Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340520 Unique Reference Number 21 March 2007 Inspection date Greg Wolff 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.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and one child aged two years in Grays, Essex. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently minding two children under eight part-time. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school. The childminder attends a number of local groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have two dogs and a cat as pets.

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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 satisfactory. Children benefit from a healthy diet which is provided by the childminder. Drinks are made available throughout the day and children are encouraged to help themselves when possible, increasing their independence. 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 learn the importance of personal hygiene through reinforced daily routines. They know, for example, that by washing their hands after using the toilet they will be both clean and healthy. The childminder ensures that she completes all relevant documentation if children are unwell or have an accident whilst in her care, and this ensures that parents are kept well-informed and that children's welfare is not compromised. However, there is currently no suitable first aid kit provided, so, children are potentially at risk if they have an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children have access to physical play through regular visits to the park. They are all able to rest and be active, according to their needs, in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children use a wide range of safe and developmentally suitable resources which are well organised and easily accessible to encourage independence. The childminder reinforces safe practices to the children, for example, by explaining to them using appropriate language why they should hold the buggy or her hands whilst they are outside of the home. This helps children to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. Children are unaware of the emergency evacuation plan and have not had the opportunity to practise leaving the premises quickly in case of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of ensuring children's safety in the home. However, she does not currently take all contact details or signatures of consent with her when she goes on routine outings so safety is potentially compromised at these times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are generally well protected. The childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and the appropriate procedures to follow if she has any concerns. These are discussed with parents prior to minding to ensure that they are kept well informed. However, she does not currently have the contact details for the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children make progress when they attend the childminder's house. However, as she has yet to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework, younger children and babies do not always take part in activities which are suitably planned or assessed at this time. All children enjoy purposeful and exciting outings, such as to the local parks and other places of local interest.

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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 develop close and caring relationships with the childminder and her family. Children's vocabulary and language develop well through continuous interaction; the childminder uses open ended questions and takes an interest in what children have to say.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond enthusiastically to the activities provided, such as the 'space hopper', small world toys and train set. There are opportunities for children to use scissors, glue, tape and a range of craft materials through projects at home and the childminder also attends a messy play group regularly where children have opportunities to socialise with others from outside of the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children gain an awareness of people from other cultures and with differing needs as the childminder provides a number of suitable resources, such as books, dressing up clothes and puppets. They discuss the festivals of a range of religions at the appropriate times in the year and take part in activities which help them learn about different cultures. They are able to communicate their own needs and beliefs in a supportive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is generally good and they co-operate well with one another supported by the childminder. The childminder uses effective techniques to ensure that unwanted behaviour is kept to a minimum. Children are developing independence within their daily routines and they make choices about what they play with.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

No children attending have special needs but the childminder is aware of the issues involved and the implications for their care and that of other minded children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that children's needs are met. She offers them daily verbal feedback and ensures that they keep her informed of relevant information from their home.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The range and quality of activities and opportunities both indoors and outdoors is suitable for all children. The setting is homely and well organised to support children in their play and appropriate storage of play resources ensures that children of all ages become independent. The childminder provides child sized furniture so that children are comfortable and safe whilst in her care.

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Organisation

Required documentation is all in place. It is stored appropriately and with confidentiality in mind and is well-organised to ensure that it is simple to find what is needed. Children's needs are met because of the close relationship that the childminder has with parents. Visitors to the setting are asked for identification and are not left alone with minded children at any time.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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.

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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): • provide a first aid kit, the contents of which are checked and replaced as required • ensure that all children are able to experience a fire drill • ensure that all appropriate documentation is taken when going outside the premises • obtain the contact details for the Local Safeguarding Children Board • improve outcomes for young children by using the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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