Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY244077 Unique Reference Number 17 September 2007 Inspection date Caroline Preston 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 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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged 16, 13 and seven years, in Wanstead in the London Borough of Redbridge. 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. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five all day and three children over five before and after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about healthy foods because they are offered a wide and varied range of nutritious foods including; roast chicken, omelette, stir fry’s, juice fruit and salads. Children take part in discussions about healthy eating and draw pictures which are displayed in the kitchen, therefore reinforcing good understanding of healthy choices of food. The childminder has also completed training in food and hygiene so is skilled regarding handling foods and promoting food hygiene in her home. The childminder keeps all medications and accidents records required and she

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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 holds a current first aid certificate, this means she is able to manage any accidents should they occur.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play outside in the well equipped garden, where they play with sand to promote small hand physical skills, they use swings, slide’s, bikes, small cars and go for nature walks. Therefore promoting their large physical skills and learning about the nature and the local environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe because good safety measures have been put in place by the childminder, she regularly carries out fire drills with the children, so that reinforces their understanding of procedures to follow and keeps them safe from possible emergencies. She discusses with the children reasons for safety measures being put in place in the home for example, the safety gates. She has working smoke alarms fitted on each level of the house, a fire blanket on the wall in the kitchen, and safety plug sockets covers in place around the home, all of which support the care and welfare of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment, with displays of their work up in the kitchen and front room, also displayed are photographs of the children and activities they have done, this all contributes to helping children feel safe and secure. Children have access to a good range of play resources that are stimulating and age and stage appropriate. Children are protected from possible abuse because the childminder has a good understanding of the different types of abuse, possible signs and symptoms and how to make a referral, she has also completed further training in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have many opportunities to enjoy and learn from the activities offered to them including; nature walks where they learn about the local environment and nature, they take part in berry picking activities, to learn about healthy foods, they visit the farm to learn about animals. Children take part in activities such as; collage, planting, role play and sand play. The childminder works with two assistants, therefore children have good support from adults, and develop warm relationships. Children sit and play with the toys around them, they move around the room with confidence, making choices from the puzzles, dressing up clothes, cars and garage, books and train’s. The childminder and her assistant's supervise children at all times, engaging in play with them, therefore children are learning through play .

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about diversity through a good range of play resources including; books, dolls, small play figures and celebration of many different festivals. Children also learn about the local environment because they go on nature walks in to the local forest to learn about where they live. Children with learning difficulties are supported well; therefore all children’s individual needs are met. Children behave well and learn about right and wrong through appropriate strategies for example, the childminder talks and explains to children why negative behaviour is not acceptable, children take time out if behaviour persists and small children are distracted, as they are to0 young to understand through explanation.

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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 The childminder works hard to build strong relationships with the parents; she talks to them exchanging relevant information about their child, so care given is consistent and meets the needs of the child. Parents are given an informative and clear range of policies and procedures that show how the childminder works and what she offers to children. This means parents are informed about the childminding service and work professionally with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has not complied with her conditions of registration regarding the amount of children she is registered for, however, has been working alongside two assistants, therefore children’s safety has not been compromised. All household members and assistants have been deemed suitable by Ofsted, therefore safe to be around children. The childminder organises the day well, to meet the needs of all children, they have time to play, learn, eat and rest. The childminder has completed many training course’s which supports her care for children, these include; supporting children’s homework, child protection, food and hygiene, Birth to three matters, first aid, behaviour management and she is currently undertaking the National Vocational Qualification three in childcare and education.

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Organisation

All records required for the safe and efficient management of the childminding service are in place, accurate and confidential. 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 maintain a fully stocked first aid box, ensure low level glass is made safe and ensure children do not have access to unsuitable area's of the house. The first aid box is now fully stocked, all low level glass is inaccessible and children do not have access to unsuitable area’s of the house. These improvements ensure the safety of the children.

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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 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):

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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 • comply with conditions of registration in regards to not exceeding numbers of children registered for.

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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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