Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY216413 Unique Reference Number 16 August 2007 Inspection date Deborah Ann Benn Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and children aged nine and seven years in Elm Park 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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five during the day and one over five after school, both are cared for part time. The childminder walks to the local school to collect children. The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group and meets regularly with other registered childminders. She is a member of the National Childminders Association.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has a pet Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the high standard of hygiene throughout the home. Floors and surfaces are kept clean with particular attention to cleanliness in the kitchen and toilet areas. The childminder ensures that the care of the dog does not adversely affect the care of the children, children are unable to access the dog's bowls and only have any contact with it in agreement with parents. Efficient systems provide children with one-use towels after they have washed their hands and help to prevent cross-infection. Appropriate systems are in place to provide for the individual health needs of children. Information about children's needs is included in the agreement with parents. Records are kept of any accidents and the administration of first aid, however the childminder has allowed her first aid training to lapse, this means that there is a risk that her knowledge may not be current.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is very aware of the dangers of the sun and ensures children are appropriately protected. Parents provide sun-cream and hats and the childminder sets up toys and play activities in the shaded part of the garden.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Healthy eating is promoted, children have fresh fruit for snacks and are provided with substantial meals which always include vegetables. The childminder is aware of the likes and dislikes of children and provides them with healthy choices, involving them in meal preparation and planning. Children have access to fresh water throughout the day, accessing their own cup with confidence.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The child-friendly premises provides a safe environment with ample space for children to rest, eat and play. The light conservatory is an attractive and practical place where children can play and have direct access to the safe and secure garden. Very good use is made of the garden to provide frequent opportunity for outdoor play and access to large play equipment. The sitting room is used as a quieter area for children to rest so that they can sleep without being disturbed.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A wide range of good quality, age appropriate toys and play resources is accessible to children throughout the childminding day. The individual needs of children are also supported by resources which ensure their safety as they sleep, eat and are taken on outings.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Generally good systems are in place to help protect children in the event of an emergency. Smoke alarms are fitted on every floor of the house and regularly tested and a fire blanket is appropriately fitted and readily accessible. There is an emergency alarm panel from which the childminder is able to contact the emergency services with an automatic link to the fire service in the event of a fire. The childminder is aware of fire escape routes and has formulated a fire drill, although this has not yet been practised with minded children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are unable to access areas that are not used for childminding, a safety gate is in place at the foot of the stairs and high catches are in place on doors. Cleaning equipment is inaccessible to children and a secure fireguard is in place in the sitting room. All glass meets the required safety standard. Therefore, children are able to move freely and safely around the ground floor of the premises with ample space to play. The open plan design of the home and

p.3

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 use of safety glass throughout means that direct supervision by the childminder is possible at all times.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well being is appropriately safe-guarded, the childminder is very aware of her responsibility regarding child protection. She is aware of signs and symptoms which indicate concern and confident to contact the appropriate authority. All necessary guidance and contact numbers are easily to hand and parents are kept well informed of the childminder's procedure to ensure children are protected.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder, they obviously enjoy each others company. Children are relaxed and confident in the warm and caring atmosphere and naturally chat with the childminder as they play. The childminder provides a range of activities and outings which stimulate children's imagination and support their physical, emotional and intellectual development. Children show their pleasure as they sing to themselves whilst creating stories using figures or in response to familiar words. Their language is very well supported through the use of books, stories, music and positive conversation. Television is used sparingly and is always age appropriate. Children have frequent opportunities to take part in creative art activities and enjoy dancing to music. They enjoy playing with role play resources, such as toy kitchens and prams and learn about different situations as they play with small world sets. For example

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they talk about being careful on the roads as they play with toy cars.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Good use is made of local resources and children speak animatedly about outings to parks, farms and soft-play centres.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individuality is celebrated and their self-esteem encouraged in the affirming and positive atmosphere. The childminder is very aware of children's personalities and preferences and seeks to provide for them. She ensures that she has clear information from parents before commencing a placement so that she can provide for the child's individual needs. The childminder uses praise and thanks to encourage good behaviour. She teaches children about the need for rules to keep them safe, such as being careful when climbing the small steps in the garden or the need to hold hands and not run when near the road. Therefore children are able to understand the reason for the expectations made of them. Children are kept purposefully occupied, the childminder has a clear understanding of the limit of young children's concentration and provides a variety of activities throughout the day which helps to prevent

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

boredom. This pro-active approach supports children's good behaviour and as the activities are carried out together, helps to cement the positive bond between carer and child.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn about the wider world through the use of a good range of books, dolls, puzzles and figures with positive images of different cultures, lifestyles and abilities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides a detailed booklet for parents giving clear information about the service she provides and including policy statements as to how she sets about doing so. All necessary information is in place to support a professional relationship and the childminder actively seeks to work in partnership with parents. Clear settling in procedures are in place and parent and child are actively and practically supported to separate in a positive way. Time is

p.4

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 taken daily to share information at the beginning and end of the childminding day and parents are welcome to contact by telephone at any time. Strong and positive relationships have been developed and parents are extremely pleased with the care provided.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She keeps emergency details to hand and ensures that confidential information is appropriately stored. The childminder organises her home and week well. A wide range of activities and outings is provided and the well balanced menu is varied. Good use of space provides ample room for children's needs throughout the childminding day. Daily records are kept of children's times of attendance and agreements are in place with parents clearly identifying expectations and children's individual needs. However, the childminder has not been pro-active and noted when her first aid certificate needed to be renewed and has not ensured that her training is current and therefore does not fully meet the qualification requirements in the National Standards.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to minimise the risk of cross infection when children wash their hands and to ensure the first aid kit is appropriately stocked. The recommendations made have been satisfactorily addressed. The first aid kit has been restocked and individual flannels are used for children to dry their hands, these are then washed before re-use. The actions taken have improved the standard of health and hygiene for children and benefited their well-being.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • practise the emergency escape plan on a regular basis to better support children's understanding and promote their safety • ensure that first aid training is updated and a current certificate maintained

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6