Bones Michelle

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

201860 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2007 Inspection date Samantha Smith Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1999. She lives with her husband and three children aged nine, 10 and 13 years old in Langdon Hills, Basildon. The whole of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time. There are currently four children on roll attending on a part-time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder runs a local carer and toddler group on a regular basis and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's understanding of good hygiene routines is promoted through everyday practices. As a result they are learning basic hygiene, such as washing hands before and after eating and after assisting their toileting needs. Appropriate explanations help children understand the importance of good hygiene practices.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The effective hygiene routines the childminder assumes contributes towards protecting children from the spread of infection and preventing cross-infection. For example, the home is kept clean and well prepared before children arrive, work surfaces are cleaned before and after use with anti-bacterial spray.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children's health is appropriately safeguarded because the childminder has adequate provision for sick or injured children. Clear procedures and written consents to administer medication and for dealing with accidents means that children's medical needs are well promoted. The childminder assures that a verbal sickness policy has been shared with the parents stating unwell children are excluded. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and she is confident in her ability to deal with medical emergencies.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a sufficient balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and consists of sandwiches, fruit and yoghurt. The childminder plans nourishing meals, which includes a good portion of the recommended 'five a day' with meat or fish.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular physical exercise. Regular visits to the park and toddler groups provides children with the opportunity to practise their skills as they use large play equipment such as bikes, slides and large push and pull toys. Children also enjoy taking part in swimming sessions and they have free access to the well equipped garden.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where positive steps have been taken to minimise potential risks. For example, the front door is kept locked and the key is easily accessible, all cleaning materials are stored out of children's reach and low level cupboards are fitted with restrictors. Space within the home is organised well to promote children's independence as they gain safe and easy access. The garden is fully enclosed and provides a secure play area.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a broad range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards and are appropriate for their ages, helping them to enjoy a wide variety of experiences safely. All toys and resources are regularly checked and cleaned by the childminder; any damaged or broken toys are immediately discarded. Resources are set out so that children can access them easily, independently and safely.

p.3

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 Fire safety precautions are taken into account through the provision of smoke alarms and a fire blanket in the kitchen. Emergency evacuation procedures are in place and practised regularly with the children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to follow if she had concerns regarding a child's welfare although she does not have the government booklet 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused'.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and secure in the childminder's home. They benefit from the positive relationships they have established with the childminder. She enables them to develop their own play ideas and participates willingly at their requests. Children develop a strong sense of self-esteem as they are able to make choices and decisions about their play and they take part in activities that sufficiently promotes areas of development. Resources provided include books, puzzles, construction, role play, small world and dressing up.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They receive good support from the childminder as she spends time talking and listening to them. They show a good awareness of knowledge and understanding as they participate in role play activities and re-enact past events. There is a good provision of resources for older more able children and the childminder demonstrates a good awareness of age appropriate levels.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework although she has yet to introduce it into her current practice.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcome in the childminder's home. Equal opportunities is sufficiently promoted through the provision of resources that reflect diversity including books, videos and TV. As a result children are beginning to gain an appreciation of the wider world. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to meeting children's individual needs. She has a clear understanding of the procedures in observing and recording if she had concerns regarding child development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses effective and consistent strategies to manage the children's behaviour. These include the distraction method, where the child is offered an alternative activity to divert away from unwanted behaviour. Children know the rules and the boundaries within the home and are good at following them and the childminder is consistent in her approach.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships established between the childminder and their parents and carers. The shared information allows the childminder to provide care, which meets the children’s individual needs. The childminder shares clear policies and procedures with parents, this ensures that parents are kept fully informed of her childcare practice. Written

p.4

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 agreements are in place and contact details including emergency contact details are kept. The childminder is aware that it is a regulation to keep a log of complaints made by parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a childminder who has a good level of experience in childcare. She has a sound understanding of ages and stages of development, enabling her to plan suitable routines and activities for the children. Although she has yet to formalise her practise with babies and young children by using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

p.5

Organisation

Space and resources are well organised so that children can play safely. There is sufficient space for active play and quiet times. The childminder maintains a daily record of attendance and she complies with the conditions of registration.

p.5

Organisation

The required documentation is in place and stored confidentially and the childminder is aware of her responsibility to notify Ofsted of any significant events, ensuring children's safety and well-being at all times.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training for infants and babies. The childminder now has a current first aid certificate in place, contributing to the health and well-being of the children in the event of illness or injury.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to practise the emergency escape plan with the children and to obtain written permission from the parents to take children on outings. Children practise the emergency escape plan regularly and records are kept. Written permission to take children on outings has been obtained from the parents. Thus contributing to the children's safety in the home in the event of an emergency and ensuring the parents wishes are respected.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • obtain a copy of the government booklet 'What To Do If You Are Worried A Child Is Being Abused-Summary • formalise current practice with babies and young children by using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6