Childminder in Southend on Sea

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY306574 Inspection date 05 January 2006 Inspector Sandra Daniels

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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 good. 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 2005. She lives with her husband and 1 child aged 1 year in Grays. Local shops, parks and a library are within walking distance and schools and pre-schools are nearby. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children under 8 years and is currently minding 1 child on a part time basis.

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from infection as the childminder has a sound understanding of children's health matters. Young children's emotional well-being and independence is nurtured as the childminder recognises that young children need a predictable environment in which to feel safe. Children learn the importance of good hygiene through organised activities and reinforced daily routines. For example, they begin to learn that washing their hands prior to eating and after using the toilet helps them to stay healthy. Children's dietary needs are met. The childminder works well with parents to meet each child's individual requirements. They benefit from healthy snacks and are offered drinks regularly. While parents currently provide packed lunches for the children, the childminder demonstrates a good awareness of healthy eating practices. Children have access to a range of physical activities, both indoors and outside, that

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Helping children to be healthy

contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The childminder takes children to local groups where they are able to safely access a wider range of physical activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming and child-friendly home where children feel safe and secure. They are able to enjoy their play in an environment where the childminder has identified and minimised all potential risks to children. Children can easily access the toys and resources which are checked regularly to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm them. Space within the home is well organised for babies and young children. They have the freedom to move around safely and independently, whilst being effectively supervised by the childminder and her assistant. When on outings the childminder ensures appropriate car seats and restraints are used. Children begin to learn about road safety issues, helping them to develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe. Children are well protected as the childminder has a child protection policy in place, clearly identifying the correct procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

She is confident of her role in the protection of children.

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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 The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They are confident, interact very well and enjoy playing together. The childminder's home is warm, child-friendly and a place where children feel very welcome. The development of children's self-esteem is enhanced as the childminder is very affectionate towards children. She offers lots of praise, encouragement and cuddles to which children respond well. Children's independence is increased as they make choices from the wide variety of toys and resources provided for them. Regular trips to local parent and toddler groups provide opportunities for children to mix with others, build confidence and develop social skills. The childminder provides worthwhile and age-appropriate activities for children,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

however, she has not yet obtained the 'Birth to three matters' framework to further develop her knowledge and understanding of the needs of younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well respected and treated with equal concern by the childminder. Babies and young children are able to contribute to secure relationships with the childminder who actively listens and gives them her full attention when they try to communicate. They are encouraged to feel valued and important by the childminder who interacts effectively, offering closeness and comfort, when she tells and reads stories to them. Children develop a positive attitude to others and gain a good understanding about the wider world and the community. They have access to some play resources which show positive images of culture, ethnicity and disability. Children's behaviour is good. They play well together and respond positively to the childminder. They develop an understanding of right and wrong as they take turns, share and show concern for others. Children benefit from the professional relationships the childminder has developed

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with parents. Their needs are met as she discusses them on a regular basis with parents. Parents also receive daily feedback to keep them fully updated on their child's progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. The childminder is very well organised and plans her time effectively, ensuring children receive good support. Both she and her husband, who is her assistant, enjoy the company of children. They know them well enabling children to feel secure and

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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 confident. The childminder ensures that all persons with access to children are suitably vetted and there are suitable procedures in place for the safe collection of children. All necessary documentation is in place and is used effectively to provide for children's welfare, care and learning. Policies are in place to support the childminder's practice in this child-centred setting. The childminder updates her knowledge and shows a commitment to training.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 good. 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 outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework.

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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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