Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY368481 Unique Reference Number 07 May 2008 Inspection date Amanda Jane Gray Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2008. She lives with her husband and son aged 10 years in Basildon. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. She is currently minding three children on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's good 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. The childminder is confident in her ability to deal with minor accidents or medical emergencies and holds a current first aid certificate.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder discusses children's meals with parents and actively promotes children having five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Children are never thirsty as there are always drinks freely available to them and they use their own cups. The childminder ensures children remain healthy in hot weather by providing drinks every 30 minutes.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to relax and watch some appropriate television if they choose. They play games and benefit from activities that require them to develop good manipulative skills such as creative activities. Regular outside play opportunities helps children remain fit and healthy.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well-organised home where most potential risks to children are identified and minimised. This means that children are able to move around the premises safely and independently. However, children can access the open plan stairs unsupervised when using the toilet. Emergency evacuation procedures are discussed with children and practised and a fire evacuation procedure is displayed.

p.3

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, which are frequently checked to ensure that there are no broken parts that could harm a child.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from non-accidental injury and neglect as the childminder has a good 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.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop confidence and self-esteem due to the positive relationships the childminder has built with them. She talks to the children whilst they play and they respond positively. 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 with puzzles, books and practise forming letters.

p.3

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. They are well supported by the childminder who encourages them to extend and develop their experiences by listening to them and talking with them.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and plans what she is going to do on a daily basis establishing routines which are consistent with home life. Children show an interest in what they do, both in the home and outside and benefit from the childminders commitment to developing her already sound practice through continuous training and development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. 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. Children's individual needs are met as there is an effective verbal communication system in place.

p.4

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 in response to information received by the children at school. However, children are not becoming aware of the wider society as they have little access to resources or opportunities which promote diversity in relation to disability and religion.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Though no children attending have learning difficulties and/or disabilities, the childminder is aware of the issues involved in welcoming such children into her home, for example, access and stairs, and the implications for care of other minded children.

p.4

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. This supports children in the understanding of the boundaries that are set and to behave well.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. 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 to meet children's individual needs. Planned activities provide stimulating and challenging experiences for children of all ages within a fun and supportive environment.

p.4

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. The childminder is committed to further training and development in order that she can continue to provide the best possible care for children. She has an enthusiastic and positive approach to her work and enjoys her time with the children.

p.4

Organisation

Most 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 safeguarded at all times. However, a number of required signatures of parental consent have yet to be obtained which means that children's welfare is potentially at risk.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • take steps to ensure hazards to children are minimised when using the open plan stairs • obtain a range of resources which promote equality of opportunity and celebrate diversity especially in regard to religion and disability • obtain all required signatures of parental consent in regard to emergency medical permission and permission for trips out.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5