Childminder in Redbridge

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY285446 Inspection date 06 October 2005 Inspector Theresa May

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and children of 4 and 12 years old. They live in South Woodford in the London Borough of Redbridge. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is also a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding five children all of whom attend part time.

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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 supports children with special needs. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean childminding home. Children are encouraged to develop good hygiene practice through there daily routine. They are able to access the bathroom independently where they have pump soap and individual towels. They have clear understanding of why they must wash their hands before they eat, as they have been digging in the garden. Children are encouraged to learn about healthy living through the healthy options offered at meal times. Children are well nourished and enjoy cold meats, cheese and toast with a choice of apples, bananas or satsumas. The children are offered drinks throughout the day and are able to help themselves to their juice bottles from the table. The childminder takes into account any special dietary needs and respects parent’s wishes. Children enjoy playing outside in the garden. They enjoy the physical activities and develop control of their bodies through jumping on the trampoline and kicking balls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a spacious, effectively organised childminding home. There are areas for children to rest and play. They can move around in comfort and ease. Children are able to select from the wide range of good quality toys independently from the front and back room; they have been arranged to be accessible and make a stimulating environment. Risks have been identified and strategies have been put into place to minimise them, children are able to explore the surroundings safety. However, some electric sockets have not been covered and the smoke alarm is not sited in the right position. Children walk home from school with the childminder; they hold hands and wear road safety jackets so they are easily identifiable. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the child protection procedures in line with the Area Child Protection Procedures.

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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 happy and settle well at the childminder's home. They are aware of the routine to take off their coats and shoes and go straight to the front room to play. The childminder responds to the children and initiates playing a board game with them. They are also offered play dough and a painting activity later on. Children are interested and engaged in the planned activities and express their delight at the models they have made or when painting, how the colours have changed on the paper. Children's independence is also fostered as they can choose between a variety of toys, books and age appropriate activities which have been displayed for them to make a stimulating environment. The children enjoy being close to the childminder and call to show her what they have made or when help is needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters frame work but does not use it to plan regular activities with the younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about their community as they have routine visits to the park, groups and library. Children are valued as individuals and learn to respect one another through sharing and caring for one another. Children have access to a range of resources which help children to appreciate and value each others similarities and differences. Children's individual needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine. Their needs are initially discussed with the parents, recorded on information forms and are told verbally each day. Children behave well; they play harmoniously together and benefit from praise and encouragement. There are ground rules which are consistently applied and which children are aware of and shared with each other.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are confident to be able to move around and independently choose activities due to the effective organisation of the environment. All the required documentation to promote the health and safety of children has been has been obtained to contribute to their welfare, however the attendance register has not been maintained daily but weekly. Children's needs are met and all the relevant information is discussed with parents to ensure continuity of care. The childminder has attained training in first aid and business practice. The setting is meeting the needs of all the children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The childminder 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): • Develop knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters to enhance the planning for the younger children's activities and development. • Ensure all electric sockets are covered and the smoke alarm is sited in the right position. • Ensure the attendance register is maintained daily.

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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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