Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY249095 Unique Reference Number 07 November 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 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 husband and their children aged seven and 10 years in Upminster 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 available 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 two children over five before and after school. The childminder is a member of the Havering childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder does not keep a list of notifiable diseases therefore, this information is not easily accessible if needed. Children learn how to take care of their health needs; they use their own little plastic boxes fully stocked with a flannel, toothbrush and tooth paste. They begin to recognise their own name cards which are placed in the basket whilst they clean their teeth and wash their hands. Children are offered a healthy range of meals, which supports their understanding of nutritious foods. These include sandwiches, fruit, casseroles, sweet corn,

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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 shepherd's pie, pasta, tuna, and vegetables. Children sit together whilst eating bananas and apples; they eat showing enjoyment and are confident to ask for more. Children learn about physical exercise, as they play in the well equipped garden. They use the climbing frame, balls, and other resources, they visit the local park; and take part in activities at the local childminding groups. This gives children many opportunities to engage in large physical play with other children and develop more physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in an environment that is safe. All plug sockets are in place, smoke alarms are placed on all levels of the house, a fire blanket has been mounted on the wall in the kitchen and windows and doors are safely locked. This means children are kept safe at all times. The childminder has a good awareness of child protection procedures and has attended recent training; therefore children are well protected if abuse was suspected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are welcomed into a warm environment where they can see their art work displayed, therefore supporting their self-esteem. They display their Diwali candle holders ready to take home and show their parents, they are able to look through photo albums of trips and activities they have taken part in. They have access to many play resources including puzzles, dressing up clothes, art and crafts, games, building blocks, dolls and cars. Play resources are easily accessible and safe, therefore children learn through play and enjoy what they are doing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children show enjoyment dressing up in the many clothes available to them, such as spider man and princess outfits. They play on the carpet with pretend play food and cooking utensils, this means children develop their imagination and language skills. They have many other opportunities to learn through play, they build with bricks, look through books, put together puzzles, paint and create pictures. Children have developed good affectionate relationships with the childminder, who is enthusiastic and warm towards the children. Children show they are secure and happy in the environment. The childminder keeps portfolios of children’s work with many photographs, to show parents clearly how well their children are progressing and the fun they have taking part in the many activities offered to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from good working friendly relationships between the childminder and their parents. Home communication books are used so that information can be exchanged in written form, as well as the childminder speaking to the parents daily. Children behave well; they learn and develop their own house rules. These include no jumping on the furniture, no fighting, no calling names, no shouting; always sharing, no shoes in the house, do as your told, be nice to each other, have fun, sit at the table when eating and drinking. This supports their well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about how people are different but equal to themselves. They have many good play resources that promote positive images of others. These include dolls, posters, puzzles, books and play people; they have made Diwali candle holders, therefore learning about other

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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 festivals. There are good systems in place to support children with learning difficulties, which means all children are welcomed and good care is given.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation of the childminding is good; all required documentation required is in place, this means children are safe and secure. All household members have undergone suitability checks, so are safe to be around children. Daily routines ensure children have many opportunities to learn and develop through play, rest times and meal times. The space and resources available to children allows them to play freely and engage with each other and learn well. The childminder continues to improve her childcare practice by undertaking further training. These include, creative play, behaviour management, child protection, diversity, and sign and sing courses. The childminder does meet 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 provider was asked to ensure low-level glass is protected. All low-level glass has been removed, these improvements keep children safe.

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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): • maintain a list of notifiable diseases.

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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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