Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY224806 Unique Reference Number 15 May 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, adult son and school age daughter. They live in a two bedroom flat on the ground floor of a purpose built block, in the E1 area of the London borough of Tower Hamlets. Areas to be used for childminding are the living room, kitchen, toilet and bathroom. There is also access to an enclosed garden.

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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 satisfactory. Children benefit from the good procedures in place to promote their health. The childminder is aware of each child’s individual health needs and ensures these are met. Clear records of any accidents are kept and shared with parents. A first aid kit is available and regularly checked. The childminder has a good understanding of how to care for children in a medical emergency

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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 however, her first aid certificate has recently expired. Records of parents' consent for emergency medical treatment are in place although, written instructions are not available from parents who do not wish to give their consent.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected by the good hygiene practices in place. They remove their outdoor shoes and are learning the importance of washing their hands before meals and after using the toilet, raising their awareness of personal hygiene. The home is clean and tidy, the childminder has regular routines for washing the toys and equipment. Children are given individual bed linen at sleep time which, further promotes their good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the positive measures in place to ensure their nutritional needs are promoted. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure healthy meals and snacks are provided. Drinking water is available throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular opportunities for physical play and fresh air. They attend local drop-in groups, parks and playgrounds where they access indoor and outdoor physical play. This helps to promote a healthy life style.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe because the childminder has a proactive attitude to risk assessment in order to minimise hazards. They play freely whilst being well supervised. The childminder closely monitors the children as they rest and safety precautions prevent children from accessing the kitchen unsupervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate fire safety equipment is in place and children are learning how to keep themselves safe. A clear evacuation procedure is in place and is regularly practised with the children. Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment including everyday household items that are of good quality and are regularly risk assessed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from high levels of supervision and are reminded of road safety on outings. They are learning that they must hold the childminder's hand or are safely transported in a buggy. They are reminded that it is only safe to cross the road when the green light flashes, this increases their knowledge of how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of the 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 because the childminder knows them well. They receive a warm welcome from the childminder and her family when they arrive and quickly settle into her care. Warm, caring relationships are evident.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s independence is developed through choosing from a selection of toys, books and activities that include a variety of equipment with positive images of diverse cultures. They easily access the play equipment which is attractively displayed and well organised. Children

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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 are able to develop their imagination as they play with the dressing up clothes which, she has extended to include a selection of jewellery in its own box.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy good opportunities for developing their creative skills as they regularly take part in collage and painting activities. They are developing listening skills as they play games with objects such as musical instruments. The childminder encourages them to name the objects as they close their eyes. They are being introduced to early writing skills as they write their own shopping lists as part of their imaginary play activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from an interesting range of activities outside the home, that enable them to observe, explore and investigate their world. They regularly attend local drop-in groups and libraries where they take part in a wider range of play activities. This provides good opportunities to socialise with other children. Photographs record children's development and enjoyment at these sessions.

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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. The childminder talks to one child in English and their home language. This helps to promote the child's sense of identity and self esteem. Children have access to a broad range of resources and play opportunities that promote cultural differences, such as dressing up clothes, books, puzzles and dolls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well occupied and content, their behaviour is managed according to their understanding and stage of development. They are praised for their achievements and receive stickers as a reward for doing well. This encourages them to behave well and to feel good about themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with clear information about the childminding service at the beginning of the contract. Daily discussion, written diaries and photographs keep parents well informed of their child's progress. The childminder ensures that each parent has a procedure for making complaints including, details of the regulator. This has a positive impact on the children’s overall well-being and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a secure understanding of the National Standards for Childminding. She demonstrates a firm commitment to extending her knowledge through further training. Good support systems are in place including, her local childminding network. As a result she is well informed of new developments and initiatives in childminding.

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Organisation

The childminding area is organised to promote children's safety and enjoyment. The daily routine provides children with a variety of play experiences both inside and outside the home. This ensures they have opportunities to socialise with other children and extend their learning.

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Organisation

Childminding documentation is mostly well maintained and in good order, with the exception of the recording of accurate arrival and departure times on the daily register and written instructions from parents where they do not give consent for emergency medical treatment. Clear policies and procedures are in place for recording emergency evacuations. Parents are

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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 provided with clear information about the service including details of the regulator. This helps to reassure parents that they are receiving a professional service.

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Organisation

There are good systems in place that ensure family members are securely vetted by the regulator and that children are cared for by a registered person in an emergency. The registration certificate is not displayed however, the childminder has agreed to put this in place. This helps ensure children are cared for safely. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to promote children's language development and experience of books, to improve resources to reflect diversity and to improve the safety of the gas fire in the living room. She has acquired a good selection of books and there are regular trips to the local library built into the routine. Good improvements have been made to her resources which now include many positive images of race, gender, religion and disability. She has improved the safety of the environment by installing a guard around the gas fire. The action taken has improved the overall experience for the children as they, develop skills in early reading, learn to value diversity and are kept safe.

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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. 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 documentation by recording accurate times of children's arrival and departure and ensure there are written instructions from parents who do not wish to give consent for emergency medical treatment

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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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