Childminder in Thurrock

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY283780 Inspection date 03 November 2005 Inspector Samantha Smith

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged 13, 10 and 5 years. They live in North Stifford in Grays. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 4 children under 8 years at anyone time and is currently minding 1 on a part-time basis, Mon- Thurs afternoons. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 The family has a dog for a pet.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean environment where they learn to follow good hygiene practices. They are encouraged to wash their hands after nappy changing, before eating and after outside play. Effective daily routines and the childminder's own good practice prevent the spread of cross infection. The childminder ensures that all work surface are cleaned before and after use, she ensures that the changing mat is cleaned after every use and she has a sickness policy in place that she has shared with the parents. Children benefit from the healthy snacks and meals they receive. They are given a variety of healthy choices, including jacket potatoes, sandwiches, yoghurt and fruit. Drinks are freely available throughout the day. Children benefit from regular physical activity as they visit the park and take the family dog for regular walks. They also have access to a well equipped garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a well maintained environment. The home is spacious and comfortable allowing children to move around freely and independently. They have safe and easy access to a good range of toys and resources appropriate for their age. Some procedures are in place to ensure children's safety, such as stair gates in place, fire alarms fitted and checked regularly and restrictors on low level cupboards. However the childminder fails to meet all fire safety requirements as she does not have a fire blanket in place. Children are kept safe on outings through the procedures the childminder has in place. She ensures that children are strapped into the buggy or that wrist restraints are worn. When using the car she ensures that all children are strapped into car seats and that the child lock is on. The children's welfare is promoted through the childminder's understanding of child

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's home; they feel part of the

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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 family and have developed strong relationships with the childminder and her family. They move around the childminder's home freely as they confidently explore the rooms available. Children enjoy and learn from a range of activities that are easily accessible and provide stimulation. Children achieve well and happily participate in activities planned by the childminder. The childminder is currently caring for children under three, although she is not aware of the Birth to three matters framework. Children are developing early social skills as they mix with other children through regular visits to the park and they have fostered good relationships with the childminder's own children. They are beginning to co-operate and develop negotiation skills as they learn to share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has limited resources promoting equality and diversity. Children gain little awareness of people from other cultures. The childminder is not caring for children with special needs though she demonstrated a positive approach to meeting children's individual needs. Children benefit from lots of praise and encouragement as well as from the basic ground rules that are consistently applied. The childminder's management of unwanted behaviour enables children to understand the consequences of their behaviour at a level appropriate to them. Children benefit from the friendly supportive relationship the childminder has fostered with parents and carers. Parents are made to feel welcome and comfortable in the childminder's home and they receive regular feedback relating to their child's progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Basic daily routines help children to feel secure in the childminder's care. Children develop independence as they pursue their own interest and extend their learning through play. The childminder has some knowledge of child development and she has completed an Introduction to Childminding Course. Children's health, safety and welfare is at risk through the lack of required documentation. There are no records of attendance or written agreements with the parents including consent to transport children in the car or seek emergency medical treatment or advice. The childminder has procedures in place in the event of an accident and she has a current first aid certificate to support this.

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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 the provision meets the needs of the range of children attending. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints reported to Ofsted since registration.

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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): • improve the outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with the Birth to three matters framework • provide more resources that promote positive images and reflect diversity • ensure that records of children's attendance are kept and that all required signatures of consents are obtained.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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