Childminder in Barking and Dagenham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 504374 Inspection date 04 August 2005 Inspector Mary Holt

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been a registered since February 1999. She lives with her two children aged 12 and 10 years, the family live in an end of terrace house situated in a residential area of the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham. The premises are within walking distance of local schools, public transport, shops and community resources. The whole of the premises are registered for use. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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 The childminder is registered to care for no more than 4 children under 8 years; she is currently minding 3 children, 1 nine year old before and after school and full time in school holiday's; 1 seven year old after school during term time only and 1 two year old full time. The family do not have any pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association (NCMA).

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and healthy environment. The childminder's understanding of hygiene standards and provision of resources such as the use of one hand towel for older children does not always help to minimise the risk of cross infection; however, good use is made of disposable baby wipes for younger children. Children benefit from daily routines and clear expectations which encourage them to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating and help them to learn about keeping themselves healthy. Children are provided with, and encouraged to eat nutritious well balanced snacks with an awareness of their individual needs. For example the childminder has worked closely with parents regarding the diet of one child in her care. Children are well protected from over exposure to the sun by being limited to using the garden in the later part of the afternoon during hot weather. This is further

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

supported by the use of sun cream, tee shirts and hats. The childminder is beginning to look at the Birth to Three Framework to encourage children's physical development such as using puzzles to help with co ordination and regular use of climbing equipment during visits to the local park and the childminder support group..

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and child friendly environment. The accessibility of play opportunities in low level storage boxes in the lounge make children feel comfortable and at ease within the childminder's home. The arrangement of the furniture makes the best possible use of the space available and gives room for children to play freely. Good use has been made of the back garden to provide a further area for children to play safely in the fresh air and provide another child focussed area. The childminder's vigilance regarding age appropriate equipment and good routines regarding regular checking and cleaning, help to keep children safe. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussion, clear expectations and activities such as the use of the children's "Traffic Pack" and teaching the children to "Stop, Look and Listen" when crossing the road. Children benefit from the

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder having fully considered the risk of fire. She regularly checks smoke alarms, has a fire blanket in place and has formulated an emergency evacuation

p.3

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 procedure which he practises regularly with the children. Children's welfare is further supported due to the childminder's clear understanding of child protection procedures as well as current and up to date first aid training.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and well cared for. They enjoy being with the childminder and her family and respond readily to them with warmth and appropriate affection. The use of television is appropriately monitored and limited, encouraging children to interact with each other, concentrate on playing with the toys available and to use their imagination. Children enjoy the use of different types of play opportunities; however creative/messy play is limited to when younger children attend the childminder support group. Children are starting to benefit from the childminder's growing awareness of the Birth to Three Framework as she develops and encourages younger children's language. The childminder interprets meaning to young children's words and echoes their vocal sounds, encouraging them to be confident communicators. Children develop independence as they select toys from an appropriate range.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

However, the childminder's reliance on responding to children's choices means that the use of art and creative activities, particularly for the younger children, are limited.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle well and their individual needs are appropriately provided for due to the childminder's positive working relationship with parents. Joint planning at the beginning of placements, such as visits with the parent followed by the child initially staying with the childminder for short periods, building up to full time dependent on child's individual needs, helps to build confidence and ease the separation process for parent and child. Daily discussions help to keep parents well informed of their child's day. All necessary paperwork is in place to support a professional relationship with parents. The childminder draws on resources available from the local childminding support group to supplement her toys and help children to learn about diversity. Children are beginning to further their understanding of the wider world as they a good selection of play opportunities. Children are well supported in learning how to manage their own behaviour.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Appropriate expectations and the childminder's use of verbal praise and positive reinforcement, are effective and build children's self esteem.

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 The childminder has created a well organised physical environment, making best use of the space available to support children's care, learning and play needs. 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 that she works within the conditions of her registration at all times. The daily record of children's attendance clearly details times of arrival and departure and shows when children are not present. The basic range of written records meets requirements and is well organised and effective in supporting the professional side of child minding. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

During the last inspection visit recommendation were made regarding the limited range of play materials and equipment available, the limited range of play materials and equipment available that reflect positive images of the wider world, the limited interaction between the childminder and the minded children, children's awareness of fire safety and the possible risk to children around low level glass and accessible garden equipment. The childminder has now supplemented her play materials and equipment to ensure that they meet the developmental needs of children in her care and, that they reflect positive images of the wider world. The interaction observed between the childminder and the minded child was very positive, warm and caring. An emergency escape plan has now been drafted, shared with minded children, practiced and recorded as of May 2005. Low level glass in the lounge cabinet has been protected with safety film and, the

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

garden hose is now stored in a safe and secure manner.

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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

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 that appropriate hand drying facilities are provided to minimise the risk of cross infection, • improve planning to give children more frequent opportunity to take part in art and creative activities,

p.6

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