Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY219555 Unique Reference Number 26 July 2007 Inspection date Liz Corr 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 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10 years, two years and nine months. They live in a two bedroom maisonette which is situated in the E1 area of the London borough of Tower Hamlets. Areas used for childminding are the living room, kitchen, bathroom and children's bedroom.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently caring for one child. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and her local childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from infection by good hygiene procedures and are cared for in a clean and welcoming environment. They are learning personal care routines such as, washing hands and cleaning their teeth, they have access to individual towels and flannels which helps prevent

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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 risk of cross infection. Effective procedures are in place to ensure that areas for food preparation and storage are hygienic.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the efficient arrangements in place if they become unwell. Parents are provided with a written sickness procedure which ensures children are comfortable and sensitively cared for while waiting to be collected. However, permission for emergency medical advice or treatment is not in place. Children receive appropriate care if they have an accident because the childminder regularly updates her first aid knowledge.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works in partnership with parents so children's dietary needs are met. A menu is displayed and cooked meals and healthy snacks are provided. Children are encouraged to eat a good range of fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. Regular drinks are provided throughout the day, this helps children remain hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular opportunities for energetic play, fresh air and exercise, which contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Visits to local parks and drop-in groups are built into the planned activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment because the required safety equipment is in place and in working order. The childminder uses a safety check list so that potential hazards are minimised. Consequently, children are able to play freely while being appropriately supervised. Older children enjoy being able to practise their independence skills, as they help themselves to water from the kitchen to mix with their paints. They understand the importance of tidying away and are learning how to take care of the play equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning about fire safety and how to keep themselves safe; they know the procedure for evacuation in an emergency because the childminder regularly practises this with them. They are protected by the clear procedures to ensure they are collected only by authorized people. Children are kept safe on outings as they are reminded to look carefully before they cross the road at traffic lights and zebra crossings. Younger children are safely transported in a buggy or wear a safety harness while they are walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder has a good awareness of signs and signals of abuse. She has appropriate procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child or, if an allegation is made against her, or her family.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in this environment and enjoy their time with the childminder. They quickly become involved with the creative activities on offer and enjoy being able to mix their own colours with water during their painting activity. Later they create collage pictures using a range of colourful resources. They are encouraged to write their names and the date on their work. They clearly enjoy creative activities and are keen to take their completed pictures home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans a stimulating range of activities for the children including trips to the park and local drop-in groups. Activities are adapted depending on the age and stage of children's development. Examples of their work are displayed around the home including,

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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 musical instruments made from household objects. Children are learning where food comes from by planting seeds for pumpkins and herbs. These are growing on the balcony, the children's learning will extended when these are used for cooking later.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Toys and equipment are rotated so children are stimulated throughout the day. However, the equipment is not easily accessible for children to make choices. Older children receive good support for homework as they read and practise their spelling with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with respect and receive individual care because their needs and circumstances are known to the childminder. They access play equipment that promotes their understanding of the wider world; including, puzzles, dressing up clothes and dolls with positive images of diversity. They also access a range of interesting books including, a selection written in Braille.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have clear boundaries that they understand. They are treated with kindness and sensitivity and as a result they are polite, considerate and thoughtful to each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the close working relationships with parents. The childminder provides a flexible service to meet their needs. They receive good written information, for example, new parents are provided with her policies and procedures about the service. Children's progress is discussed at the end of each day and there are good systems in place for parents to record their comments. Positive feedback has been recorded as they have expressed their appreciation for the care their children have received. Clear information is provided for making complaints including, details of the regulator. This helps to reassure parents that their children receive good care.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home and clearly enjoy spending time with her and her family. The daily routines are well planned and based on the childminder’s understanding of their interests and needs.

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Organisation

The childminder has a secure understanding of the National Standards for childminding and is committed to ensuring that she keeps the regulator informed of relevant changes. She has effective support systems in place through the local authority and regularly attends meetings, which keep her updated of any changes. Furthermore, she demonstrates a commitment to updating her knowledge through training. As a result, children benefit from an organised setting where their safety, welfare and learning is given a high priority.

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Organisation

The childminder has a wide range of written policies and procedures which she shares with parents so they are well informed of the service she provides. Children's individual records are detailed, well organised and easily accessible.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • improve procedures for meeting children's health needs by obtaining permission from parents for emergency medical advice or treatment • improve the organisation of toys and equipment to make it easier for children to make choices

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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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