Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY260973 Unique Reference Number 04 September 2006 Inspection date Greg Wolff Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 7 and 3 in Chafford Hundred, Essex. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children at any one time. She is currently minding 3 children under 8 part time. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school. The childminder attends a number of local groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 reinforced daily routines. They know, for example, that by washing their hands after using the toilet they will be both clean and healthy. At present the first aid kit is not appropriate for childminding.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet which is provided by the childminder, including a number of home made dishes such as fish fingers and chicken nuggets. Drinks are made available throughout the day and children are encouraged to help themselves when possible, increasing their independence. The childminder ensures that she is aware of allergies and other special dietary requirements so that children's individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children have access to physical play through the wide range of resources the childminder provides, mainly outside. They also make regular visits to the park which promotes their physical well being. They are all able to rest and be active, according to their needs, in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is aware of ensuring children's safety. However, a small number of potential hazards in the home require minimising to ensure children remain safe at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of safe and developmentally suitable resources which are well organised and easily accessible to encourage independence. The childminder reinforces safe practices to the children, for example, by explaining to them using appropriate language when they are doing something potentially dangerous. This helps children to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. However, they are unaware of the emergency evacuation plan and have not had the opportunity to practise leaving the premises quickly in case of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and the appropriate procedures to follow if she has any concerns. These are discussed with parents prior to minding to ensure that they are kept well informed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop close and caring relationships with the childminder and her family. Children's vocabulary and language develop well through continuous interaction; the childminder uses open ended questions and takes an interest in what children have to say.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make progress when they attend the childminder. However, as she has yet to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework, younger children and babies do not take part in activities which are suitably planned or assessed at this time. All children enjoy purposeful and exciting outings, such as the local parks and other places of local interest.

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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 Children respond enthusiastically to the activities provided, such as modelling dough, small world toys and physical activities. There are opportunities for children to use scissors, glue, tape and a range of craft materials through projects at home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's behaviour is good and they co-operate well with one another supported by the childminder. The childminder uses effective techniques to ensure that unwanted behaviour is kept to a minimum. Children are developing independence within their daily routines and they make choices about what they play with.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children gain an awareness of people from other cultures and with differing needs through the resources which the childminder provides. They discuss festivals of all religions at the appropriate times in the year and take part in activities which help them learn about different cultures, such as cooking with a wok. They are also able to communicate their own needs and beliefs in a supportive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that children's needs are met. She offers them daily written feedback and ensures that they keep her informed of relevant information from their home.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The range and quality of activities and opportunities both indoors and outdoors is suitable for all children. The setting is homely and well organised to support children in their play and appropriate storage ensures that children of all ages become independent.

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Organisation

Required documentation is all in place and is stored appropriately and with confidentiality in mind. Children's needs are met because of the close relationship that the childminder has with parents. Visitors to the setting are asked for identification and are not left alone with minded children at any time.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed appropriate First Aid training.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection, the childminder agreed to evaluate toys and equipment and consider ways to help children learn about equality. The childminder has obtained a number of resources such as books and craft activities and children now take part in activities such as cooking with a wok so that they learn about different cultures and faiths.

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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 The childminder also agreed to increase her knowledge of reporting child protection concerns. She has now attended a training course and has all the relevant details to ensure that children are kept safe.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder also agreed to make sure that the premises are secure and that children are unable to leave them unsupervised. The front door is now kept locked at all times and the key is accessible should an emergency evacuation be required. In this way children are kept safe and secure when in the childminder's home.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004.

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Complaints 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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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): • Ensure that the contents of the first aid kit are checked and updated as required • ensure that children understand and practise the emergency evacuation plan • reduce potential hazards in the home regarding access to dangerous products in the low kitchen cupboards • improve outcomes for young children by use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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