Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY285519 Unique Reference Number 10 January 2007 Inspection date Jacqueline Oldman 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and seven years. They live in a house in a residential area of Pitsea, close to

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

schools, pre-schools, the local market and shops. All areas of the property are used for childminding. 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 any one time but no children under eight years are currently being minded. There are no pets in the home.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to and collects them from a local school. She is a member of the

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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 National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrated a sound awareness of the importance of providing regular opportunities for healthy exercise and fresh air for children. She organises daily routines so that there is plenty of time to walk to and from school daily and encourages children to play in the garden when weather permits.

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Helping children to be healthy

The environment is clean and well maintained. The childminder showed a sound knowledge of how to promote children's good health; for example, she protects them from infectious diseases by ensuring parents fully understand that sick children cannot be cared for. She describes how she talks with children about the need for good hygiene practices and gently reminds them to wash their hands before and after meals. The childminder provides individual flannels and towels for children's use. The childminder has established appropriate procedures for recording accidents and the administration of medication with parent's prior written consent. She ensures clear written consent from parents to seek any necessary emergency advice or treatment is obtained at the time of placement.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the importance of a healthy, balanced diet with lots of fresh foods. She encourages mealtimes to be social occasions when children eat together. The childminder gave a descriptive account of how she uses mealtimes to raise children's awareness of the importance of healthy eating. In discussion, the childminder shows that she respects parent's wishes to provide their own food for their child and demonstrates how she works with them to encourage the provision of healthy eating options. Children are offered fresh fruit daily to promote a healthy lifestyle. The childminder ensures she is made aware of, and records, children's allergies, likes and dislikes to ensure their individual needs are met. Fresh drinking water is made available to children in personal drinking bottles. The childminder has a sound awareness of the importance of children drinking regularly and ensures

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Discussion with the childminder suggests that effective use of space ensures children are comfortable and have room to move around independently. Through observations and discussions it was evident that toys are stored in child friendly containers upstairs which the childminder brings downstairs prior to admission of the children. This ensures children can develop independence in making choices about their play. The childminder says resources are rotated to provide variety and children know they can ask for particular activities that are not set up ready for them. The childminder demonstrated a sound understanding of the importance of checking toys and equipment regularly to ensure they remain suitable.

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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 The childminder has taken action to ensure most risks inside and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. However, the public liability insurance has expired. The childminder has a sound understanding of how to help children learn about their own safety through discussion, tidying away discarded toys and road safety awareness. The childminder introduces road safety during school runs, showing children how to cross the road safely and ensuring children stay within a safe distance when on outings and walks to protect them from unauthorised persons.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder verbally demonstrated a satisfactory understanding of child protection legislation. She keeps up to date with current procedures by reading the recommended literature. Parents are informed of her duty to report any concerns quickly to protect children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder talks about how children are encouraged to behave well, through praise and a warm, trusting relationship with her. She demonstrates a good understanding of the importance of developing children's confidence and independence and of how to boost their self-esteem. The childminder explained how children are encouraged to become creative as they explore, investigate, develop and refine their skills. They have opportunities to use the programmable toys and learn how to play with a wide variety of board games. Children enjoy physical activities in the outdoor play area, which means they have opportunities to run, jump, develop and practise their gross motor skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Evidence suggests that children are enabled to settle and move confidently around the setting. The childminder talks about how she encourages children’s harmonious interaction with each other, which enables them to build meaningful relationships. The childminder provides a wide range of activities so children spend their time purposefully and enjoy playing with the toys provided, knowing she is on hand for support or guidance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Observation of the wide range of resources and equipment indicates they are well organised and readily available. The provision of which means children have access to exciting and stimulating activities that provide sufficient challenge. The childminder talks about the provision of activities that are interesting and suitable for children's ages and stages of development. For example, the childminder involves herself with children's play, encouraging problem solving, introducing new skills and supporting homework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Discussion with the childminder suggests that children are valued and respected as individuals. The daily routine is flexible to their individual needs and the childminder takes parent's wishes into account effectively within her planning, for example regarding meals. She offers opportunities for children to learn about their local community as they talk together during their walks to and from school. The childminder has a satisfactory range of resources which

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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 promote children's awareness of other cultures and abilities to help them learn to respect the similarities and differences of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder discusses how she responds appropriately to meet the individual needs of the children in her care. She takes time to get to know them well and gather information about their likes and dislikes. The childminder showed a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving good examples of how she would approach a variety of situations, liaising closely with parents. She places strong emphasis on politeness, respect and good manners, encouraging children to behave well by using lots of praise and encouragement. She talks quietly with children when their behaviour is not acceptable helping them to begin to understand right from wrong through consistency, achievable boundaries and clear explanations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the importance of positive, trusting partnerships with parents. She makes time for daily conversation with them, sharing information about what their child has been doing. She is fully aware of the requirement to record any complaints she may receive and to make them available to parents if requested.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. There were no minded children present during the inspection. Through discussion, the childminder has shown that she remains suitably qualified to work as a childminder. She demonstrates that she has an organised approach to childminding and satisfactorily supports children's individual needs by flexible care routines. During the inspection the childminder demonstrated a willingness to make the necessary adjustments to her home to meet the National Standards for overnight care.

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Organisation

The home is organised, and laid out to provide appropriate play opportunities to encourage children to feel comfortable and at ease. Parents' views are valued and systems are in place to share information contributing to children's sense of confidence and well-being. The childminder understands that successful daily routines are based on thorough knowledge and understanding of children's individual needs.

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Organisation

Most required documentation and record keeping systems are in place to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution, available for inspection and stored safely. Training such as attending the Introduction to Childminding Practice and the first aid course supports the childminder's practice.

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Organisation

Overall, evidence suggests that the childminder would meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has maintained an accurate record of children's daily attendance. She has completed an appropriate first aid course and attended the Introduction to Childminding training. This included training regarding the care of children under three years and the childminder has obtained a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework for future

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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 reference. The childminder has developed her range of resources and now provides a range of activities and resources that promote anti-discriminatory practice. As a result, the potential for children's welfare, care and learning are improved.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 public liability insurance is obtained prior to minding • ensure that hazards to children on the premises are minimised. This refers to the banisters being made safe.

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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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