Childminder in Thurrock

Inspection report for early years provision

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204322 Unique Reference Number 30 April 2007 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 1999. She lives with her husband who is also a childminder and children aged 14 and 11 years in Chafford Hundred. The whole house is used for childminding and there is garden for outside play

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at anyone time and when working with a co-minder they may care for 12 children at anyone time. There are currently three children on role attending various sessions throughout the week. The family have two dogs, a cat and a rabbit as pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups with minded children and she 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 clean, bright and well maintained home where high standards of hygiene are implemented. Children are encouraged to follow good personal hygiene routines such as washing their hands before eating and after assisting their personal needs. As a result, the good health of all children attending is considered and promoted well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective procedures are in place in the event of an child being unwell while in the childminder's care, such as a written sickness policy which is shared and agreed by the parents. There is a system in place for the administration of medication, the childminder has a current first aid certificate and there is a first aid box in the home and taken on outings. This assists in ensuring appropriate care when dealing with an injured child.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to discover the importance of eating healthily as the childminder has good knowledge of nutrition and what constitutes a healthy diet. At present parents provide meals for their children and the childminder ensures that these are stored appropriately. 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

Children enjoy a good range of physical activities which helps keep them healthy. All children have access to physical play through the range of resources the childminder provides including, a bouncy castle, a trampoline and various wheeled toys. They make lots of regular trips out to the park, soft play local toddler groups, the beech and other places of interest. This assists in further promoting their physical well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a warm, welcoming child centred environment where a good range of toys and resources are readily available for children to freely and safely select from. The playroom, conservatory, kitchen area and garden provides ample play space. They benefit from the high levels of supervision being offered as they are either in the sight or hearing of the childminder or her co-minder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Positive steps have been taken to minimise any potential hazards for example, safety gates are in place around the home, restrictors are fitted to all low level cupboards. Fire precautions in place through the use of smoke alarms, which are regularly tested, a fire blanket is fitted in the kitchen and children take part in regular emergency evacuation practices which ensures that know what to do if there was an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When taking children on outings their safety is further considered through the excellent safety measures the childminder has in place such as emergency contact numbers and first aid pack is taken. Risk assessments are carried out at new places they visit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and is fully aware of the necessary procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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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 outstanding. Children benefit greatly from the positive interaction they share with the childminder. All areas of their development are significantly enhanced by the exceptional quality of the childminder's interactions. Children are listened to attentively and their communication skills are very well promoted as the childminder positively responds to their gestures, sounds and questions. The childminder has a very good understanding of how children learn and uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework in her practice in order to meet children's individual needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children explore and experiment through a vast range of activities that are skilfully organised to match their needs and ages. They thrive in this environment where they become immersed in activities and experiences which are interesting, fun and develop their curiosity, creativity and imagination. They settle into the environment exceptionally well and are happy, confident and eager to learn. All children are welcomed with open arms and flourish in the relaxed and homely atmosphere.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit greatly from the thoughtfully planned trips and outings arranged for them by the childminder. They visit farms and zoos where they can learn about nature and how animals live. Children regularly attend a local toddler group where they develop very good social skills as they meet other children and adults.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's regular use of an extensive range of creative materials enables them to develop a wealth of imaginative, exploratory and sensory experiences. Children are able to explore different materials for themselves as they paint, colour, stick and cut and they take pride as they take their accomplishments home with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing an awareness of others through the provision of resources which reflect positive images of gender, race, culture and varying needs. The experiences available to children are enhanced by the good use made of trips out to various places.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to providing a fully inclusive environment for children, she has completed training in the Disability Discrimination Act and Inclusion in the Early Years. She is fully competent in adapting activities and resources to ensure that all children can participate thoroughly in each activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are co-operative and very well behaved in the care of the childminder. They receive lot of care and attention. The use of positive language and good explanations contributes to helping children learn to manage their own behaviour and understand the consequences of their actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the secure working relationships that the childminder has with their parents and her co-minder. There is excellent communication in place which promotes continuity of care. Parents have access to the comprehensive information regarding the practice, policies and procedures including the complaints procedure. This ensures that the childminder has a good understanding of the children's needs and parents gain a clear understanding of her role.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy an environment that is bright and welcoming and space is well organised to fully meet the needs of the children.

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Organisation

The childminder has a commitment to updating her knowledge regularly as she accesses regular training. All the required documentation is in place and well maintained, ensuring that the provision is efficiently run to promote children's welfare, care and learning.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to take further steps to reduce the risk to children by obtaining written permission from parents to undertake specific activities. The childminder ensures that all necessary permissions are in place before undertaking activities. This enhances the care given to the children.

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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 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 develop the good practices already in place to support children's care and learning.

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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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