Childminder in Havering

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303465 Inspection date 22 December 2005 Inspector Fiona Sapler

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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 lives in Romford in the London borough of Havering with her 3 children, all over 15, close to the town centre and local transport and schools. An upstairs bathroom and the whole of the downstairs, apart from the kitchen and conservatory, is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children and currently minds 3 children full time. The childminder attends local toddler groups and has a pet dog, snakes and lizards.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines and clear explanations. For instance, they understand that washing their hands after visiting the toilet reduces the risk of passing on germs. However, there is no clear policy regarding sick children, therefore, children who are infectious may attend the childminder's home thus spreading contagious illnesses. The childminder does not have written consent to seek emergency treatment, consequently, the children's wellbeing may be compromised if there is a serious accident or injury. Children enjoy daily physical exercise that contributes to keeping them healthy. Although they do not currently have use of the garden, the childminder ensures they visit the park every day, where there is large play equipment. This gives the children opportunities to develop their physical skills. Children do not always learn what is nutritious or which foods are good for them. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder understands the importance of healthy eating, but this is not always reinforced in practice. The childminder does not discuss with parents what are appropriate snacks or meals, to provide for their children, while they are in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a range of well maintained toys and resources that are appropriate for their age and they are helped to understand how to play safely through regular, gentle reminders and discussion. Children benefit from measures that allow them to move around the home safely, for example safety film is fitted to the fish tanks, socket covers are in place and they are unable to access unsafe areas. Emergency evacuation procedures are clear and well planned. Work has been carried out on the previously unused garden, to make it safe and suitable for children to use. When going to the park, children can play and explore without danger, because the childminder carries out a through risk assessment on the area and provides a high level of supervision. The children's welfare is supported as the childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse; however, she is unclear of the procedures to

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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 children have developed a warm relationship with the childminder who is responsive to their needs. The children are therefore confident to express their feelings and needs and feel secure and comfortable. The childminder reads to the children and asks them questions to help develop their language. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft, painting, singing and dancing, listening to music and role play, when at the childminder's home and when they regularly visit local toddler groups. There are limited opportunities for the children to explore and develop their independence, as they are only able to choose from a selection of toys that the childminder lays out for them each day. There are no systems in place that allow

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

them to have access to the toys and resources that are not readily available. However, because she has a good knowledge of their preferences and favourite toys, the childminder selects what she knows they will enjoy playing with and children are interested in the available selection.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder treats all children with respect and uses praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem. The children learn to accept differences through discussion, explanation and activities, although few resources are available that reflect other cultures, backgrounds or disability to reinforce this. Behaviour is managed well, as the children understand some basic ground rules that are consistently applied. Appropriate strategies help children learn right from wrong, according to their ages and stage of development. The childminder gathers all relevant information from parents, before their children stay with her on their own, so that she is able to follow their individual routines. She understands the parent’s wishes and shares information with them verbally, every day, to provide continuity of care. However, the childminder sometimes lacks confidence to implement her own policies and to explain to parents her professional

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Helping children make a positive contribution

responsibilities, for instance in relation to caring for sick children and when helping children learn about healthy eating. This could impact on the quality of care she provides for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children receive good support from the childminder and enjoy being in her home. She knows them well, helping them to feel secure and confident. The day is well-planned allowing children time for quiet and active play. Regular informal discussions with parents, provide continuity of care. The children are safeguarded as all adults in the home have had suitable checks and information kept about the

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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 children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. Most required documentation is in place, however children are not fully protected as the childminder is in breach of regulations and does not keep accurate attendance records. Other records are stored confidentially. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Actions were set at registration to make low level glass safe and the front bedroom inaccessible. Children are able to move around safely as a safety film has been fitted to the low level glass and a lock has been fitted to the bedroom door. The conservatory is still unsuitable for the children to access and the condition set regarding this, is continued. However, the garden has been renovated and with some additional measures, now provides a safe, enclosed area for children to play outside.

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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 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 opportunities for children to choose their own toys, to play with, from a selection that includes resources that promote positive images of diversity in the wider community • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • implement policies and procedures that promote and protect the welfare of the children that attend the setting, including a clear policy about the exclusion of

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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 children who are ill or infectious, responsibilities regarding child protection and healthy eating, and make sure parents are made aware of these • maintain accurate daily attendance records.

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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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