Childminder in Barking and Dagenham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY289371 Inspection date 06 July 2005 Inspector Sharon Henry

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 satisfactory. 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 2004. She lives in a three bedroom house situated within the London Borough of Hackney, within walking distance of local shops and schools. Members of the household include her husband and 3 young children. The front room is the main area used for childminding. There is a secure outdoor area. The childminder is registered to care for two children under five years at any one time and is currently minding two children.

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. Children's health is promoted through effective procedures and routines. Health and hygiene matters are given good emphasis; the daily routine ensures the home is well maintained and children learn about basic self-care in practical ways. There are clear procedures to protect children from illness or infection. The use of the National Childminding Association documents ensures all accidents and administration of medication are appropriately recorded. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They are offered varied snacks that appeal to them and meets their dietary requirements. Younger children are encouraged to feed themselves, they are provided with a range of appropriate feeding utensils that is suitable for their stage of development. Children are provided with water throughout the day and encouraged to drink more during the summer months. Children are provided with regular opportunities to be active and develop their large

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

motor skills when playing in the garden. They are beginning to develop their fine motor skills as they use their fingers to hold spoons when eating, and press buttons on activity sets.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a warm and welcoming environment, which enables them to feel settled and comfortable in their surroundings and contributes to them making the smooth transition from their home life. Effective use of space allows children to move freely and play with little disruption. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to ensuring children are safe whilst inside and outside the home. This enables children to be able to explore their environment safely whilst enjoying the effective security systems provided for their safe arrival and collection. Children play with a range of toys that are varied, colourful and of good quality. All equipment and furniture are in good condition and are used well to support children's overall development, however equipment is not always easily accessible resulting in a restriction of children's ability to choose and make decisions effectively.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is further promoted through the childminder's knowledge and understanding of the local authority Child Protection Procedures. The childminder is confident in her role, however she is not clear of the contact details for the local authorities child protection team which could result in a delay in reporting concerns.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a positive relationship with the childminder, they respond to appropriate physical affection, and settle well into the daily routine. Their individual needs are catered for as the childminder generally works with parents to ensure that the children's home routines are followed. Children's language development is generally supported well through positive interaction from the childminder, which encourages children to respond verbally and with gestures. However, this could be further extended with the use of the Birth to three matters framework. The children benefit from a sufficient range of interesting and enjoyable activities both inside and outside the home. Children's emotional and social development is generally supported well with visits to the local Park and drop- ins. Children are cared

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

for in an organised setting, where there are consistent daily routines for eating, resting, playing and going out. This helps children feel secure and enjoy their day. Children are provided with good opportunities to explore colour and texture through regular activities such as painting and drawing.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder generally promotes equality of opportunity. The children are recognised as individuals and the childminder meets their differing needs well. The children are well behaved, happy and settled. They are confident, independent and use their initiative. They have warm relationships with the childminder and relate well to each other. There are opportunities for children to become aware of the wider world through discussions and attending local drop-ins, however their learning is not fully maximised due to limited anti bias equipment within the home. Children's individual needs are met well, the childminder knows the children well and takes into account their cultural or any special needs they may have. The childminder uses appropriate techniques for managing children's behaviour, this helps children understand right from wrong and play together harmoniously. Children

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

are given praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements, which results in the children becoming confident in what they do. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to working in partnership with parents. This ensures that the children's individual needs are well catered for and enables parents to play an active role in the care of their child whilst in the childminder's care. Information is shared with parents, who receive daily feedback on their child's progress.

p.4

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 Children feel at home in the well-organised environment. They are confident and use their initiative to instigate play and extend activities. Children benefit from the effective use of space, as a result, children are able to move freely and play with little disruption. Children are confident in their surrounding. The childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However, there are no details available to parents informing them of the procedures should they wish to make a complaint. Policies and procedures are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's progress. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and her knowledge of first aid means children can be given appropriate treatment should they need it. Children's

p.4

Organisation

daily routines are identified in discussion with parents and maintained to ensure consistency of care. All specific needs for individual children are identified on registration forms. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • ensure children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. • develop knowledge and understanding of the procedures to follow with regard to report any child protection concerns.

p.5

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 • develop knowledge and understanding of caring for children under three: for example by using the Birth to three framework.

p.5

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