Childminder in Redbridge

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY319587 Inspection date 19 July 2006 Inspector Rufia Uddin

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her parents, an adult brother and a sister aged 15 years old. They live in a house in a quiet residential area within walking distance of shops and amenities in Manor Park in the London Borough of Newham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder attends the local childminding and toddler groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a warm and clean environment where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They stay healthy because the childminder implements effective health and hygiene policies and procedures to promote their hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. For example, she wears disposable gloves when changing children’s nappies and disinfects the changing mat after use. Children's health is well maintained and written information is obtained from parents regarding children’s medical history, allergies and special dietary requirements ensuring their individual needs are fully met. The childminder has relevant first aid training and deals with accidents and the administration of medication appropriately ensuring children remain healthy. The childminder follows children’s individual routines for eating and sleeping. This ensures continuity of care and contributes to emotional well-being. Young children

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

engage in a range of indoor physical activities, for example, bouncing to music and crawling and stretching for a toy. Their physical skills are further developed through use of equipment at local carer and toddler groups and they have opportunities for fresh air on trips to the park. The children enjoy and are well nourished by the healthy and nutritious diet the parents and childminder provide, meeting their individual requirements. Healthy meals and regular drinks are provided. Children have daily opportunities to be active and benefit from regular exercise.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a spacious, well-organised environment. This allows them to move around and play safely. The premises are secure and there are good procedures in place to monitor sleeping children and to ensure children are unable to leave the premises without a suitable adult. Children's safety is ensured inside the childminder's home and garden because she removes all potential risks and hazards. For example, plug sockets and dangerous substances are inaccessible and sheds are kept locked and secured with fencing preventing children from accessing these areas. Children have easy and safe access to good quality toys and resources, including sensory toys and natural materials, which are stimulating and suitable for their stage of development. The childminder and her assistant are vigilant in making sure that items with small parts, which could cause choking, are not accessible to babies.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected and safeguarded from harm because the childminder has a good understanding of her role with regards to child protection issues. She has a written procedure and a good knowledge of the procedures to follow and records to

p.3

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 be maintained should she be concerned about a child in her care.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home. They enjoy a warm interaction with the childminder and her assistant and have the opportunity to socialise with other children. Children are happy and content, and thrive during the time they spend in the setting. They develop their senses using a range of play equipment, for example as they feel different textures, watch the flashing lights and bounce up and down when the music begins to play. Children enjoy opportunities to be imaginative and creative using a range of construction materials, writing tools and water painting and drawing. Children develop early communication skills as a result of the childminder's responsive approach, as she talks to children about what they are doing. Interaction between children and the childminder is very positive and the childminder and the assistant sit on the floor playing with children. They become skilful

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

communicators because the childminder uses words and gestures responding to babies' babbles and introducing new skills and knowledge. Children have plenty of opportunities to develop their social skills and play alongside other young children as they attend a toddler group, enabling them to develop an understanding of sharing, taking turns and securing relationships with their peers. Children benefit because the childminder recognises the importance of play in a child's development and provides a good range of exciting and stimulating activities and experiences, which are suitable to their individual ages and stages of development. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and knows how to provide appropriate stimulation, helping young children to acquire new skills. Children enjoy their time when they return from school as the childminder is sensitive to balancing the school day with relaxation and interesting activities. A

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

varied range of resources are organised so that children are able to access them independently.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel secure and confident in the setting as their needs are met in consultation with parents. Their individual needs are well met as the childminder follows their daily routine as discussed with their parents. Regular discussions with parents ensure that they are soundly informed about the service and children's activities and progress. The childminder makes regular visits to local facilities such as the childminding groups, parks, and shops. They learn about their local environment and community. There is a satisfactory range of activities and resources reflecting positive images of diversity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

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 has a experience of working with children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties. She demonstrates a positive attitude towards caring for children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties and is aware of the importance of working closely with parents and asks parents for a routine of care. Children benefit from effective relationships between the childminder and their parents. The effective registration and induction procedures help to ensure children settle well and develop a sense of self assurance and help to establish and maintain the links between home and the setting. Parents are informed about their child’s day through informal discussion and through the implementation of daily diaries, which includes details about what their child has eaten, how long they have slept for, nappy

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

changes and general information about their day. They are presented with information about the service the childminder provides through a detailed portfolio, which includes policies and procedures, although they are not advised of the procedure to follow should they wish to make a complaint about the setting.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel settled within the well organised environment, where they receive good quality care and adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The children choose to play independently with the easily accessible play and learning resources. This means they are confident in their own play and learning. The childminder has an understanding of the requirements of the national standards and ensures these are met, enabling her to successfully promote positive outcomes for children. The childminder has developed written policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children and has good knowledge of the relevant issues. Children benefit because the childminder makes very good use of time and resources in her home and local community, enabling them to engage in a wide range of stimulating and exciting learning experiences suitable to their individual

p.5

Organisation

needs and interests. She plans her day to ensure she meets the needs of all children attending and shares her time effectively with each one on an individual basis. The childminder uses a range of written records which are organised and generally effective in supporting the childminding business. She has attended all required training courses. She is committed to attending further childcare and development courses. This will help her to reflect upon, monitor and improve the current good quality of care offered to children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

p.5

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 Not applicable.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the 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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 a system to record details of any complaints and make the details available to parents • ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6