Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY311629 Unique Reference Number 14 August 2008 Inspection date Tina Anne Mason 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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with three sons aged 19, 17 and seven years in Barking in Essex. The whole of the first floor flat is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently caring for two children, one full-time and one on a part-time basis. However, there were no children on roll at the inspection. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder talks about promoting children's health and physical activity through frequent walks to local shops and parks. Indoors, children are given opportunities to confidently negotiate space and freely move around. The childminder ensures babies and young children are able to sleep comfortably and their home routine is respected and parental wishes met.

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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 The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children's good health is promoted. She has systems in place to gather information from parents and carers regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. However, the exclusion of children when they are sick for other reasons is shared verbally with the parents and carers, and there is nothing documented in writing to ensure all parties are clear about the procedures in place. Therefore, children's health and well-being is not promoted in all areas.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder believes that children should benefit from healthy foods and nutritional meals to promote their growth and development. From discussion, the childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of healthy eating, including the need to have drinking water accessible at all times. Children's individual dietary needs are met in consultation with parents and carers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has taken reasonable action to ensure that risk assessments are carried out both in and outside her home. For example, a safety gate would be positioned at the entrance to the kitchen, there is a fire evacuation procedure and smoke alarms are fitted within the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding on how she provides children with sufficient space for play that is appropriately organised. Consideration is given to the suitability of toys for the age range of children who attend.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected from harm and safeguarded as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues. However, she does not have a copy of the government booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused' in order to ensure she is fully knowledgeable about the appropriate procedures to follow in line with legislation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit well from the effective praise and nurturing environment created by the childminder, which contributes to their sense of belonging and security. Young children are able to learn about words and meaning by the effective interaction with the childminder when turn-taking and reading books. Children enjoy different types of play opportunities. For example, they enjoy making puppets out of socks, decorating them with eyes, noses and mouths and they also have the opportunity to make their own musical instruments.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder who has a warm and caring approach. Routines have been established which are consistent with home life. Children relate well to one another and become friends in the childminder's home. Children are well supported by the childminder who encourages them to extend and develop their experiences by listening to them and talking with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Discussion with the childminder suggests that children are very much valued and respected as individuals. The daily routine is flexibly responsive to their individual needs and 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 takes parents' wishes into account effectively within her planning. The good range of resources and planned activities help children to learn about the world in which they live. Children can access multicultural dolls, books and puzzles, and activities are not gender specific. Boys enjoy role play, dressing up and playing with dolls, and girls enjoy playing with the cars and train sets.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shows how she responds appropriately to meet the individual needs of the children in her care. She takes time to get to know them well and understand their likes and dislikes. The childminder showed a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving good examples of how she would approach a variety of situations. She talks quietly with children when their behaviour is not acceptable so that they begin to understand right from wrong through her clear expectations and consistent approach.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Documentary evidence in the form of Criminal Records Bureau disclosures, show that the childminder takes positive steps to ensure that children are in contact with people who are suitably checked. Certificates of qualifications show that the childminder has been proactive in ensuring that, for example, her first aid training is up-to-date. The organisation of space suggests that children have the facility to freely move around the house, supporting their independence.

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Organisation

The childminder describes how equipment is placed out to encourage children to make choices. The storage and organisation of documentation demonstrates that the childminder is conscious of privacy and confidentiality, and all required documentation is in place. Overall evidence suggests that the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 satisfactory. 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 how parents and carers are informed of the policy for the exclusion of sick children • become familiar with the government booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused'.

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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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