Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308474 Inspection date 02 February 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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband, mother and two children aged 7 and 3 years. They live in a residential area in Basildon, within walking distance of schools, shops and Basildon railway station. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of 4 children under 8 years at any one time and overnight care for no more than 2 children under 8 years.

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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 currently caring for 1 child aged 4 years on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They enjoy varied, well-presented and nutritious meals and snacks. These comply with all special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy. Meal and snack times are social times when conversation is encouraged. Children are encouraged to enjoy their food and become independent in feeding themselves. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and learn to understand why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating. The childminder offers appropriate explanations for this and she maintains high levels of hygiene in the home. Children are protected from the spread of infection as the childminder is well informed about children's health matters. The childminder recognises the signs of tiredness in young children. She acts on this to plan and support appropriate periods of rest and activity. Children have the

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Helping children to be healthy

opportunity to develop self-confidence in their physical skills by using appropriate toys and equipment both indoors and outdoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy their play in a very safe environment where the childminder has identified and minimised all potential risks. They develop an awareness of safety issues as they discuss an emergency evacuation procedure with the childminder. Children are kept safe during play as the childminder reinforces safe practices, for example, picking toys up from the floor in order to create a clear play space, free of obstacles. Children can easily access a good range of toys and resources which are checked regularly and are of good quality and well maintained. Space within the home is well organised allowing children to move around safely and independently. When on outings the childminder ensures that children understand the importance of responsible behaviour. For example, staying close, holding hands and learning about road safety. When travelling in the car the childminder ensures that all children have

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the appropriate restraints secured. Children are well protected as the childminder is aware of child protection issues and fully understands the necessary procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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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 good. Children are happy, confident and settle well into the childminder's home. They have a clear sense of belonging as the childminder fosters positive relationships with each child and encourages them to build relationships with each other. The childminder operates an effective settling-in procedure during which the foundations of these relationships are laid for both children and parents. Children engage in activities that are developmentally appropriate and provide enjoyment, stimulation and learning opportunities. For example, children have fun with letters of the alphabet and use their imaginations to create stories with the use of picture books. Children receive good support from the childminder and are enthusiastic as they make choices about their activities and care. Children play happily and co-operatively with each other, learning to take turns and share. They have opportunities to develop social skills when they visit local parks, the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

library and pre-school groups. The childminder is warm and affectionate helping children to feel comfortable and valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are well met as they follow their own routines as discussed with parents. Children are highly valued and respected as individuals and this is reflected in the records the childminder keeps on each child. Children benefit from the effective, professional relationships the childminder has developed with parents. Parents receive regular feedback and information regarding their child's development, for example, a fortnightly newsletter. Through a consistent approach and consultation with parents the childminder has established acceptable and effective boundaries for children's behaviour. They are encouraged to use negotiating skills and to take responsibility for their behaviour by resolving conflicts. Children are able to share and take turns and to consider the needs of others, for example, allowing other children to join in a game. Supported by the childminder with praise, encouragement and age appropriate methods of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

managing behaviour, children understand right and wrong. Children develop a positive attitude to others and gain a good understanding of the wider world and the community. They celebrate festivals, taste foods from a variety of cultures and have access to a range of play resources which show positive images of culture, ethnicity and disability. Children are always listened to and are able to communicate their own needs and beliefs in a supportive environment.

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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 provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Parents receive a welcome pack including a set of policies and procedures which fully support the practice of a knowledgeable and skilled practitioner. The childminder consistently gives utmost priority to promoting children's well-being and developing their potential. All required documentation is in place and the childminder has developed further systems to involve and inform parents. This is used effectively to provide for children's welfare, care and learning. Children are very comfortable in the home and benefit from the well organised play space provided. Children receive excellent support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well, helping them to feel secure and confident. Very good,

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Organisation

professional relationships have been established between the childminder and parents which has successfully contributed to the continuity of care provided for children.

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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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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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