Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344855 Unique Reference Number 05 June 2008 Inspection date Lisa Paisley 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, two adult children and one child aged four years in Basildon, Essex. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 and is currently minding two children under five all day part-week and one child over five during the school holidays. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has Koi fish in the garden pond as pets.

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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's health is suitably promoted as they are looked after in a clean and caring environment. They learn the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines for hand washing, for

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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 example, before eating or after using the toilet. Children have access to disposable wipes, liquid soap, warm running water and hand towels ensuring cross-infection is minimised. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a first aid box to hand, ensuring children's well-being should an accident occur. Children's health and medical needs are discussed with parents and relevant information is obtained, however, the childminder has not recorded medication that she has administered to minded children, potentially comprising children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a suitable range of physical play experiences that contribute to their good health. Easy access to the rear garden gives them daily opportunities to enjoy the fresh air. The daily routine offers a mixture of active play and time for rests. There are good opportunities for trips to the local park, toddler groups, farm and Hadleigh castle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy and balanced diet as they enjoy meals and snacks with the childminder. Meals are provided in accordance with children's individual needs and in consultation with parents. Snacks and meals include a choice of fresh fruit or vegetables, for example, ham, cheese cucumber, banana and strawberries. Children recognise when they are thirsty and drinks are accessible throughout the day, ensuring they remain well hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is careful to check the premises inside and outside before the children arrive. The premises are secure and children are unable to leave them unescorted. Resources are accessible to children, helping to promote independence and choice as they make their own selections and decisions. The home has been organised to provide space for children and they are encouraged to pack away activities after playing to keep the play space free from tripping hazards. All potential risks to children have been minimised, for example, all sharp knives and cleaning materials are inaccessible to children and safety gates are securely fixed and appropriately used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised at all times and the childminder ensures that her vehicle is safe to transport children and proper car restraints are used. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder encourages them to tidy away toys and negotiate space around the home safely. Fire evacuation procedures are in place, however, the childminder has not yet implemented the procedures with the children. As a result children lack understanding of how to evacuate the premises quickly and safely in the event of an incident or fire. Secure procedures are in place when on outings as young children are either in a buggy or have to hold the childminder's hands.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an understanding about safeguarding children in her care, however, she has not updated her knowledge and understanding of the Local Children Safeguarding Board (LCSB) to ensure the welfare of children is fully safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident and secure with the childminder. They freely explore activities and the organisation of resources enables children to make their independent choices. Children have opportunities to investigate and develop their skills in all areas of play and learning, for example, painting, sharing books and music and movement activities. Young children particularly enjoy feeding the Koi fish in the garden pond as they gesture with delight as the fish collect the food.

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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 They are able to play and investigate toys and resources at their own pace as the childminder provides children with one-to-one attention and support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s confidence and independence is developed as the childminder encourages children to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment. They look to the childminder for reassurance, help, cuddles and assistance and she responds in a warm, caring and enthusiastic manner. Children are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong as the childminder uses a range of appropriate and sensitive strategies for managing children's behaviour. Children receive regular praise and encouragement, developing their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children needs are met because the childminder knows the children well and is attentive to their needs at all times. They are given appropriate support, contributing to them becoming confident and secure within the childminder's home. Children are encouraged to make choices and decisions and respond well to the praise given by the childminder, promoting their self-esteem. All children have access to toys and equipment which foster their learning and development. They gain an awareness of diversity through daily routines, however, this is not fully developed as there is a limited a selection of toys and play experiences. Consequently, children's learning of the wider world is limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although the childminder has no experience of providing care for children having identified learning difficulties and/or disabilities, she is aware of children's developmental stages. Consequently, she feels able to approach parents if she is concerned about children's progress and obtain appropriate support to ensure that they can make progress. The childminder provides a positive role model for children, helping them develop a positive and caring attitude towards others. Children form caring relationships with each other and the childminder. They learn to share and take turns. The childminder is consistent in her approach with regards to behaviour management and she supports children as they begin to learn about boundaries and respecting each other. Plenty of positive praise and encouragement supports children's confidence and raises their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are suitably informed about the care that the childminder provides, as they are given clear written and verbal information about her role, written polices, certificates and reports. Parents receive verbal and written feedback on a regular basis and they are updated with regard to any changes to the child’s day, for example, planned outings. Parents are informed verbally by the childminder about her complaints procedure to ensure any issues that may affect the care of children are always discussed and resolved.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The home and daily routines are suitably organised, ensuring children are warmly welcomed and the transition from parent to childminder is a positive experience for all the children. Children are supervised effectively at all times and daily routines are planned to incorporate active play at toddler groups and individual time with the younger children in the home.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice (ICP) and first aid training. Records, policies and procedures are suitably organised resulting in the safe and secure management of the childminding.

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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 Overall children's needs are met.

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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): • ensure written records are kept of medicines administered to children and the parent signs the record book to acknowledge the entry • develop further safety within the home through practising fire evacuation procedures • update knowledge and understanding of the Local Children Safeguarding Board (LCSB) • extend the range of resources and play experiences to reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability.

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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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