Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY314198 Unique Reference Number 31 August 2006 Inspection date John Edwin Warren Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 cares for the children from her house in Wapping, East London. She shares the home with her adult daughter. The childminder has one small dog as a pet. The children have access to all of the home and garden area. The provision is easily accessible by public transport and is close to schools and parks. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and currently has two children on roll. She has been a registered childminder since December 2005. She attends local toddler groups with the children and can collect from local schools.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a predictable environment where they feel safe and can develop their independence skills. Children are able to rest according to their needs because the childminder responds to these when she recognises the signs. Children have the opportunity to develop their large physical skills in various ways. The childminder takes them to groups where they take part in music and dance sessions. They also have access to climbing activities in soft play centres where they can develop these skills without the fear of harming themselves. The challenge children are offered is according to their individual age and stage of development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from infection by the implementation of a clear sickness policy that excludes children who are infectious. Children are washing their hands at set times, for example, before meals. They are also set a good example by the childminder who washes her hands, showing the children that they are clean. Children who require medication are given correct dosages through a good working partnership with the parents and a clear recording policy. Any minor accidents are also recorded and the details shared with parents who countersign them. However permission for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment for the children has not yet been sought. The childminder has an up-to-date first aid qualification and ensures that the first aid kit is always adequately stocked.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with healthy choices at all mealtimes. The childminder carefully records and meets the children's individual dietary requirements. Children eat their meals in a relaxed environment at their own pace and with the support of the childminder when needed. Children are provided with easy access to drinks at all times and are reminded to take more on hot days.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play freely in a child orientated home. They confidently choose their own play and learning experiences from easily accessible toys and equipment. They remain safe as they play because the childminder checks the equipment for safety on a regular basis. The play resources offered to the children are suitable for their own age and stage of development. Children are provided with furniture that is suitable for their need, allowing them to develop their skills of independence. The childminder makes risk assessments of her own home to ensure that the children's chances coming to harm is kept to a minimum. Children benefit from the support of a childminder who has developed an escape plan in the event of a fire. However no written evidence is provided of when these have been practised. The garden area is safe and secure and checked for hazards on a daily basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected by a childminder who has a sound knowledge of the child protection procedures and how to implement them if she has a concern. She has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse.

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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 benefit from the support of a childminder who understands their individual needs and offers a flexible programme of activities accordingly. Children enjoy the support they receive from the childminder. They ask for help when they require it, for example, when trying to find a book that is one of their favourites. Children are read books by the childminder and enjoy being together in small groups. The childminder points to words as she reads the story showing them that print carries meaning. Children are learning to find a voice through excellent communication with the childminder. She asks the children many open ended questions and listens carefully to their responses. Children are provided with play experiences in which they can take on different roles, for example, they take on the role of the childminder when playing with the dolls. The childminder joins in the imaginary play games, but allows the children to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

lead the play. They change the nappy of dolls and wash the their hands after. Children are beginning to make connections, for example, when tidying away children sort different construction sets into the right groups. Children are provided with opportunities to explore a variety of mediums. For example, children are able to play freely with cornflour and enjoy the tactile experiences. The childminder understands that the children benefit from the experience and do not always require an end product.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are able to access all play resources regardless of gender. This is shown through taking part in activities relating to the variety of celebrations and festivals in their community. They also have access to a wide range of books that show positive images of culture, gender, disability and ethnicity. The childminder is not currently caring for any children who have physical disabilities and/or learning difficulties. However, she has a willingness to accept them into her care and work closely with the parents and other professionals. The childminder manages children's behaviour well. Children are informed what types of behaviour are unacceptable and the outcome of their actions. She maintains good eye contact with the children when giving them instructions and ensures that they understand. If children do show signs of unacceptable behaviour, she will show them the acceptable form. For example, if a child snatches a book

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Helping children make a positive contribution

when they are offered it. She shows them how to accept the book gently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder values the partnership with parents. They are given verbal or written feedback on a daily basis. She shares the children's achievements with them by keeping a record of their work in their folder. There are written agreements in place outlining the business and childcare arrangements. Parents are given information on how to make a complaint if they wish to do so.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by an efficient and effective organisation. Children's daily attendance is recorded accurately. Best use is made of the space and resources available, they are organised

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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 carefully so that children can access them easily at anytime. The children's daily routine is organised well so that they receive support and close supervision for the majority of the day.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the implementation of clear policies that ensure they are well protected and have opportunities to reach their full potential. The childminder has developed polices that are specifically developed for her provision. All of these policies are shared with the parents. The childminder has attended the Introduction to Childcare Practice and has a willingness to attend future training that will help to enhance the good standard of care already being offered.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. • ensure that all relevant records relating to fire drills are maintained and evaluated.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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