Turley, Nicola Julie

Inspection report for early years provision

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160203 Unique Reference Number 20 September 2007 Inspection date Deborah Ann Benn 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 2001. She lives with her husband and three children aged four, five and seven in Collier Row in the London borough of Havering. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five during the day on a part time basis. The childminder drives to local schools and playgroups to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group. The family has no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from the high standard of hygiene and cleanliness within the home. They are provided with disposable paper towels and have their own easily identifiable cups to reduce

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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. The childminder takes responsibility for ensuring that her first aid training is current and the first aid kit fully stocked and readily accessible. Children learn about good hygiene practices through appropriate daily routines; they expect to wash their hands after using the toilet and do so automatically.

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Helping children to be healthy

Documentation supports children's health and well being, the childminder ensures that she has full details about children's health needs before commencing caring for them. Agreements with parents for ensuring that children can receive appropriate medical care in the event of an emergency are in place. Children's information is clearly documented and includes health needs. Accidents and the administration of medication is appropriately detailed and countersigned by parents, confirming that information has been passed on and supporting continuity of care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a varied range of meals and snacks which encourage them to eat healthily. Fruit and vegetables are always made available and the childminder makes effort to actively encourage children to eat appropriately. The childminder works closely with parents to help children who do not eat well and keeps them informed of their child's daily diet. The childminder ensures that she discusses children's dietary needs with parents before commencing caring for them and always ensures that she checks with parents if introducing a food the child is not used to. Fruit juice and fresh water is available and made readily accessible throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is well supported. Children enjoy a wide range of activities in the garden which give them an opportunity to practise climbing, balancing, pedalling and ball skills, as well as regular outings to local parks to run and play in the fresh air. They are also learning control and accuracy as they access craft and construction 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. The organisation of the through lounge gives ample space for children to play both on the floor or at the table. The use of a small table in the kitchen area enables children to take part in art and craft activities without concern about the floor getting soiled. The large garden is fully enclosed and provides an interesting and stimulating extension to the home where children can play freely and enjoy a wide range of activities. The playhouse is particularly well equipped with good quality role play equipment. The garden toys are well organised and spaced, giving children room to make use of different resources and apparatus without impeding on each other. Appropriate equipment is in place to provide children with somewhere safe, suitable and age appropriate to sleep. A comprehensive range of good quality toys is readily available in the lounge, children access play equipment

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

confidently only asking for assistance if they want larger pieces moved to another part of the room.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well supervised and always within sight and sound of the childminder. The front door has a high catch so that children cannot get out or let someone in without the childminder's involvement. Good consideration is given to fire safety, smoke alarms are fitted on both levels of the home and tested regularly, and a fire blanket is wall mounted in the kitchen. Children are aware of the escape plan devised by the childminder and take part in a fire drill termly. Children are appropriately protected on outings. The childminder ensures that each child has an appropriate car seat as agreed with the parents and always carries contact numbers with her.

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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 Children's welfare is appropriately safeguarded, the childminder is very aware of her responsibility to protect children. She has formulated a clear and appropriate policy which is shared with parents of the procedure to be followed in the event of any safeguarding issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children feel secure in the childminder's care, they confidently access toys and make choices about activities. Children are content and demonstrate this as they sing quietly to themselves whilst engrossed in their play. The childminder supports children's learning and development well, she plans a wide range of well balanced activities for children which encourage their participation and stimulate their imagination. Children have frequent opportunity to take part in art and creative activities such as using paint, glue and playdough. The childminder is aware of children's individual interests and tries to encourage their involvement by responding to these. For example, she supports children's language through regular sharing of books but is aware that some children enjoy songs and rhymes in preference to stories and makes sure that she includes these in book time. Television is appropriately limited to ensure children are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encouraged to use their imaginations, be creative and take part in activities. When used, the childminder is very aware of the importance of only providing that which is age appropriate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the wider world and become aware of their community through different activities and resources. Children enjoy playing with figures representing many different members of society and use their imagination as they include these readily in their small world play. The inclusion of dolls, books and dressing up clothes positively reflecting different cultures also help to broaden children's knowledge and understanding. Children learn about different cultures through practical and fun activities such as celebrating Chinese New Year by making lanterns, dressing up and eating Chinese food. Children also make cards for their parents for occasions such as Mother's Day and get involved in pancake making and eating on Shrove Tuesday.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to share and take turns through the childminder's involvement and support in their play. They trust her, she helps them to negotiate and slowly realise that if they let someone else have a go now they will be able to take their turn without having to battle for it. The childminder is also aware of children's individual personalities and development and makes effective use of distraction when appropriate. The childminder responds patiently to the children and is a good role model, she speaks to them with warmth whilst also having clear boundaries and expectations. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure consistency and continuity in managing children's behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive clear and appropriate written information about the care provided before the placement commences and time is taken to ensure that they are happy with the arrangements made. The childminder very much respects how difficult it is for parents to find the right carer for their child and actively encourages parents to visit her and other childminders more than once before making a decision. She works closely with parents to ensure that children are settled in and welcomes parents to stay as long as they feel they need to. All necessary written agreements are in place to support a professional relationship. The childminder has developed friendly relationships with parents and time is taken daily to share information about the child's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 day supported by a written weekly plan of activities and a daily routine. A complaints procedure is in place, however, the contact number for Ofsted as the regulator is not current.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Good organisation by the childminder has a positive effect on all areas of the care provided. The premises are used effectively, good use is made of the space available so that children can play safely and have somewhere suitable to eat and rest. The childminder organises her day well, she plans activities appropriately and has a routine which helps children to feel secure and to help them make sense of their day. She is aware of the changes in legislation and guidance and makes effort to improve her understanding of these in order that she can provide good quality care. The childminder is very aware of her responsibility to ensure that children are never left unsupervised with unvetted adults and to inform Ofsted of any changes or significant events.

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Organisation

All necessary paperwork is clear, current and readily available. The childminder is aware of confidentiality and ensures that all information about children is stored appropriately. The certificate of registration is clearly displayed and evidence of current public liability insurance readily available to parents. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to log any written complaints from parents and to make this available on request.

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Organisation

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 a recommendation was made regarding children's access to activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and non-discriminatory practice. This has been satisfactorily addressed. The childminder has increased resources and activities which positively reflect different cultures, faiths and abilities. Figures, dolls and books are readily accessible to the children and the childminder has begun to use world festivals as topics to develop children's knowledge and broaden their understanding. As a result children are learning about the wider world and are helped to develop a respect for people as individuals.

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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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Complaints 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): • ensure parents are provided with the current contact number for Ofsted as the regulator

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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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