Childminder in Barking and Dagenham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY282279 Inspection date 05 July 2005 Inspector Deborah Ann Benn

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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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered since April 2004. She lives with her two children aged 10 and 8 years in a house in Dagenham, Essex. The whole of the house, apart from the main bedroom, are available for childminding; there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for five children under the age of eight of whom three may be under five years; she is currently minding two children aged four and seven years everyday, part time during term time.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment, they benefit from the high level of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the home which effectively contributes to limiting the risk of cross infection. This is further supported by the use of individual towels and appropriate daily routines and expectations such as children being reminded to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Discussion and simple explanation such as how not washing your hands could lead to tummy aches, help children to learn about the importance of keeping themselves healthy. The dietary needs of the children are well met, meals are nutritious, varied and substantial and children are given fresh fruit snacks daily. Children's physical development is well supported. They have daily exercise and frequent opportunity to run and play freely as good use is made of the local park after school and during the holidays.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have sufficient room to play safely and good use is made of the space available due to the childminder's organisation of furniture in the areas used. Children have access to toys and play equipment which are safe and suitable for use, ensured by regular checking and cleaning. Resources are stored in low boxes and are easy for children to reach. Good consideration to fire safety and the childminder's pro-active approach means that risks are minimal. Smoke alarms are tested daily and batteries changed annually, a fire blanket and extinguisher are in place and an escape plan has been formulated and practised with the children. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussion, example and daily routines such as remembering to "Stop, Look and Listen" as they walk back from school or on outings. The appropriate use of secure safety gates coupled with close supervision

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

allows children to play freely in a safe environment. Children's welfare is appropriately safeguarded due to the childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, often singing spontaneously as they confidently create their own games and amuse themselves. Television is well monitored and appropriately used ensuring that it does not distract children from using their imaginations and developing their play. However, limited access to paint and creative materials restricts children's ability to express themselves through art and to enjoy

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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 experiencing different textures. Regular use of music and songs helps to encourage children's language and develop their confidence and self awareness. Children's opportunities to enjoy stories and handle books are restricted. There are very few books provided and these are not well displayed or easily accessible. The childminder interacts with the children verbally and attends to their care needs but she does not always extend play and language by participating in their games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well and their individual care needs are appropriately provided for due to the childminder's positive working relationship with parents. Children benefit from the consistency of care due to the childminder and parents working in partnership together. Daily conversations and regular reviews together with full written information about children's individual needs promotes open communication. Children's cultural needs are well catered for, the childminder encourages awareness of their heritage using music, dance, food and language. Children are well behaved. Clear expectations and the childminder's gentle manner and good role model, help children to learn how to manage their own behaviour and how that affects others.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The environment is appropriately organised, best use is made of the space available ensuring that children have opportunity to be relaxed and quiet as well as active. Written documentation which meets requirements is in place, it is current and appropriately stored. The childminder ensures she always keeps within the numbers she is registered to care for and is able to demonstrate this in her records. The organisation of children's details and contact numbers guarantees that all necessary information is available to effectively manage children's care both in the home and when on outings. Overall, the individual needs of the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, this is the first inspection since registration.

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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 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 satisfactory. 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): • Increase children's opportunities to express themselves creatively through art materials. • Improve the range of books provided and the way they are made accessible to the children.

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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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