Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY248436 Unique Reference Number 15 January 2008 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 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 2003. She lives with her three children, one adult and two aged nine and fifteen years in Clayhall in the London borough of Redbridge. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day and no children before and after school. The childminder is a member of the Redbridge childminder network, and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about hygiene through daily routines such as, hand washing after using the toilet and before meals. The childminder maintains a clean home as she pays good attention to ensuring all areas of the home are cleaned regularly. Children do not attend when they have any infectious illnesses; this stops the spread of infection, therefore protecting all children. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, so is aware of how to keep children safe if

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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 they have an accident. All medication and accident records are completed appropriately and stored confidentially, and all parents have given permission for emergency medical treatment if needed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered fresh, healthy home made foods that promote their understanding of healthy eating. The childminder is aware and maintains a record of any special religious or medical dietary requirements, therefore parent’s wishes are followed and children’s needs met. Menus include pasta, meat, sausages, fruit and yogurts. Children have many opportunities to exercise, as they walk to and from school and to local childminding groups, as the childminder does not drive. Children visit the local park and have use of the outdoor garden which is safe and secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have easy access to clear play space; they use the front room and smaller play room, where they can move freely and easily supporting and promoting physical development for smaller children and babies. The home is warm and maintained well and the childminder is friendly, this means children and parents are at ease. Children learn through play because they have access to play resources such as role play toys, books, dolls, puzzles and creative play toys, all of which are age and stage appropriate. Children also visit local childminding groups, so have access to other play resources that support their learning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because the childminder pays good attention to vigilance and always supervises them. The home has no hazards, there are working smoke alarms in place a carbon monoxide detector, safety gates, plug sockets and a fire blanket in the kitchen. All these precautions support children’s care. Children learn about safety through discussions with the childminder, who teaches them road safety and not to touch household appliances. Children are protected from possible abuse because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of types of abuse, possible signs and symptoms and what procedure to follow if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder is kind and affectionate towards the children; this promotes their feelings of belonging and self-esteem. Children’s backgrounds are respected and the childminder works with parents, for example, children being offered kosher meat as they are from a Jewish background. Small babies are encouraged to play and walk, when they wake up from sleeping, they smile and laugh, showing they are content. They are engaged in mobile activity toys that are musical and hold their attention. Children visit local childminding groups where they meet other children, which support their socialisation. Children take part in activities such as, painting, arts and crafts, and role play activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have too few opportunities to learn about people who have disabilities because there are no play resources that promote positive images or any other learning opportunity. Children‘s cultural background is promoted well, for example children from Jewish backgrounds learn to

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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 speak Hebrew and celebrate, Jewish festivals and every Friday light candles. Children from other cultures are also able to celebrate their culture; therefore children are treated with respect. Children with any learning difficulties are cared for well, because the childminder works closely with parents to meet all individual needs. Children learn right from wrong, as the childminder uses strategies such as explanation, praise and time out. Parents have opportunities to exchange information with the childminder every day, therefore building good professional relationships. Therefore children benefit because all their needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. All household members have undergone suitability checks, so are safe to be around children. Daily routines meet the individual needs of all children, the childminder ensures she plans around school drop off and pick ups. Children attend childminding groups and are taken on visits into the local community such as the park. Children also benefit from the space and resources available in the childminder’s home, which are safe and promote learning. All ratios are met and the record of attendance is accurate and kept up to date. All required mandatory records are maintained and kept confidential. The childminder reviews her practise every six weeks when she is visited by the network workers who review with her areas of childcare practice. Therefore children’s care is improved.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to seek permission from parents for emergency medical treatment, provide toys promoting diversity, maintain a first aid box and secure the garden. All parents have given consent for emergency medical treatment; the first aid box is fully stocked and available, the garden is safe and some toys promote diversity. These improvements promote the care of 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 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): • provide a range of play resources that promote disability.

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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 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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