Kalanga, Annie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307917 Inspection date 29 August 2006 Inspector Mary Holt

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 July 2005, she lives with her two children aged nine and two and a half years old. The family live in a two bedroom first floor flat situated in a residential area of Ilford in Essex which is within the London Borough of Redbridge The home is within easy access to public transport, local shops, schools and community resources. All areas of the property are used for childminding, there is no garden available for outside play.

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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 registered to provide care for three children aged one to eight years old, at present she cares for one child aged five years on a part-time basis. The family do not have any pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and welcoming home. All areas of their health are promoted well and the first aid box is available with the required items. The childminder also has an up-to-date knowledge of first aid. Children are developing an understanding of good hygiene and personal care. From an early age, they learn the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines, such as hand washing before eating and after using the toilet. Children are also provided with individual means of hand drying to reduce the risk of possible cross-infection. Children are provided with a good range of meals that include healthy options such as fruit and vegetables. Children are offered regular drinks throughout the day, particularly in warm weather. The childminder discusses and agrees children's diets with parents and is happy to cater for children's specific dietary needs if required.

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Helping children to be healthy

A satisfactory range of indoor activities are available for children, regular visits are made to the local park this helps to contribute to their good physical health. They walk to and from school every day, visit the local shops and library. Children are able to have a quiet rest or sleep according to their individual needs. The childminder is able to provide individual sheets and blankets if required. Children are also able to rest on the sofa or enjoy a quiet activity such as reading a book or watching a video/DVD or television programme.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children are cared for in a secure environment. Space within the childminder's home is organised well. Children have ample room to play, a quiet place to rest and a comfortable area to enjoy their meals. No daily checks of the home are made by the childminder, neither is there evidence that appropriate supervision of children helps to ensure they are protected from harm. Several issues of concern were identified that may pose a possible risk to children; the fire blanket is not easily accessible in the kitchen as required, the smoke alarm in the hallway is not working and there is no evidence that children are not able to gain unsupervised access to the master bedroom where there are large mirror wardrobes. Children have access to a selection of toys and equipment. These items are age appropriate and organised well, for example small toys belonging to her own family are kept out of the reach of very young children. The childminder checks her toys

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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 frequently to ensure they remain in good condition. Children are starting to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe. They know why it is important not to run up and down the stairs, children are also kept safe when on outings. Younger children are encouraged to hold onto the childminder's hand or buggy when out walking. The childminder is developing the children's knowledge of road safety by talking to them about potential dangers and encouraging them to look out for cars as they cross the road. Current copies of the national child protection procedures are in place to protect children and any concerns about a child would be dealt with appropriately. The childminder demonstrated an understanding of her role and responsibilities to protect children in her care. She stated that she would not hesitate to implement these

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures if she was concerned about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled gradually into the childminder’s care to ensure they and their family get to know her well before the childminding placement begins. When the children arrive in the morning they are greeted warmly by the childminder, settle quickly and confidently begin to play. Children's confidence and self-esteem is built by the childminder who knows them well and treats them with respect. Children have access to a selection of play materials and equipment; which include limited items that reflect diversity and individuals with additional needs. This provides children with opportunities to learn about the wider community. The childminder reviews her play equipment regularly to ensure children remain stimulated. Children have opportunities to be creative. They can use their imaginations during their play as they make use of the resources available. Children enjoy art and craft

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities. Regular opportunities are also made available for children to enjoy books and stories. Children also enjoy outdoor activities that encourages their all round development and helps them to learn whilst having fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed, valued and respected as individuals. Children's individual needs are met as they follow the care routines established at home. Children decide what drinks and snacks they would like and confidently choose toys and equipment. Children are learning to share the childminders attention, take turns and to co-operate with others. The childminder is a good role model, she treats children with respect and manages children's behaviour in a calm, realistic and positive manner. Children are helped to feel good about themselves as the childminder uses praise to reward positive behaviour such as their efforts and for being patient and caring.

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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 Children explore their local community as they visit the local park, library, and the shops. Children have limited access play materials and activities to help them develop their knowledge and understanding of other cultures and lifestyles. There are also limited resources available to them from the local library that reflect positive images of people with additional needs. An effective partnership between the childminder and parents ensures children's care is consistent. Children benefit from the childminder's gradual settling in process. This ensures that children and their families get to know the childminder well before the placement begins. The childminder provides a flexible childminding service, which meet the needs of parents working schedules and to provide continuity of care for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children. She shares information and discusses the children's progress with parents at the end of each childminding day.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children should feel at home in this childminding environment. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development; however, she has a limited knowledge and understanding of the National Standards for Childminding and is not clear about her role and responsibility to protect children and provide a good standard of care. Children do not currently benefit from the childminder's service as the required documentation is not effectively maintained or organised. The childminder has attended several training courses since her registration took place; however, she has limited understanding of the requirements to keep and maintain the necessary records and documentation. The childminder is not aware of the Birth to three matters programme or how to incorporate it within her care of young children. The childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • assess the risks to children in relation to fire safety and take action to minimise these, E.g. position of fire blanket and maintaining a working smoke alarm • assess the risks to children in relation to hazardous items accessible in the kitchen and take action to minimise these • assess the risks to children in relation to access to hazards in the master bedroom and take action to minimise these • ensure that all records relating to childminding activities are maintained, readily accessible and available for inspection at all times These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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