Childminder in Barking and Dagenham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY304878 Inspection date 03 October 2005 Inspector Deborah Ann Benn

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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 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 registered in 2005. She lives with her 10-year-old son in a residential area of Dagenham. The house is within easy distance of shops, schools and community resources. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is currently minding siblings aged 4 years and 1 year, daily, and a 22-month-old child, 2 days a week. The family has a cat.

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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 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 cares for the children in a clean and warm environment. She mops the laminated flooring every day, to remove dust and minimise allergies. This practice is beneficial for the children. The childminder washes her hands regularly and uses disposable wipes and tissues for the children's personal care to limit cross-infection. Children are unable to access the cat-food and litter tray, thus the care of pets does not adversely affect the children. Clear systems are in place to document all necessary information regarding the children's health needs, accidents and the administration of first aid. However, these have not always been used to full benefit as no record has been kept of existing injuries. This could delay concerns being noted. The childminder provides varied and nutritious meals for the children. These include regular portions of fruit and vegetables.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder also provides appropriate comforters and familiar objects to tired children. Through this, she supports their emotional well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to play safely. The childminder makes effective use of a high latch, has an alarm on the front door and safety gates across the stairs and kitchen door. This means that the children are able to make best use of the space, and are supervised well. The childminder supports the children's care by providing suitable equipment. This means that the children are able to eat, sleep and be taken on outings safely. Toys are clean, of good quality and age appropriate. The childminder is vigilant and ensures that very young children do not have access to small items. This helps to keep them safe. Her understanding of the need to continually re-assess the environment, as the children grow and develop, means that children's safety is constantly reviewed. When a toddler starts walking, for example, she moves low-lying objects out of the way. Fire-safety precautions are in place, and an escape plan has been devised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

However, it has not yet been practised. The childminder's awareness of her responsibility regarding child protection issues, and the availability of local procedures and contact numbers, further support the children's welfare.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and content. The childminder has developed a close and trusting relationship with the children and they respond readily to her. She supports the children's language well by regularly letting them share books, by encouraging them to name objects and by engaging them in conversation. The childminder interprets the children's gestures and echoes their sounds, encouraging confidence and helping them to express themselves. Children engage well and are happily occupied. Simple and appropriate games, such as encouraging the toddler to find the hidden teddy, help to extend the children's thinking and communication skills, while having fun. Children have easy access to an appropriate range of toys, which encourages their independence. They also respond happily to music. Outings during school holidays provide a wider range of activities and opportunities for them to socialise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder respects the children and values them as individuals. She is very aware of how different the children, and their needs, are and is able to pre-empt their needs. She recognises, for instance, signs of tiredness. Her positive attitude means that she is able to respond to the children's questions in an appropriate way. However, due to the lack of resources and activities reflecting the wider world, the children get limited opportunity to learn about diversity and about valuing people from different cultures and backgrounds. The effective use of positive strategies, such as praise and awarding stickers for good behaviour, helps children to learn how to manage their own conduct. The children are comfortable in the childminder's home. This nurtures their sense of belonging appropriately. The childminder works closely with parents to help children to settle. She converses with them to keep them informed well of their children's day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

She discusses the children's work and the friendly, and detailed, daily journals she has for each child.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The environment is organised appropriately. The childminder has made the best use of space. There is room for children to eat, rest and play. They are also able to access toys. Appropriate systems are in place to record all necessary information, most of which are used well and have current and detailed data to support the children's care. The childminder's commitment to improving her knowledge, by attending training workshops, means that she reviews her practice to provide better

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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 care for children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, this is the first inspection since registration.

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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): • develop activities and provide resources which help children to learn about the wider world, reflect diversity and support their understanding of valuing people as individuals • keep a record of children's existing injuries

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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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