Childminder in ThurrockOfsted inspection, 5 Dec 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY306157 Inspection date 05 December 2005 Inspector Lisa Paisley

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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 child aged two years in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex. All areas of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five part-time on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local pre-schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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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 She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through reinforced daily routines. They know the importance of washing their hands before eating snacks and after messy play. Most procedures are in place in protecting children's physical well-being, such as in the event of a child being unwell. Children benefit from a healthy diet, as the childminder provides them with a range of fresh fruit and vegetables and introduces new foods on a regular basis, such as avocado and red currants. Mealtimes are a sociable and enjoyable time where children are effectively supported and encouraged to eat their meals. Drinks are made available throughout the day. The childminder ensures that she is aware of allergies and other special dietary requirements so that children's individual needs are met. Children enjoy a range of physical activities which help keep them healthy. All children have access to physical play through the range of resources the childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

provides. There are regular trips to the park and local shops, which help promote their physical well-being. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The home is warm and welcoming for children where they feel safe and secure. Space within the home is organised appropriately, allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. Risk assessments are carried out by the childminder ensuring all potential hazards to the children have been minimised. Children access a range of toys and play materials that they can select independently. Toys and equipment are checked to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm them. The childminder provides activities and experiences that are appropriate for the children by considering their individual needs, interests and abilities when providing resources. When on outings the childminder talks to children about their own safety, for example the children know when to say 'stop, look and listen, which raises their awareness of road safety. Children are protected as the childminder has some understanding of her role in child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection. However this could be further developed through obtaining appropriate information with regard to the action to take if she has a concern.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled, confident and happy at the childminder's home. A flexible routine is in place allowing for a balanced range of child initiated and adult supported activities. Children can choose freely from the resources available and ideas are supported and developed through the childminder's interaction and involvement. For example, the minded children enjoyed making Christmas decorations which held their interest and concentration until the activity was completed. Children showed delight in this activity by smiling and clapping. Children are effectively supported, as the childminder spends time talking, listening and helping children to learn through play. The childminder has not yet obtained the 'Birth to three matters' framework which may help her in planning activities for young children. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the good relationship they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

have with the childminder. They look to the childminder for reassurance, help and assistance and she responds in a warm and caring manner. Children are able to distinguish between right and wrong as the childminder uses appropriate and sensitive strategies for managing their behaviour. Children receive regular praise and encouragement developing their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated as individuals and with respect helping them feel good about themselves. They gain awareness of diversity through the resources and activities that are provided, such as books, dolls and the computer which they use for accessing different images of diversity within society. Children are beginning to develop a sense of place and learn as they go on regular trips to the local park, library shops and farm. Children understand the importance of sharing and taking turns with toys and play equipment, ensuring they play harmoniously together. They respond well to consistent praise and encouragement, ensuring they feel at ease, confident and valued in the home. Children receive a good level of support ensuring any difficulties are sorted out quickly and sensitively by the childminder. Parents are informed about the care the childminder provides; she shares all

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Helping children make a positive contribution

necessary records and information with parents. New parents are encouraged to visit the home prior to the child being looked after, ensuring the childminder knows the child's daily routine and individual needs. All children have a written daily diary ensuring parents are fully informed about their child's day.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice (ICP) and First Aid training, ensuring she has sound knowledge and understanding of early years development. Future training plans include 'Birth to three matters' and the Foundation Stage curriculum. Records and documentation are available, however parental consent for seeking medical advice or treatment is not yet in place. Children are comfortable and settled as the childminder organises her home suitably to accommodate children's play and provides a good range of clean and well maintained resources. Activities are planned to provide the children with a variety of experiences, such as gardening, cooking and craft. The childminder ensures children are supervised effectively at all times. Daily routines are planned to incorporate

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Organisation

pre-school collections and individual time with younger children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

First inspection since registration - not applicable.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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): • update knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures • improve the outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters' framework • ensure all required parental consents are obtain with regard to seeking medical advice or treatment in the event of an emergency.

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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 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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