Childminder in Southend on Sea

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY331475 Inspection date 27 July 2006 Inspector Amanda Jane Gray

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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 2006. She lives with her mother who is also a registered childminder and an adult sibling in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. The 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 6 children at any one time and is currently minding three children under eight years, before school. The family has a dog, a cat and a guinea pig. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 learn the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines and by following the childminder’s good hygiene procedures, such as regularly washing their hands. However, children are not protected from the spread of infection as the childminder does not have a policy which is shared with parents about the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious. The childminder has a sound understanding of the medical needs of children within her care and has organised the management of prescribed medicines so that she can act in children's best interests if they are unwell. Children enjoy eating nutritious meals and snacks supplied by the childminder, who guides them to eat healthy options, such as fresh fruit. The childminder takes account of parents wishes when providing children's meals. Children do not become dehydrated as drinks are freely accessible during the day. Their individual needs are

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Helping children to be healthy

met by the childminder gathering information from parents about any allergies or dietary requirements. Regular opportunities to play in the garden help children develop their large muscle skills and co-ordination and provides them with fresh air and exercise. They are able to rest according to their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has taken steps to minimise risks to children and provides a safe and comfortable environment in which they can play and learn. The conservatory provides extra space for children to follow their interests and ideas; this is supported by the safe organisation of resources. The childminder reinforces safety rules with the children by gently reminding them to look after themselves and others. This includes safety whilst eating and drinking. Although the childminder has devised an emergency escape plan she is not practising this with the children which impacts on their ability to safely exit the premises in the event of a fire. A range of suitable, safe and clean play equipment is provided. Most of the equipment is stored at the children’s level allowing freedom of choice which encourages their independence. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

on outings as the childminder practises good road safety and children benefit from wearing high visibility bands. However, the childminder has not insured her car for business use. The childminder understands her responsibilities regarding child protection and children are safeguarded as a result.

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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 satisfactory. Children settle well with the childminder as she strives to get to know each child’s personality and informally plans activities according to what they enjoy, such as outdoor play and cooking activities. Children are regularly praised which develops their confidence and maintains their self-esteem. They are helped to build positive relationships with the childminder, who spends time joining in with their play. Activities and equipment are rotated to ensure that children have a range of fun experiences in which to participate in and develop new skills. The childminder is very familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She uses valuable knowledge gained through recent training to provide a varied programme of activities for young children, which aids their all round development. The childminder takes children out to local groups, parks and the beach. This extends children’s

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

physical experiences and fosters their social development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder promotes equality within her practice. She helps the children to learn to value each other and their backgrounds. The childminder has a positive attitude to raising children’s understanding of diversity and has resources which reflect this. Children are treated as individuals and with respect. Children are helped to understand right and wrong and are learning to play together harmoniously because the childminder sets clear boundaries and has an understanding of positive behaviour management. Children benefit from the secure and good working relationships that the childminder has with the parents. There is written and verbal communication in place which contributes to children's continuity of care. The childminder makes time everyday to talk with the parents about their child’s day and discuss any issues. Parents of babies are kept fully informed about their child on a daily basis through the use of written

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder ensures that children are comfortable and settled as she effectively organises her home and daily routines to accommodate children's individual needs. The childminder aims to ensure her time is well spent with the children and that toys and resources are readily available. This contributes to children's enjoyment whilst in her care. She shows a commitment towards her own personal development and improves her knowledge by attending relevant courses and workshops. The childminder uses this

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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 knowledge effectively to provide children with a wide range of learning experiences. Documentation is well maintained and reliably organised with good regard given to confidentiality. Some of the required policies and procedures are in place to ensure children’s health, safety and well-being. Overall children’s needs are met.

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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 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 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): • devise a policy about the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious and ensure that it is discussed with parents • ensure emergency escape plans are practised with the children • obtain car insurance which provides cover for business use

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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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