Childminder in Tower Hamlets

Inspection report for early years provision

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511060 Unique Reference Number 19 March 2008 Inspection date Jan Healy 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 registered in 1997. She lives with her husband and four children aged 20, 14, and 10 and two years. They live in a house in Barking which is within walking distance to the local shops, parks and schools. The whole of the ground floor area and two bedrooms are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have one dog. Currently caring for two children aged one and three years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children attend the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Child Minding Association (NCMA), and is member of the NCMA Children Come First Quality Assurance Network Scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder ensures the children in her care remain healthy and free from cross-infection, as she takes appropriate precautions to retain a high standard of hygiene. The home is cleaned

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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 on a regular basis, in the absence of the children, so they receive the attention they deserve. They are encouraged to learn about the importance of personal hygiene, such as the frequent washing of their hands and the covering of their mouth when coughing. Each child has their own drying towel and are encouraged to make use of anti-bacterial gel when on outings. Children who are ill are not permitted into the home, and if a child becomes ill during their stay, they are swiftly reunited with their parents. This helps to prevent the spreading of illness to the other children in the group. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is confident to deal with an accident, all of which are recorded and are shared with the parents. Written parental permission is sought for the seeking of emergency medical treatment or advice,

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Helping children to be healthy

which helps to prevent the delay in the children from receiving appropriate medical attention.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy a healthy and nutritious mid-morning and afternoon snack, consisting of fresh fruit and refreshments. They are taught about the importance a balanced diet has on their growing bodies and about how to choose food items carefully. Children who suffer with a food allergy or intolerance are protected, as the childminder keeps written information about any dietary requirements. The children enjoy mealtimes whilst sat at a dining room table, making for a sociable occasion, when the children chat to each other about events that are important to them. The childminder reminds them to remember their table manners and social graces, making for a pleasant atmosphere.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder is warm and welcoming, providing a secure and happy environment. However, there is barely enough space for the children to play floor activities and table top games, due to the household arrangements. The children have the benefit to sleep and rest without being disturbed, whilst remaining safe, as the childminder is within hearing distance, in the event that they require assistance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children have the benefit of comfortable furniture and equipment, that aid in creating an accessible environment. This includes, for example, high chairs, which the younger children use, to enable them to join the older children at the dining room table during mealtimes and play. A booster step and seat is located in the bathroom, so the children use this facility without adult supervision.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures the children remain safe whilst in her care, as she takes appropriate steps to prevent accidents, for example, in removing any trip hazards. Sharp objects and dangerous cleaning fluids are kept out of the children's reach. Smoke alarms are regularly tested and the children participate in an emergency evacuation procedure, so they are familiar with the routine of leaving the premises without delay. Fire exits remain clear and there is an effective system in place for the children's arrival and departure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has strong knowledge about child protection issues, enabling her to ensure the children's happiness and welfare as a priority. She applies to the area child protection committee guidelines and keeps written information for perusal. The parents are kept informed about the childminder's responsibility and are aware of her role to seek the assistance of relevant authorities in the event of witnessing a concern.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children take part in a wide range of play, which helps to further their learning and development. The childminder observes the children, assessing the stage they have reached, before planning further play, to encourage their next step of progression. They join in with counting games using dice and in the singing of counting songs and rhymes. The children make marks on paper and listen to the childminder reading stories. They build models using bricks and interlock jigsaws. Painting and drawing is encouraged, helping to extend the children creativity. They are taken on outings to the local park, where they have the advantage of playing on large apparatus, furthering their strength and stamina.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all. The children have the benefit of accessing a broad range of toys and books, that reflect positive images of diversity. The children are treated with respect and are spoken to with kindness. Both the girls and the boys have equal access to all the toys and resources available. They are taught that although everyone is different, all are just as important.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware that there are some children who have a learning difficulty or disability. She regularly observes the children at play, to prevent any delay in a problem being noted. She works closely with the parents in the identifying of any particular individual need, so plans can be put into place for their care. Records are shared with the parents about the progress the children are making for the benefit of the children's welfare.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder puts into place positive behaviour management strategies, which have a calming effect on the children, who play well together. The childminder is a good role model, behaving in a kind and considerate manner, which the children emulate. Age appropriate and challenging activities, keep the children occupied and interested in furthering their learning. Consistency is applied, as the childminder works with the parents, informing them about the methods in place, to prevent the children from receiving mixed messages.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shares a friendly and professional relationship with the parents, with both parties keeping each other informed about relevant issues with regard to the children. This allows the childminder to plan her day, according to the children's individual needs. The parents are kept aware of the procedure to follow in the event of wishing to raise a concern, so there is little delay in a problem from being resolved. The parents, however, express their pleasure with the childminder's care, by written evidence in the form of letters and cards.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has many years experience of caring for young children and has good understanding about child development and about how young children learn. The children are able to learn and to progress at their own level and in their own time. The children are protected from adults who are not vetted and are supervised appropriately. The childminder is proactive in keeping herself up to date with current thinking and about any changing legislation, in the attending of training

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 courses. All records are readily available for inspection, so checks can be made. Documentation is stored confidentially, to protect the children's personal details.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was requested to ensure gas appliances were safe, however, there are currently none in place. She was requested to ensure adequate storage for toys and resources were in place. This has been resolved with the purchasing of low-level storage cupboards, where a wide range of games and jigsaws can be found. The childminder was requested to keep the details of the children's arrival and departure times, which are now in place, so all are accounted for in an emergency.

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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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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 the children have appropriate play space for both floor and table top activities

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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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