Childminder in Thurrock

Inspection report for early years provision

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204220 Unique Reference Number 13 September 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 1993. She lives with her husband, adult daughter and her partner and her grandchild aged one year 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 six children at any one time. She is currently minding four children under five part-time. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through reinforced daily routines. They know, for example, that by washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating they will be both clean and healthy. The childminder has a first aid kit, though a number of items

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 contained within it are out of date. She does not currently inform parents of the appropriate exclusion times if their child is ill or infectious.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet which is provided by the childminder, mainly consisting of home-made dishes. 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

All children have access to physical play through the range of resources the childminder provides. However, as the garden does not currently form part of the registered premises, they make regular visits to the park which promotes their physical well-being. 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. The childminder is aware of ensuring children's safety and ensures that her home is free from potential hazards before children arrive each day. Due to current building work at the property, the garden no longer forms part of the registered premises.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a 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 when they are doing something potentially dangerous. She encourages children to clear up after themselves so that they are not at risk of tripping or hurting themselves. This helps children to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are 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.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. 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. However, outcomes for babies and young children could be improved by the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make progress when they attend the childminder. She ensures that activities are planned which are of interest to the individual children attending. All children enjoy purposeful and exciting outings, such as the local park and other places of local interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond enthusiastically to the activities provided, such as painting, sticking and small world toys. There are opportunities for children to use scissors, glue, tape and a range of craft materials through projects at home.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's behaviour is 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

Children gain an awareness of people from other cultures and with differing needs through the resources which the childminder provides. However, they do not discuss different faiths or learn about or experience festivals from other cultures at the appropriate times of the year. They are able to communicate their own needs and beliefs in a supportive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

One child currently attending has learning difficulties and a disability. The childminder is aware of the issues involved in caring for this child and the implications for the care of other minded children and she discusses appropriately with parents and other professionals in order to fully understand her responsibilities.

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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 written or 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 is suitable for all children. The setting is homely and organised to support children in their play and appropriate storage ensures that children of all ages become independent.

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Organisation

Required documentation is in place and is stored appropriately and with confidentiality in mind. Children's needs are met because of the close relationship that the childminder has with their 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

The childminder does not have a current first aid qualification in breach of her conditions of registration.

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Organisation

The childminder has a comprehensive range of policies and procedures and keeps a daily register which is completed at appropriate times.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection, the childminder agreed to develop resources to promote positive images of diversity. The childminder now provides books, puzzles, dressing up clothes and musical instruments which ensure that children are able to experience other faiths and cultures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder also agreed to ensure that hazards in the garden are minimised. The climbing net on the climbing frame has now been removed which ensures that children's safety is safeguarded. However, the garden no longer forms a part of the registered premises due to the building materials and debris which are being stored there.

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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 The childminder further agreed to update parental consent agreements to include medicines to be administered should a child become ill and to transport children in a vehicle. All required signatures of consent have now been obtained and therefore children's welfare is no longer at risk.

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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.

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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 parents are made aware of appropriate exclusion times for children who are ill or infectious • ensure that the contents of the first aid kit are checked regularly and replaced as required • improve outcomes for babies and young children by use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework • ensure that children are able to experience and discuss different faiths and their customs and festivals • complete an appropriate first aid course which includes information regarding the care of babies and young children in case of accidents.

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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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