Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY232160 Unique Reference Number 15 September 2006 Inspection date Rufia Uddin 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her four children aged 18, 17, 15 and 14 years in a residential area close to a shopping centre, park and local amenities. in East Ham, in the London Borough of Newham. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local carer and toddler groups and takes children to the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years at any one time and there are currently two children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 are healthy because the childminder follows good hygiene procedures and promotes a healthy lifestyle. They are cared for in a warm, clean environment where the risk of cross-infection is minimised by appropriate hygiene practices such as hand washing, and good nappy changing procedures. Children are becoming independent and learning about hygiene through everyday routines, for example washing their own hands with support. Children's continuity of care is supported well by the childminder as she has details of their individual health and dietary needs. The childminder is first aid trained and she is aware of procedures to follow should a child become ill in her care. Systems are in place for the recording of accidents and these are shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are generally well nourished and healthy because the childminder respects parental wishes and meets any dietary needs. She appropriately stores and serves the food provided by parents. Children begin to develop an understanding of the importance of eating a healthy balanced diet as they are provided with healthy snacks and meals by the childminder. Children benefit from a cooked nutritious meal at lunch time, which includes a range of meat, rice. potatoes and vegetables, for example broccoli and carrots and fruits at snack time. They help themselves to drinking water across the day developing good independence and recognising when they are thirsty. The childminder follows children's individual routines for eating and sleeping, which ensures continuity of care and contributes to emotional well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular physical activities helping to increase their awareness of the importance of exercise as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They play in the garden using a range of equipment, including a trampoline, swings, a seesaw, slide, bikes and they also play with smaller equipment such as bats and balls and enjoy many outings and visits to places such as adventure play grounds and visits to parks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy the safe, warm and welcoming surroundings. The childminder has a good understanding of the potential dangers and hazards within her home and removes these, enabling children to move freely and safely around the environment. For example, stair gates are used to prevent children from accessing areas unsupervised and dangerous substances are stored in locked cupboards. Children learn how to take care of themselves through daily routines, for example the childminder talks to children about where it is safe to cross roads when on outings. The childminder gives thought to fire safety to protect children, she has smoke detection and fire fighting equipment available and is aware of safe practice and exits from the home. She has involved children in practising safe evacuation of the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have easy and safe access to sufficient furniture, toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for various ages and stages of development. Effective procedures are in place to

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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 ensure the provision is kept clean and well maintained, which contributes to ensuring children’s safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected and safeguarded from harm because the childminder has an understanding of her role with regards to child protection issues. She is aware of the different types of abuse, recognising possible signs and symptoms that may cause concern. The childminder has a sound understanding of the records required to be kept and knows the procedures to follow should she be concerned about a child in her care, ensuring their wellbeing is promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are settled and content. They play with a good range of toys and imaginative materials and show interest in what they do. Children have time to complete a self chosen task such as completing puzzles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The parents and childminder work together to meet the children's needs. The children have a sense of belonging and interact freely with the childminder. They make some choices about their care and activities and comply with safety and health routines. Children are involved in developmentally appropriate activities. The children communicate well using words and gestures with increased confidence as the childminder responds to the noises they make. They smile with delight as they share a book.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of childcare. The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework and is beginning to make use of it to help plan experiences for children under three years. She recognises individual developmental milestones that children achieve, helping her to plan their next steps in their learning. She adapts activities and the questioning techniques used to ensure all children are fully involved and interested.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well into the welcoming environment. They have a sense of belonging and develop warm relationships with the childminder and each other. Regular outings and use of everyday play resources which reflect a diverse society help children gain an awareness of the wider world and their local environment and community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has no 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. The childminder promotes an inclusive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are aware of behaviour boundaries because the childminder has realistic expectations of them and manages their behaviour consistently. The routines of the day help them learn to share, take turns and consider the needs of others. The children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously and behave well. The childminder promotes positive

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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 behaviour by recognising the importance of praising children for good behaviour and values their efforts and thus encourages good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder makes parents welcome in her home and they are informed about their child's day. Children benefit from friendly and secure informal relationships between the childminder and their parents, enabling them to settle well and feel self assured. Detailed information is exchanged verbally, including details about what children have eaten, activities they have been involved in, and trips out; ensuring parents are well informed about what their child has been involved in on a daily basis. Parents are informed about the service the childminder provides. She uses a range of written records which are organised and generally effective in supporting the childminding business but one aspect has been overlooked as there is no system to record complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good quality care and benefit because the childminder has a secure understanding about how young children learn. She has a an understanding of the requirements of the national standards and ensures these are met, enabling her to successfully promote positive outcomes for children. Documentation is well maintained and is organised with all details stored in individual files, ensuring confidentiality is maintained.

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Organisation

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 needs and interests. She plans her day accordingly to ensure she meets the needs of all children attending and shares her time effectively with each on an individual basis. The childminder recognises her strengths and identifies areas for development, and understands the importance of attending training and increasing her skills to enhance her practice.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to remove an old motorcycle from the back garden to make the area safe for children to play in. The motorcycle has been removed allowing children to play in an environment where their wellbeing is safeguarded.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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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Complaints 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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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 a system to keep a complaints log and share this information with parents • develop knowledge and understanding of "Birth to three matters"to enhance the planning of younger children's activities and development

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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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