Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY295019 Unique Reference Number 21 August 2008 Inspection date Tina Anne Mason 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her two children aged one and seven years in South Ockenden, Grays in Essex. The whole of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and there is currently one child on roll attending on a full-time basis. The childminder takes children to the local parent and toddler group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminder's Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcome in this warm and clean home environment where they are able to learn the importance of good personal hygiene from an early age through well-organised routines and practices. They learn that they should wash their hands after using the toilet, after playing in the garden and before eating to prevent germs accumulating. They use disposable hand towels to prevent any possible cross-contamination.

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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 Children's health is suitably promoted and they are protected from infection as the childminder is well informed about children's health matters. She is aware of appropriate exclusion times for children when they have a contagious illness and agrees all measures with parents prior to minding. However, the exclusion of children when they are sick for other reasons is shared verbally with the parents and carers, and there is nothing documented in writing to ensure all parties are clear about the procedures in place. Therefore, children's health and well-being is not promoted in all areas. The childminder has up to date first aid training which enables her to be confident in dealing with minor accidents or medical emergencies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health. They take part in regular outdoor exercise, for example, they take walks in the local park or to the woods. Children enjoy playing in the garden and there are a number of resources such as slides, balls and push along cars, an enclosed trampoline, football net, water tray and tent to enhance this play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder provides a weekly menu of fresh, home-cooked food. Children are never thirsty as there are always drinks freely available for them and they use their own cups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for and well-protected in a secure, welcoming and safe home. All necessary steps are taken to help minimise hazards both within the home and outside. The available space is child-centred, with easy access to a wide range of safe and suitable toys. There are effective procedures in place for the safe collection of children, to ensure they are only collected by authorised adults.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to move around the environment safely and freely as the childminder adopts good routines. Regular checking and cleaning of toys and resources ensure children are kept safe. Children independently select activities from an extensive range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder ensures activities are appropriate for the children, considering their individual needs, interests and abilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted appropriately because the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of issues and procedures relating to child protection. However, children are not fully protected as the childminder does not share her procedures regarding child protection with parents and carers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop confidence and self-esteem due to the secure and caring relationships the childminder has built with them. She talks to the children whilst they play and they respond positively with lots of conversation. Children feel good about themselves as they receive praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements. They show an interest in what they are doing as the activities provided by the childminder are varied and stimulating. For example, children enjoy playing in the garden with the football and football net, each taking it in turn to see who can score a goal. The children also enjoy bouncing up and down on the trampoline and sitting together having a picnic in the tent. Children also enjoy taking part in arts and craft activities in which they have the opportunity to use glue and paints.

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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 are happy and settled in the care of this childminder who has a warm and caring approach. Routines have been established which are consistent with home life. Children relate well to one another and become friends in the childminder's home. Children are well supported by the childminder who encourages them to extend and develop their experiences by listening to them and talking with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and enjoy a consistent routine that affords them opportunities to be active and relax. Realistic expectations and a consistent approach by the childminder helps the children to learn about right and wrong. As a result, children’s behaviour is good. Strategies for managing unwanted behaviour are tailored to meet the children’s individual needs and take account of children’s ages and stages of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. A child record form details children's dietary requirements, medical needs, likes and dislikes, all of which help the childminder provide the appropriate care. Although the childminder has not yet cared for children with special needs and disabilities, she demonstrates a commitment to provide an inclusive service.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are eager to attend and enjoy their time in this setting. They 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.

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Organisation

Records which are required for the safe and effective management of the setting are maintained, well organised and stored confidentially, thus ensuring that children's welfare is largely safeguarded. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection, the childminder agreed to; complete an appropriate local authority approved registration course for childminding; assess the risk to children in relation to the windows and take action to minimise this; improve fire safety by ensuring that a fire blanket which conforms to BS EN safety standards is provided in the kitchen, smoke alarms are maintained on every level of the home and that emergency evacuation procedures are devised and practised; ensure the record of accidents is signed by the parents; obtain all required written signatures of consent; keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken and display the certificate of registration at all times.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A local authority course was attended in April 2005. The childminder identifies hazards and acts on this information to minimise these, smoke alarms have been fitted, the childminder regularly tests that they are in good working order, which ensures the children are safeguarded at all times. Written documentation is kept to evidence this. An accident book is available and

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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 used appropriately as required. The childminder now has permission to take children on outings, for children to be transported in a vehicle, apply sun cream, seek medical treatment in the event of an emergency and administer medication. The childminder now has a complaints log book. The certificate of registration is being displayed in the kitchen of the childminders home. This ensures the children's well-being and development is maintained.

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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): • consider how parents and carers are informed of the policy for the exclusion of sick children • consider sharing child protection procedures with parents and carers.

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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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