Childminder in Barking and Dagenham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY292026 Inspection date 15 August 2005 Inspector Christine Eglinton

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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 2004. She lives in a house in Dagenham and uses all areas of the house for childminding which includes using a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under 5-years on a full time basis. The childminder attends local parent/toddler groups.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in very clean home, and are protected from infection because the childminder is well informed about children's health matters. Children who are infectious do not attend, thus preventing the spread of infectious ailments. The childminder is a good role-model for the children, by using good hygiene practices during daily routines. For example, washing her hands after changing nappies, and before preparing meals, this helps children to become aware of good personal hygiene. Children are given their own individual towels, to help prevent the risk of cross infection. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she is able to give children appropriate care if there is an accident. Parents give prior written consent, to administer medication, that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. Children play outside and extend their physical skills on a regular basis. They enjoy

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Helping children to be healthy

using a good varied range of large outdoor equipment, which includes swings, slides, trampoline, and rockers. This helps them to develop their balance and co-ordination, and contributes to keeping them healthy. Children's fine motor skills are developing well. Toddlers are becoming skilled at moving small wooden beads up and over different shaped frames, and the older children are able to use pens and pencils effectively when they colour in their pictures. The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding diet and medical history. This ensures children's individual dietary and medical needs are met. Children receive nutritious snacks and meals including fresh fruit daily, which encourages them to develop healthy eating practices. Toddlers under three develop a healthy dependence on the childminder who is receptive to their individual needs. The childminder follows younger children's individual routines for eating and sleeping. This contributes to their physical

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a well organised home which allows children to move around safely, freely, and independently. The childminder ensures her home is well ventilated during warm weather, and is vigilant in ensuring children do not get too hot during their play. For instance, by suggesting they move into a cooler room, to avoid overheating. Children have easy and safe access to toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for children's stage of development. The childminder uses appropriate equipment to help her meet the needs of young children. Sufficient cots

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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 beds allow young children to rest and sleep in comfort and safety. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures for example: safety gates prevent them from having accidents on the stairs; low level glass is protected with safety film to reduce the risk of injury to children; regular visual checks of toys and resources ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. Children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe, when they practise fire evacuation procedures. However, the fire blanket has not been taken out of its protective wrapper, which could prevent it being quickly used in an emergency. Older children learn about safety within the home, by the childminder explaining about the risks of throwing balls inside the home. They understand the importance of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

using pedestrian crossings, which helps them become aware of crossing the road safely. The childminder has sound knowledge of child protection issues, and is clear regarding her role and responsibility in the procedure to follow if she has any concerns. This supports children's well-being and safeguards their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Young children relate well to the childminder and to other children. They confidently approach the childminder for support, and enjoy being with the other children which indicates that good trusting relationships have been built. Good quality stimulating toys provide balance and challenge, and children are able to independently choose from a wide range of toys. This enables them to make decisions during their play. Children benefit from having a balanced range of activities, allowing them to be physically active when they throw balls in the garden, and relax when they watch their favourite barney video after lunch. The childminder engages children well during their play by sitting with them at their level. For instance, sitting with the older children on the floor with brightly coloured foam letters, and encouraging them to recognise the letters in their name. This helps to sustain children's interest, and encourages older children to become aware of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

letters in a fun and enjoyable way. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as painting, sticking, singing, and dancing. Young children are able to relish the feel of wet paint in their hands, during hand painting, which offers important sensory experiences. Children benefit from regular visits to the local toddler groups, where they learn to mix and socialise with a wider group of children and adults. Regular trips to the local park and shops, help children learn about their local environment, and offers them a wider and richer range of experiences. Children enjoy moving their bodies in rhythm to music. They are helped to develop their language skills when they sing along to their favourite songs.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder encourages all children to participate in the activities provided. This helps ensure children have equal opportunities to maximise their enjoyment and potential. They are given lots of praise and encouragement, to foster their self-esteem. Play materials and resources do not reflect positive images of all aspects of society. This may result in children having less opportunity of learning to acknowledge and accept differences. The childminder manages children's behaviour through distraction and simple explanations, that are appropriate to the ages of the children. This helps children understand right from wrong. Children's behaviour is generally good, and they learn to take turns during their play for instance, taking turns skipping with the childminder. The childminder has worked in partnership with parents, to agree methods to manage children's behaviour. This has enabled children to benefit from a consistent

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Helping children make a positive contribution

approach. The childminder helps children settle by asking parents for appropriate information, concerning their child's routine and individual needs. This guarantees that she has good knowledge of each child's individual needs, and contributes considerably to children's well being while in the care of the childminder. Daily feedback about their child's day, helps to provide children with continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder attends additional training whenever she can. This ensures she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. Children feel at home and at ease, and they receive good support from the childminder who enjoys their company. This helps all the children to feel secure and confident. The premises layout is well organised, enabling children to explore their environment safely and confidently. Good organisation of toys and equipment affords children the opportunity of making decisions and choices during their play. The childminder organises her time effectively, which enables her to spend quality time with the children to support their play and development. All mandatory records are in place. They are kept in a confidential manner, and are well maintained. This guarantees the safe and effective management of the setting, in order to promote children's welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range

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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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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): • make sure that the fire blanket in the kitchen can be accessed quickly in an emergency • ensure resources and planned activities are helping children to develop a positive attitude towards diversity, to help them learn to appreciate and value each other's culture, similarities, and differences

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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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