Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY331601 Unique Reference Number 10 August 2006 Inspection date Samantha Smith 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 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged one and three years old. The family live in the Warley area of Brentwood. The whole of the childminder's house is used for minding 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 four children at anyone time when working alone. When working with another registered childminder at the premises, she may care for a maximum of six children at anyone time. There is currently one child on roll attending on a full time basis. The family has two cats and a rabbit as pets. 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 good. Children are cared for in a very clean and well-maintained home, the childminder works hard to prevent the spread of infection and promotes children's health. She is knowledgeable about children's health issues and first aid procedures. Children learn about good personal care and hygiene practices as they follow established routines with the childminder. They are encouraged to appreciate the importance of washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating and brushing their teeth after eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are further protected from the spread of infection through the childminder's good hygiene practices such as she washing her hands regularly throughout the day, using separate chopping boards for different foods and providing children with their own flannels.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are very well met. The childminder works in partnership with parents and carers to meet each child's individual needs. Children benefit from healthy snacks and drinks. For example, meals include spaghetti bolognaise, tuna and pasta, yoghurt and fruits. A daily menu is available for parents and carers to see. The childminder has a good understanding of what constitutes a healthy, nutritious diet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular opportunities for physical play. They have access to the garden where they enjoy using various equipment such as a bouncy castle, trampolines, slides and a sand pit. They go on regular visits to the park and soft play areas, where they explore larger equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a very safe and stimulating environment where there is space for them to follow their own interests. The childminder is aware of age appropriate equipment. She adopts good routines such as regular checking and cleaning of toys and resources to ensure children are kept safe. Children independently select activities from an range of good quality toys and equipment that meet safety standards. The childminder ensures activities are appropriate for the children, considering their individual needs, interests and abilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe in the childminder's home as she has taken positive steps to minimise potential risks to children. She is very conscious of safety issues in the home and when taking children out walking or in her car. Younger children are kept safe while they sleep on the sofa as they remain in the childminder's sight and hearing and are checked regularly. When travelling in a vehicle the childminder ensures that all children have the appropriate seats and restraints. When walking younger children are safely strapped into a buggy and older children are encouraged to hold the buggy. The children are also taught road safety and stranger danger.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety and well-being is further safeguarded as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and is confident of her role in the protection of children.

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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 good. Children have warm relationships with the childminder who interacts well with them at their level, encouraging communication and independence skills. Children are confident to approach the childminder for physical comfort and reassurance, which contributes to their sense of belonging. They have opportunities to think for themselves, express their ideas and thoughts and interact with others by sharing and taking turns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a wide range of age-appropriate activities that effectively promote all areas of their development. They are beginning to develop an appreciation of books as they take part in visits to the library and they enjoy listening to stories read by the childminder. Children also have many opportunities to engage in independent play, for example, building a train track. They are consistently well-supported during their play by the childminder who sits on the floor with them and offers praise and encouragement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The dining table is used for creative activities such as arts and craft. Children can acquire new skills including using scissors and pencils. The childminder helps children to learn about the environment as she talks to them when playing in the garden or whilst out on one of the many walks they take together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children benefit from the childminder's good knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework which she uses to plan a range of stimulating activities. The childminder follows the children's lead by allowing them to explore their environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children are starting to benefit from the childminder's growing awareness of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. They are able to make connections through the use of all of their senses because the childminder follows their lead and allows them to explore their environment, people and resources. Young children are provided with stimulating activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals helping them to feel good about themselves. Their needs are met and they follow their own routines as discussed with the parents. They show care and awareness of each other and play together harmoniously with the childminder's children. They are beginning to gain some appreciation of others as they look at books and posters made by the childminder, however this provision can be further developed by encouraging children to learn about other cultures and celebrations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although the childminder is currently not caring for any children with special needs, she demonstrates a positive attitude to meeting children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and confident within the home. They relate well to each other and they play well alongside each other showing some concern and consideration for each other's needs. They are well behaved and learn right from wrong because the childminder is consistent in her

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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 approach to behaviour management. Clear explanations and the childminder's gentle manner and role model encourages the children to display good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's welfare is fully promoted through the childminder's good partnership with parents. She shares policies and procedures with the parents regarding their children's progress including eating and sleeping patterns as well as activities they have participated in. Young children are given a daily diary to share information with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a well managed and well organised physical environment. The childminder makes a good use of space available to support children's care, learning and play needs. Children are kept safe and there are systems are in place to ensure that all adults in the household are vetted and children are never left with unregistered persons.

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Organisation

Children are familiar with the routines in place which helps them settle quickly and feel secure. The childminder plans activities and learning experiences that are in line with the children's stages of development.

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Organisation

The childminder has a completed training such as first aid, an Introduction to Childminding Practice and the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She demonstrates a keen interest to develop this further. The required documentation is in place.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 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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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): • further develop knowledge of other cultures and celebrations to share with the children.

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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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