are thoroughly checked ensuring there are no broken parts that could harm them.

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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 are safeguarded by the excellent fire safety precautions she has carried out. The fire equipment is regularly checked and tested. Children benefit from participating in monthly fire drills, ensuring children are able to evacuate from the building quickly and safely. They learn about safety through gentle reminders, such as not climbing on the sofa and when on outings the childminder ensures children know about why they need to stay close and the importance of road safety and being aware of strangers. The childminder has an excellent understanding of child protection issues and is clear about her responsibilities in protecting children from harm. She has recently updated her knowledge and understanding of child protection and has passed this information on to parents. As a result parents are fully informed about of her role in

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protecting children, reassuring them of their child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy, settled and extremely confident in the childminder's home. Children are highly motivated and engrossed in the varied activities provided. They enjoy a broad range of planned and spontaneous activities, for example children's choice, cooking, sand and water. Children develop confidence and self esteem as the childminder shows interest in what they do and say by talking and listening to them, asking questions and offering suggestions. They become independent as they make choices about their play and self select toys. Young children's speech is developed by the childminder as she listens and talks to them, using key words and gestures and open ended questions to extend their learning. Children respond well to the childminder and enjoy their time with her. Younger children benefit from the childminder extending her knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She is implementing this to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

effectively plan activities for them, ensuring they are appropriately challenged. The children who attend after school also make choices about the activities they wish to take part in and spend their time productively. For example, they enjoy making soapflakes shapes and Mother's day cards. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the very good relationships they have with the childminder and other family members. Children look to the childminder for reassurance, help and assistance and she responds in a warm, caring and enthusiastic manner. Young children are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong as the childminder uses a range of appropriate and sensitive strategies for managing children's behaviour. All children receive regular praise and encouragement developing their self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and relaxed. They are treated as individuals and with respect

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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 helping them feel good about themselves. They gain an awareness of diversity through resources and activities that are provided, such as books and games. They also celebrate a number of festivals including St Patrick's Day. Children are beginning to develop an of the wider community through regular outings to the farm, Wat Tyler Park, Maldon and local museums. Children's behaviour is extremely good and they respond well to the consistent praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder, ensuring they feel confident and valued in the home. She provides an exemplary role model with her calm and gentle approach. Older children are exceptionally good with the younger children, interacting in their play and helping with daily routines. Children receive a very good

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Helping children make a positive contribution

level of supervision and support so that any difficulties are sorted out quickly and effectively by the childminder. Children benefit from the secure and good working relationships that the childminder has with the parents. There is good quality written information for parents and regular verbal communication takes place which contributes to children's continuity of care. Parents have access to relevant information about the childminder's practice, reports, polices and procedures. Parents are aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and are kept informed of future trips and event planned for children. The childminder works hard at developing good relationships with the parents and she is very committed and professional in her approach. This results in the parents having a clear understanding of her role and how children are cared for whilst in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are empowered in the well organised, child-centred environment in which they come first. Play experiences are effectively organised to accommodate children's individual needs. Children are supervised effectively at all times and daily routines are planned to incorporate school collections and individual time with younger children. The childminder identifies areas for personal development and she ensures she is up to date and knowledgeable of current issues to enable her to continue to provide high quality child care. The childminder has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice (ICP), training and she has updated her child care practice by attending courses such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework and 'Education through music'. The childminder would like to continue to develop her childcare knowledge and is interested in obtaining a degree in Early Years.

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Organisation

The childminder has a comprehensive, informative and excellent range of polices and procedures in place that she uses to promote the care and welfare of children. Records and documentation have been effectively organised, enabling the childminder to spend her working day with the children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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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 First inspection - not applicable.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to report 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 other than 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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