Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY239195 Unique Reference Number 13 December 2007 Inspection date Amanda Jane Gray 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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and two children, aged six and seven years. She is registered to care for four children under eight years. At present she cares for three children aged four years, three years and 20 months on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

They live in a house in Brentwood close to the local school, shops and park. The whole of the house is registered for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and welcoming home. The childminder has a clear understanding of health, hygiene and nutrition. Children's health is very well promoted because

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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 the childminder follows some very effective procedures. For example, antibacterial spray is used on kitchen surfaces. Children learn to understand good health and hygiene practices because the childminder explains to them, for example, about germs. Tissues and wipes are readily available and children learn to use and dispose of them appropriately in an effort to reduce the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is further promoted through the sick child policy which is discussed with parents. The childminder gathers relevant information about children's health and dietary requirements at the beginning of the placement, so that she is fully informed and able to meet children's needs. The childminder is qualified to administer first aid and is confident in her ability to deal with minor accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and snacks and a range of activities that contribute to their good health. They take part in regular outdoor exercise, for example, they use the garden running, jumping and practising balancing skills and take walks in the local park. Children are never thirsty as there are always drinks freely available to them and they use their own cups. Children are able to rest or be active according to their individual needs. There is usually a quiet time during the day when children enjoy sitting with the childminder, looking at books or watching some suitable television programmes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well-organised home where potential risks to children are identified and minimised. For example, plug socket covers are fitted and all sharp utensils and dangerous substances are kept out of reach. This means that children are able to move around the premises safely and independently. The childminder gives priority to maintaining children's safety, for example, emergency evacuation procedures are discussed with children and practised regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can access a range of good quality toys and equipment so that they enjoy a variety of different play experiences safely. A selection of toys is set out for children each day, from the wide range stored in the main play space. Resources are chosen by the childminder with care to ensure they are appropriate for the ages and stages of the children being cared for. They are frequently checked to ensure that there are no broken parts that could harm a child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is very well safeguarded because the childminder makes sure they are only collected by known persons. The premises are very secure, so that children cannot leave unsupervised and no unauthorised persons can gain access. Children are well protected from non-accidental injury and neglect as the childminder has an excellent understanding of safeguarding children procedures in line with local guidelines. This information is shared with parents so that everyone is clear about the childminder's role and responsibility to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and self-esteem due to the secure and caring relationships the childminder has built with them. She talks to the children enthusiastically whilst they play and they respond positively with lots of conversation. Children clearly feel good about themselves as they receive lots of praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements. They show

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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 great interest in what they are doing as the activities provided by the childminder are varied and stimulating.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children flourish in this extremely caring and happy atmosphere where they are offered an excellent range of activities and outings. Planning is given good thought to ensure children's development is promoted in all areas whilst being flexible to allow for spontaneity. Younger children benefit from the childminder's good understanding of their specific needs and by the childminder's knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Routines have been established which are consistent with home life. Children are well supported by the childminder who encourages them to extend and develop their experiences by listening to them and talking with them. Children develop extremely positive relationships with the childminder and each other. Their individual needs are incorporated into daily routines so there is time for rest, refreshment and active play. Children are encouraged to be independent, make choices and select what they want to play with from the stimulating range of resources available.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children benefit because they are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. This is achieved through the positive and professional partnerships that the childminder has established with their parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop positive and respectful attitudes towards others through the good example set for them by the childminder. She promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, which results in all children feeling, valued and welcomed at the setting. However, there is limited equipment to promote positive images of disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children, from a young age, learn to share and take turns. The childminder is a good role model and uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. Clear and consistent boundaries help children to understand what is expected of them and, consequently, they behave very well. The relaxed and supportive atmosphere and positive approach further promote good behaviour. The childminder has an excellent understanding of child development and how young children learn, so has realistic expectations for children's conduct.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's good organisational skills. Children feel at home and at ease with the childminder which means their confidence grows as they initiate their play and learning. Space, play resources and activities are organised effectively to meet children's individual needs. Planned activities provide stimulating and challenging experiences for children of all ages within a fun and supportive environment.

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Organisation

The daily record of attendance clearly shows that ratios are always met, which enables the childminder to give appropriate support and supervision at all times. Children benefit from the childminder's good understanding of the regulatory requirements for childminding. She maintains accurate records and documentation.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection, the childminder agreed to ensure that all records were stored confidentially, that the daily register was completed with children's arrival and departure times and that parental consent was obtained for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment if required. These have all been satisfactorily addressed which enhances children's safety and care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder agreed to obtain the contact details for the Local Area Child Protection Committee. These have been obtained and as a result the childminder has an excellent understanding of safeguarding children procedures in line with local guidelines.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The children also agreed to reduce potential hazards in the home regarding the fire blanket and the availability of window keys. A fire blanket has been obtained and window keys are located in areas easily accessible in the event of a fire. This greatly improves safety for 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): • increase equipment to promote equality of opportunity in regard to disability awareness.

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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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