Childminder in Havering

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303714 Inspection date 31 October 2005 Inspector Caroline Preston

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and their 3 children, 2 adult children and 1 aged 6 years. The family live in a house in Hornchurch, Essex, which is within walking distance of local shops and schools. The whole of the property 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 5 children aged under 8 years at any one time. She is currently minding 2 children under 5 years all day and 1 child over 5 years before and after school. She is a member of the National Childminding

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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 Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. They are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before and after meals, they use individual flannels and towels. Children who are infectious do not attend thus preventing the spread of contagious ailments. The childminder provides a written sickness policy which is given to parents. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate which is displayed in the playroom. This means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding diet and medical history. This ensures children's dietary needs are met, meals include pasta, fish, vegetables and fruit. Children are able to help themselves to a drink and are offered a drink frequently. This encourages children to attend to their own personal needs. Children enjoy

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Helping children to be healthy

regular physical exercise that helps keep them in good health, they go on long walks to local country parks, play in the garden and dance to music.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a spacious well-organised environment. The bright stimulating, child centred playroom allows for children to play safely and freely. Children use a wide range of good quality toys and resources appropriate for their age and stage of development, for example, musical instruments, building bricks and a very good range of play resources for children under two years. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures for example, safety gates, a written fire procedure and safety plug sockets. Good gentle reminders help children learn about safety, for example the childminder discusses reasons for safety with the children. The childminder has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she has any concerns about a child in her care. This ensures she can quickly recognise when a child is in danger and act in the child's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Good quality, stimulating toys provide balance and challenge. Children benefit from regular visits to the park. Children relate very well to the childminder who gives a lot of attention to their individual needs, for example, playing soothing music, to help make rest times a pleasurable experience. Children confidently approach the childminder for support indicating good trusting relationships are built. Babies show pleasure when interacting with the childminder for example, laughing and smiling.

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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 The childminder talks to children about what they are doing and responds to their interests for example when building bricks and playing with musical instruments.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. There is a good range of resources that provide children with a positive outlook on the wider world, however too few activities that promote equality of opportunity. Children enjoy respectful relationships with the childminder. They are beginning to develop self-esteem and confidence. There are good systems in place to support children who have special needs. Behaviour management strategies are appropriate and help children understand right from wrong. The childminder gives daily feedback to parents about their child's day. This helps provide children with consistent care between home and the childminder's.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The playroom is well laid out and the childminder shows a clear understanding of her role in supporting the children in their play and learning. All documentation required for the safe and effective management of the childminding is in place. This contributes to the welfare of the children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • provide a range of activities that promote equality of opportunity.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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