Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY241542 Unique Reference Number 21 February 2008 Inspection date Kelly Eyre 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 two children aged thirteen and ten in Beckton, London. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a first floor bedroom available for children to have undisturbed rest. Children have access to the fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five during the day. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group. The family has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted as there are good hygiene procedures, such as the use of disposable gloves when changing nappies and washing hands before snacks and meals. Children are gaining a good understanding of the relevance of these practices because the childminder discusses these with them, using songs and action rhymes to help reinforce their understanding.

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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 This area is further supported because there is are additional policies giving guidance about issues such as childhood illnesses and the exclusion of children who are unwell, further minimising the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met as the childminder discusses individual requirements with parents and keeps a clear record of these. Children are well nourished and are offered healthy snacks and meals. The childminder produces sample menu plans that demonstrate how children are consistently offered a balanced range of all food types. Their understanding of the importance of a healthy diet is promoted because they participate in discussions about this, marking off their own daily charts to show how many types of fruit and vegetables they have eaten.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a wide range of physical activities which contribute to the promotion of their good health and physical development. They are offered regular opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoy playing at the park where they use static equipment including climbing frames, swings and slides, thus improving their skills in balance, control and co-ordination. They also enjoy indoor activities such as dancing and action rhymes, and regularly attend group sessions where they use specialist equipment such as soft play resources. They are able to develop skills in finer movements through their participation in a range of activities such as games and construction activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's daily safety is given a high priority. The childminder has a good understanding of this area and takes positive steps to prevent accidents. There are written plans covering emergency evacuation and these are regularly practised and discussed with children, enabling them to become familiar with these routines. Children are encouraged to learn about keeping themselves safe, for example, practising road safety procedures each time they are out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to use a wide range of toys and play resources, which are maintained in good condition. All resources are well-organised and generally accessible in low storage containers, enabling children to see what is available and make choices about their play, for example, children choose additional resources to enhance and extend their imaginary play. Their welfare is well promoted because the childminder has attended additional training and has a good knowledge of her responsibilities relating to safeguarding children. She has a written policy and has ensured that she has all relevant contact details and paperwork to enable her to record, report and follow up any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled, demonstrating this as they happily choose toys and move around the childminder's home. They feel welcome and have secure relationships with the childminder because she shows them that she genuinely enjoys their company, joining in with their play and discussions. For example, they discuss the older children who are at school and the childminder joins in an imaginary game. Children's play and learning are extended because of the childminder's thoughtful provision of toys and resources. For example, a young child enjoys playing with a home-made fishing game, laughing as the fish are caught and correctly naming the number written on each one.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children enjoy a wide range of activities which cover all areas of development. The childminder plans ahead to make sure that these promote their individual interests and development but also ensures that children have plenty of time to relax and choose their own activities. They are therefore offered regular opportunities for free play such as imaginative play and reading, but are also offered more structured opportunities such as attendance at toddler groups and the library. They are encouraged to extend their knowledge because the childminder is experienced and has a good understanding of child development, being aware of the next stages for each child and promoting these, for example, by providing opportunities for children to extend their vocabulary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's play and learning is naturally extended because the childminder makes good use of action rhymes and songs as part of their daily play. Young children enjoy singing counting and alphabet songs, often singing these to themselves as they play. The childminder also makes use of everyday opportunities to extend children's knowledge, for example, children count the number of stairs as they go up and down.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have regular access to an appropriate range of play resources, such as books, dolls and play figures, which give positive images and promote their understanding and awareness of other lifestyles and the wider world. This is further promoted through their participation in activities to celebrate festivals such as Eid, Diwali and Christmas. They are gaining a good understanding about their community and the diversities of society through the use of local facilities such as toddler groups, parks and the library.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's good relationships with parents. She demonstrates a sensitive understanding of parents' needs and provides appropriate advice and support. Parents are kept well-informed of their children's progress and activities through regular discussions and the childminder's thoughtful presentation of laminated photographs of activities and examples of children's work. Although there are no children currently attending the setting who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities, the childminder has a good practical awareness of this area and has attended a wide range of additional training. She recognises the importance of working closely with parents and of considering possible adaptations so that children are able to participate fully in activities and daily routines.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are able to feel valued and respected because the childminder has a good understanding of the concept of equal opportunities, greatly respecting and treasuring their individuality and ensuring that their needs are identified and consistently met. Children are confident and have a strong sense of self-worth because positive elements of behaviour are reinforced and they are given appropriate praise. Their behaviour is good and they are learning about taking turns and sharing. The childminder acts as a good role model, remaining calm and attentive to all. This behaviour is mirrored by the children, creating a calm yet busy atmosphere.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, children's needs are met. Their continuing safety and welfare are consistently promoted because all details and information are accurately recorded. Paperwork and records are well-organised and stored confidentially, with emergency details readily accessible. This is

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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 further supported by a confidentiality policy, ensuring that children are protected and that parents are aware of the records kept.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude towards attending further training and to reviewing and improving her work. She ensures that her daily practice is in line with current policy and regulations and she is therefore able to provide appropriate care for all children. There are policies and procedures that cover most areas of work and these are put into practise on a daily basis. This ensures that children are offered consistent care and that parents are aware of the childminder's practice and daily routines. However, policies and procedures will be reviewed and evaluated to ensure that they continue to reflect the childminder's good practice and promote children's continuing welfare, care and learning.

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Organisation

Children's daily care and development are enhanced by the childminder's conscientious organisation of her work. She ensures that children's time is planned to incorporate a range of activities and play opportunities. For example, weekly planning ensures that they have opportunities to play with their peers and to play independently, to participate in structured activities and to choose their own toys and activities. Space within the home is utilised so that children can be offered appropriate opportunities and their varying needs can be met. There is space for larger activities such as construction, and for children to sleep undisturbed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration, 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): • consider ways in which records, policies and procedures can be further enhanced to ensure the continuing welfare, care and learning of children.

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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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