Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY269690 Unique Reference Number 11 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 2003. She lives with her husband and daughter aged four years in South Stifford in Grays. The whole house is registered for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a full time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have eight rabbits, two hamsters, a guinea pig and two cats as pets. The childminder is happy to visit the local parent and toddler group and pre-school with minded children.

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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 play in a clean home, the childminder's own hygiene practices ensure that children are protected from the spread of infection. These include regular hand washing before preparing food, after assisting children's toileting needs and she cleans her works surfaces often.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning the importance of good hygiene through the daily routines the childminder has in place. They receive gentle reminders to wash their hands before eating and after playing in the garden. There are procedures in place to help prevent the spread of infection, including a sickness policy that is shared with parents. The childminder encourages children to make healthy choices. The food she offers consist of fruit and milkshakes for snack and pasta, rice and vegetables for lunch. Meal times are sociable; children enjoy sitting at the table with the childminder and they take part in discussions as they look at the colour of various fruits.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in activities which contribute to their good health. This includes free access to the garden, regular visits to the park and visits to parent and toddler groups where they use larger equipment and take part in musical movement sessions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in the spacious home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around freely and safely. They independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder ensures that toys and equipment are cleaned and checked regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children remain safe on trips out because of the effective procedures in place, such as young children are safely strapped into a buggy, reins are used and road safety is taught to the more able children. Written permission to seek emergency medical treatment has been obtained from parents, this ensures that children receive the appropriate care and attention in the event of an accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues including signs and symptoms of abuse and she is aware of the procedures for reporting her concerns. She has a policy in place that she shares with the parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are at ease and well-settled with the childminder. They are confident and happy in an environment where they obviously enjoy each other's company. They develop as individuals because they have warm and caring relationships with the childminder, who helps them to feel good about themselves. The childminder offers lots of praise for their efforts and achievements.

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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 are gaining increasing independence as they chose between a variety of appealing toys, books and activities. They spend their time purposefully exploring a wide range of activities that support their individual development. They are eager to use their imagination, for example, when taking part in role play and the childminder supports them well. Through good quality interaction she participates in their play, pretending to order food in their restaurant. This supports and develops children's sense of self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has attended training and has a good awareness of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She confidently uses this in her practice with young children. Their natural curiosity as learners is supported as they eagerly explore their surroundings touching and discovering new objects. Children enjoy being close and interacting with the childminder through sharing books and singing songs. They learn about rhyme and rhythm as the childminder sings to them when changing their nappies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have opportunities to learn about themselves and the wider community as they freely access resources that promote positive images and diversity. They are actively encouraged to recognise similarities and differences as they take part in the celebrations of other cultures including Eid, Ramadan and St Patrick's Day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are fully met and the childminder works hard to ensure all children are included in activities, making adapt ions where necessary. For example, while the older child was enjoying exploring an ice activity on a table top, the baby began to show a keen interest in the activity but was unable to reach in the bowl, the childminder quickly put a mat on the floor and moved the bowl down to allow the baby access and both children continued to play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a positive approach to caring for children who have additional needs. The childminder has set clear boundaries and the children know good behaviour receives praise and reward and that negative behaviour results in time out. Children show care and concern for each other, the older children show genuine concern for the younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's welfare is fully promoted through the childminder's partnership in working with parents. Policies and procedures are shared with the parents to keep them well informed about the service and children's activities. New children are encouraged to bring a familiar toy from home to help them settle. Parents of young children receive a written daily dairy, detailing children's eating and sleeping patterns as well as activities they have participated in.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safe in the childminder's home. The childminder ensures that all persons with access to the children have been vetted. The premises is organised well to support children's play and enables them to develop independence. The childminder works within the conditions of her registration, ensuring that children are supervised appropriately at all times.

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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 The childminder updates her knowledge and shows a commitment to training. She has completed an Introduction to Childminding course and she is currently completing the Extending Childminding Practice, which contributes to the quality of care the children receive. All relevant documentation is in place. Records and information on the children are kept confidentially and securely promoting children's health, safety and well-being.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure the daily attendance record is completed at times of arrival and departure of minded children. The daily register is kept accurate and up-to-date, this ensures children's safety and well-being.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a records of complaints made by parents, which they may see on request. The complaints log 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 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): • continue to further develop knowledge of child development to ensure the provision continues to meet the needs of all children, helping them to develop and progress in all areas.

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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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