Childminder in Havering

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY294657 Inspection date 24 May 2005 Inspector Deborah Ann Benn

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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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged three years and six months, in a house in Harold Wood, Essex. Their home is within walking distance of local schools, shops, parks, bus routes and Harold Wood Station. The main bedroom is not registered for use for childminding. The lounge, kitchen/diner and garden room are the main areas used for childminding. A fully enclosed garden is available for outside play. The family has a pet dog.

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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 care for four children aged between 1 and 8 years. She is currently caring for one child, on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice course.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. They are protected from the risk of cross infection by being provided with individual flannels and learn about keeping themselves healthy through daily routines and conversations such as why they need to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children are protected from possible hygiene and safety risks from the dog by the childminder ensuring they are never left unsupervised with the dog and checking and clearing the garden on a daily basis. Although appropriate systems are in place to record medical needs, some lacks detail and could lead to confusion which may affect emergency care of a child. Outings to local parks and regular access to a well equipped and safe garden provide children with opportunities for vigorous exercise to develop their physical skills. Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet, they are provided with substantial

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Helping children to be healthy

and well balanced meals which take into consideration children's individual dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and welcoming environment where risks are minimised. Appropriate use of high level catches prevents children from accessing areas of the premises not used for childminding or leaving unsupervised. This ensures that they can move freely around the home and have ample room to play. Toys and play resources are clean, safe and age appropriate, they are stored at low level so that children can access them safely and without difficulty. The childminder checks toys regularly and takes appropriate action to minimise risks from damaged equipment. Children are aware of keeping themselves safe, they speak confidently about the importance of using seatbelts in cars and holding the childminder's hand on outings. Although consideration has been given to fire safety and an escape plan devised, it has not yet been practised. Children are protected; the childminder's sound understanding of the signs and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

symptoms of abuse mean that she is alert to children's welfare. Her awareness of local child protection procedures and of her responsibility to act swiftly, provide children with security. Her current first aid training helps to safeguard and promote children's welfare.

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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 are happy and settled. They interact comfortably and naturally with the childminder and are at ease in her home. Children become independent as they make choices from a wide range of play resources and attend to their own personal needs. Children play purposefully, using their imagination and expressing their creativity. The childminder's enthusiastic manner and good planning of art projects inspires the children to take part in a wide range of creative activities. The easy accessibility of resources such as dressing up clothes and role play equipment, means that children develop their own play ideas as they confidently make full use of them. The appropriate control and monitoring of the television encourages children to be active and to use their imaginations. They play together well and enjoy each other's company. Children's language and thinking is extended through the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder's focussed conversation and good use of books, stories and rhymes. The childminder's awareness of the children's stage of development and use of appropriate activities, encourages them to make their own discoveries such as mixing food colouring to make different colours.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the effect of their behaviour on others through the child minder's patient use of explanation and appropriate praise. The childminder's clear expectations help children to have a good understanding of how to behave. They are fond of each other and share well such as taking turns with tools when playing with salt dough and through the childminder's support, learning to make sure everyone has a fair amount. Children are beginning to learn about diversity and respect of other's differences through the childminder's positive attitude and conversation, although their experiences are limited by lack of resources and specific activities. Children learn about the local area through visits to the library and parks. Children are valued and respected as individuals, the childminder knows them well and her close relationship with parents helps to ensure consistency of care and stability.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The environment is well organised, different areas provide for different types of play which enable children to be relaxed and quiet as well as active. Children feel at home and at ease and are therefore confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The organisation of children's details and contact numbers provides for most of the necessary information being available to support children's individual needs and efficiently manage their care. Children are kept safe, appropriate systems are in place to ensure that all adults in the household are vetted and children are never left with an unregistered person. The childminder ensures she always keeps within her registered numbers, this helps to support children having sufficient time

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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 and attention to make sure that their individual needs are met. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, this is the first inspection since registration.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • improve children's opportunity to learn about diversity by providing a wider range of activities and resources to promote their awareness; • ensure written parental permission is in place to administer medication in an emergency.

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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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