Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY232845 Unique Reference Number 16 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 two adult children in Hornchurch 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day and one child before and after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has not sought consent for emergency medical treatment; therefore there is no clear procedure to follow if a child needed hospital treatment. All required accident records are in place and signed by parents. Children learn about hygiene as they are given gentle reminder’s to wash their hands before and after eating and after using the toilet. The childminder provides a clean environment for children to play and learn in, she regularly cleans her home. She holds a current first aid certificate, therefore is aware of how to administer first aid

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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 treatment. Children do not attend if they have any contagious illnesses, which support good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered meals that promote healthy eating including, many different pasta dishes, vegetables, fruit, sandwiches, and yogurts. Small babies sit comfortably in the highchair eating healthy snacks, the childminder interacts positively with the baby, and therefore snack times are enjoyable. Children have many good opportunities to develop their large physical skills, as they regularly walk to and from school, have use of the garden and go for many visits to the local parks and forests, photographs are kept to show children, which generates discussion about nature.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and friendly learning environment, because the childminder ensures the home is well maintained, therefore children benefit. Children learn through play resources that are age and stage appropriate including puppets, books, board games toys for babies, creative play resources and dressing up. Al play resources are safe and easily accessible, stored in the front room and on large shelves in the kitchen, therefore children can see the toys and make their own choices. The childminder regularly purchases new toys, which helps support children's development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because all safety precautions have been put in place, therefore risks have been reduced. These include working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detector, safety gates and a safe and secure garden. Children learn about fire safety as they take part in fire drills, this means they develop an understanding of emergency evacuation routines. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues, therefore is aware of procedures to follow if child abuse was suspected, this ensures the safety and wellbeing of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are respected and the childminder is kind and affectionate towards them, this supports their self-esteem and confidence. Small babies are given opportunities to crawl and walk around the room, getting used to the environment. The childminder sits and plays with the children, encouraging small babies to take part in an activity, for example, shape sorter and farm and animals. The childminder is aware to provide toys that are appropriate for the age of the children she cares for, for example a good range of baby toys for baby aged under one year. This shows that children are offered the right play resources to promote their development. The childminder is involved with play and asks questions and listens to children, this keeps them engaged and focused and makes play fun and stimulating.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about diversity as they have access to a good range of play resources that promote positive images of people with disabilities and from different cultural backgrounds, they join in with celebrations at the local theatre and discuss differences people have positively. There are sound procedures in place to support children with learning difficulties; therefore all children are valued and respected. Children behave well and know right from wrong; the childminder

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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 uses appropriate strategies to manage behaviour. These include explanation and distraction and good behaviour is praised. Partnership with parents is promoted because daily information is exchanged , parents are invited on trips organised and any issues parents have are discussed promptly. This ensures the good care of children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good care, they are offered good opportunities to develop and learn. The environment is safe and secure and play resources are easily accessible. All household members are safe and have undergone appropriate suitability checks. Daily routines ensure individual children’s needs are met. For example some children are cared for all day and some are dropped off and collected after school, and routines are adapted to meet children's routines. All required mandatory records are in place organised well and confidential. The childminder has completed management of behaviour training, she has also become a member of the childminding network, so reviews her practise regularly. This improves the childcare she offers and benefits the children. 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 provider was asked to undertake first aid training, maintain a fully stocked first aid box, and develop understanding of child protection issues. Also maintain a daily register; maintain parental contracts and record of children’s individual needs. The childminder now holds a current first aid certificate, has a fully stocked first aid box, and has undertaken child protection training. Also she maintains parental agreements, for all parents and records of children’s individual needs. These improvements benefit children, because the care they receive has improved.

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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): • obtain written permission from parents for emergency medical treatment.

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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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