Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340016 Unique Reference Number 26 June 2007 Inspection date Caroline Preston 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 2006. She lives with her three children aged nine, eight and four years in Dagenham in the London borough of Barking and Dagenham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care through their daily routine. After children are collected from school, they wash their hands before eating snacks of apples, oranges and sandwiches, and after using the toilet. The childminder has completed training in food and hygiene, so can show a good understanding of maintaining hygiene through discussion.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 has attended training in first aid and has a fully equipped first aid box to be able to care for children if they have an accident. Parents give prior written consent for the childminder to administer medication, which ensures the correct dosage is administered to children. Outings to the local park, and local community, where there is large play apparatus gives children plenty of opportunity to develop their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has a child friendly environment with play resources stored creatively in the front room which adds to the welcoming environment. Space within the childminder’s home is well organised and meets the needs of the children appropriately. Children have ample room to move, play and enjoy their meals in comfort.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy playing with a wide range of toys that are of good quality and stimulating including; puzzles, dolls, construction, creative resources and board games. Toys are kept clean and in good condition, and are stored at low level so that children can access them safely and easily.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has put all safety measures in place, and shows a good understanding of keeping children safe both inside and outside. In her home are working smoke alarms on both levels of the premises, a fire blanket mounted in the kitchen, appropriate safety catches on kitchen cupboard doors. She has safety gates in place so children do not have access to the kitchen. The childminder reminds children of the dangers when crossing the road, and continues safety themes from the children’s school. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues. She knows what action she needs to take, if she has any concerns about a child in her care. This promotes and safeguards children’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children show enthusiasm when arriving from school; they immediately go over to the well resourced play area and play with board games. The childminder sits with them, supervising them well and interacting, asking questions that support their learning. They play with the Stix board game; connect board game, then fuzzy felt game. Children are able to make choices and show confidence, they show they have built good relationships with the childminder who laughs with them, and ensures they are happy and active.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are taken to the park, where they can enjoy the use of the large apparatus and large open spaces.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have too few opportunities to learn about diversity through play resources and activities that reflect disability and cultural awareness on a daily basis. Therefore there are missed learning experiences to develop their knowledge. Although appropriate resources are available. All children are encouraged to join in activities, and show they are familiar with this routine, through their actions and response to the childminder. She is positive in gathering all relevant information about each child, in order to meet their individual needs. The childminder has high expectation of the children’s behaviour; therefore they behave well, respond and show manners to each

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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 other and the childminder. The childminder has appropriate systems in place to care for children with any learning difficulties, and shows a positive attitude.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from positive working relationships between the parents and the childminder. Daily feedback about the child’s day helps establish continuity of care. The childminder has a clear understanding of the complaints procedure. This helps parents to understand how to resolve any complaints should they arise.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's good organisation of the premises which provides children with sufficient space to rest, play and eat .Children are able to access the play resources easily and safely. All household members have undergone suitability checks, therefore are safe to be around children. Children’s routines are planned and ensure for example, that when being collected from school and brought back, are offered snacks and time to relax and unwind before going home. Information kept about the children is relevant and helps to promote their welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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. 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): • develop activities and offer opportunities to learn about diversity.

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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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