Childminder in Redbridge

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY248621 Inspection date 06 October 2005 Inspector Fiona Sapler

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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 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 three children aged 3, 5, and 8 years in Hainault in the London Borough of Redbridge. The whole of the house, excluding the main bedroom, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child full time and two children after school. She also cares for over eights. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children, attends local groups and is a member of the National Childminding

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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 Association. The family have a pet cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Good health is well promoted, as the childminder maintains good levels of hygiene throughout her home and children are aware of the importance of wiping their noses, putting their hand in front of their mouths when they cough and washing their hands after using the toilet, before meals and after contact with the family pet. Parents are well informed of effective procedures to ensure that the children are protected from infection, and thorough back up plans are in place so that children are well cared for in case of an emergency situation. The accident and medication records are disorganised which could impact on the health and welfare of minded children. Records are incomplete, some entries are included in the children's daily diaries which are not written in the childminder's own records. It is unclear, therefore ,whether parents are fully aware of all medication and dosages given to their children, or of all accidents that may occur while their children

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Helping children to be healthy

are in the childminder's care. A flexible routine ensures that individual rest and care needs are well met. The children enjoy lots of fresh air and exercise. For example, there is direct access, from the childminder's back garden, to the local park where children have many opportunities to climb and run around in a large open space. The childminder also visits indoor soft play centres and introduces children to a variety of fun play opportunities in the fresh air. The children are also encouraged to walk rather than travel by car and the childminder will explain to the children about the benefits of fresh air and exercise, therefore, they are developing good physical skills while learning about their bodies. Children eat in a relaxed environment where they are able to sit and eat comfortably while chatting to the childminder. The childminder provides wholesome home cooked meals and encourages the children to actively take part in food preparation to help

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Helping children to be healthy

them understand the importance of healthy eating and good nutrition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are secure and safe on the premises as risks are identified and minimised and an appropriate level of supervision is maintained at all times . This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder takes precautions, when on outings and trips, to ensure that the children are safe and secure, for example, the childminder ensures that play areas are free of hazards and will ensure that children have her mobile number in their pocket. Children have access to equipment and toys that are clean, in good working order

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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 and appropriate for their ages and stages of development. The childminder uses discussion to explain to the children how to play safely and encourages them to tidy up when they have finished playing with their toys to reduce potential hazards. Toys and activities are easily available so children can access and explore safely and make their own choices. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder's home is very welcoming for children. Toys and resources are set out attractively in a dedicated play area that is light and bright and decorated with posters. Children have lots of fun and they play enthusiastically with a good range of toys and resources, which fully promote their learning. Children are developing their vocabulary skills as the childminder asks questions and encourages them to talk and express themselves. They have ample opportunities to socialise and mix with other children, and adults, at groups and with other childminders and their minded children. They enjoy a secure, warm and loving relationship with the childminder and, as a result, they are happy, confident and motivated to learn. Children are making good progress in all areas of their development as the childminder has a very good understanding of how children learn and develop through play and having fun. She uses the Birth to Three framework as a reference

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and to identify areas of learning that are covered by specific activities. She has just begun to formally record and assess some of the activities she provides and uses these assessments to identify gaps in the children's learning and development, and to help plan and provide further activities that will promote their learning. For example, a plan was observed for the children digging for worms in the garden. This helps them to understand the world around them and provides many opportunities to promote their language and social skills. Through effective planning and assessment the childminder was able to identify these areas of learning and how they could be built on and extended. Children enjoy visiting the local park and are taken on other outings such as swimming, "Digger Land" and the farm, that provide many additional learning opportunities. Children are also able to explore and use their senses to experiment

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and express themselves in a variety of ways. For example, children were observed to make their own dough and to enjoy playing with it in a variety of ways. They also have opportunities throughout the week to experience musical and creative activities such as singing, sticking, painting and colouring.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very well behaved as the childminder provides consistent boundaries and offers lots of praise and encouragement. Children make themselves at home and are developing their confidence as they make choices and decisions in their play. Children are beginning to learn about other people, as the childminder raises their awareness of cultural differences and varying needs. They are developing a positive image of themselves, their family and the wider community through the provision of appropriate resources, discussion and practical activities. Children are happy and content because parents share information about their child's individual needs, interests and experiences with the childminder through a very comprehensive daily diary. Parents are therefore fully informed about their child's day and are able to contribute to the diary as they wish. Children's routines, developmental progress and activities are shared with the parents to ensure

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare, care and developmental needs are met very effectively as the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for young children. A warm, affectionate approach towards the children ensures they are relaxed and happy in her care. The childminder has a flexible routine and plans her week so that children enjoy a variety of outings and groups where they are able to socialise with other children and widen their play experiences. The home is well organised to provide a good level of supervision and a well planned play area. Effective systems are in place to keep children safe and to enable them to make good progress in all areas of their development. Written policies and procedures are shared with parents so that they are aware of the organisation of the setting The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and skills to benefit the children. For example, she recently attended training courses in Child Protection and story

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has addressed the recommendation set at the last inspection to develop children's individual care records. Children's needs are detailed on forms and parents are invited to contribute in the children's own daily diaries.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Concerns were raised, on 25/02/2005, that the childminder was over minding and children were left unsupervised in a car. The concerns related mainly to National Standards 1 - Suitable Person, 2 - Organisation, and 13 - Child Protection. An Ofsted inspector made an unannounced visit on 03/03/2005. The provider agreed to the actions set relating to Standards 2 and 6 , to maintain adult/child ratios at all times and to not leave children unattended in a vehicle at any time. The provider remained qualified for 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

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): • ensure records relating to administering medication and accidents are well organised and consistently maintained

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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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