Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY276246 Unique Reference Number 26 March 2008 Inspection date Fiona Sapler Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and one child, aged over eight, in Collier Row in the London borough of Havering. The whole ground floor and an upstairs bedroom and bathroom are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five part time. She also provides care for her grandchildren. There were no children present at the time of the inspection visit.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family have a pet dog.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children’s health is satisfactorily promoted because they are cared for in an hygienic setting. The childminder describes appropriate routines that she follows with the children to meet their health needs. For example, she explains that she sings a hand washing song with them to encourage them to wash their hands before eating, and after using the toilet, and paper towels are used to dry hands. The family dog does not have contact with minded children and the childminder checks the garden before use so that it remains clean and suitable for the children to play. The childminder understands how to minimise the risks of cross infection by implementing a sickness policy that states that children should not attend if they are contagious.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Good systems are in place to record accidents and the administration of medication, including written consent, to support the children’s welfare. Parents provide written permission for the childminder to seek emergency treatment in the event of a serious accident or injury.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder describes the benefits of children having plenty of opportunities to be outside and gain from fresh air and exercise and ensures that outdoor play is incorporated into the daily routine. They play in the garden on equipment such as a seesaw, sit in cars and swings and have supervised access to the trampoline. She also takes the children to activity and soft play centres. These planned activities help the children stay active and develop their physical skills.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a sound knowledge of healthy eating and describes how she ensures children have varied and nutritious meals and snacks, and regular drinks of water, when in her care. She explains that she works closely with parents and discusses what food they would like her to provide whilst ensuring it is balanced and nourishing. The childminder records dietary requirements on file and explains how she meets these appropriately.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder’s home provides the children with plenty of room to move around in safety. She decided not to care for minded children during recent building work to ensure that they were not subjected to any potential hazards. This demonstrates her understanding of risk assessing the home to be safe and suitable for children who attend. The childminder describes how she will make the home welcoming and how she will make good use of the available space to provide areas for messy play and for children to rest and relax. Systems are in place to protect the children as the childminder only allows them to be collected by known adults. Attendance registers detail the times of the children’s arrival and departure ensuring there is an accurate record of their time in the childminder’s home. The childminder has not sufficiently planned an emergency escape procedure that takes into account the ages of the minded children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Therefore, older children are not fully equipped to understand how to leave the home quickly and safely if necessary. The childminder has not considered the difficulties that may arise, for example if all three young children are sleeping.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a wide range of resources available to meet the developmental needs of the children. These are stored in an outside shed and are rotated for interest. Storage boxes are used to encourage children to self select and make choices about their play. Toys and equipment are

p.3

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 well maintained and are regularly checked for damage to make sure they remain safe and suitable for the children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of protecting children in the event of child protection concerns. She is able to describe signs and symptoms of possible abuse or neglect and understands her responsibility to record and report to the appropriate agencies. The childminder has a flow chart and local area procedures on file to secure her knowledge of safeguarding children.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. There were no children present at the time of inspection. The childminder shows an understanding of how children develop and learn through the provision of interesting and enjoyable activities. She describes how she plans activities based on themes such as shapes or the seasons. For example, in the Autumn she takes children to the park to collect leaves, and will follow this up with leaf sticking and printing, and in the Spring they will go to look at the new flowers and to feed the ducks and squirrels. The childminder explains how the children have opportunities to be creative when they make pictures and collages of kites or caterpillars. They have the opportunity to use their imaginations when they pretend they are flying on a magic carpet and visit exciting places like Africa, or go on a 'Bear Hunt'. Children take part in cooking activities, developing a range of skills, when they make cakes and biscuits or chocolate

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

bats at Halloween. They are able to sit quietly and play with threading toys, read books, or do a puzzle to provide balance to their day. They regularly visit the library, toy library and bounce and rhyme sessions to help develop a love of books and to extend their vocabulary. The childminder frequently takes the children to the community farm and to local toddler groups where they have greater social opportunities and play and learning experiences.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a positive approach to treating all children with equal respect. She describes how she gathers information from parents about the children’s backgrounds and religions to enable her to have a greater understanding of each individual child. She said that she learns basic words of the children’s first languages to help them feel secure and comfortable in her care. The childminder provides activities that develop the children’s understanding of different cultures, for example, they celebrated the Chinese New Year by making dragons, and Australia Day when they made bush hats and found pictures of kangaroos to discuss. Available resources, such as dolls and books, contribute to the children’s awareness of diversity in the wider world. The childminder shows a positive attitude to meeting the individual needs of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and of working in partnership with parents,

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

and other professionals, to ensure she is able meet children’s specific care requirements.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shows an understanding of suitable strategies to help children begin to manage their own behaviour. For instance, when she encourages them to play ball games to help them learn about taking turns and sharing. She explains how she works with parents for continuity and consistency relating to behaviour management issues.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are kept verbally informed of their child’s time in the setting on a daily basis. The childminder describes how she has built trusting partnerships with parents. She has continued visiting the minded children during the time of the building work, to maintain the relationship

p.4

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 she has built with them to ensure they feel comfortable on their return. The childminder knows the parents wishes because she has a range of consent, including for example, relating to transport. She is aware of the details of the complaints regulation and shares this information with parents so they know how to complain if necessary.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is committed to providing a welcoming environment for minded children where they feel comfortable and settled. She successfully demonstrates how she organises her day to ensure children enjoy their time in her care while their safety is mostly prioritised. She shows a sound understanding of the National Standards and the accompanying guidance and how these influence her work to promote the outcomes for children. Required documentation is maintained accurately to support the children’s welfare. All adults in the home have undergone Criminal Records Bureau and other suitability checks, to protect minded children. Evidence suggests that the childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection actions and recommendations were set relating to safety issues. Since these were set the childminder has moved home and the recommendations have been addressed. Safety glass is fitted as standard throughout the home, a fire blanket is fitted appropriately in the kitchen and plug socket covers are in place. The childminder has relevant car insurance. These improvements contribute to the children's safety and well being.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • devise and practise an appropriate emergency escape plan

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.6