Childminder in Barking and Dagenham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY304186 Inspection date 25 October 2005 Inspector Amanda Noble

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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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and 3 children, aged 9, 6 and 2 years, in a house situated in the residential area of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, school, park and public transport. The whole of the premises are registered for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is currently caring for 2 children aged 3 years and 5 months. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has recently joined the local childminding network.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a clean and healthy environment; they benefit from a high level of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the home and the childminder's clear understanding of good hygiene practices. Daily routines ensure that children learn how to keep themselves healthy through appropriate expectations. Children under 1 year are protected from infections through effective procedures that ensure that equipment and utensils are kept sterile. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she is able to give children appropriate care if there is an accident. She is aware of maintaining appropriate records for accidents and medication and has the necessary forms to keep these records. The childminder protects children from those who are unwell by ensuring that children who are infectious do not attend, thus minimising the spread of contagious illnesses. Children under 3 develop a healthy dependence on the childminder who is receptive

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Helping children to be healthy

to their individual needs. The childminder follows younger children's individual routines for eating and sleeping, this contributes to their well being. Children's physical development is well nurtured. The childminder ensures that the children have opportunities for physical exercise using both the outdoor garden, which has a good range of equipment, and walks to the local park. There is good opportunity for children under 1 year to develop hand and eye co-ordination and body control through use of overhanging mobiles and soft play mats. Children are beginning to learn the importance of good nutrition. They bring in their packed lunches from home but also enjoy regular fruit snacks and drinks provided by the childminder. Feeding routines for children under 1 are appropriate to their individual needs and requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a spacious and organised environment. This enables them to move around freely and play safely. Use of storage boxes in the lounge enables children to access toys independently. The childminder regularly cleans and checks toys to ensure that they are safe. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures and a high level of supervision. Safety gates, socket covers, safety film and cupboard locks are all in place, however, there are minor areas of safety that need to be addressed. The baby is able to lay and sit in an appropriate chair safely due to the high level of supervision. Emergency evacuation procedures are in place, with a particular word used to alert children to danger, however these have not yet been practised with the

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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 children. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to protect children and has sufficient knowledge of signs and symptoms of abuse, however, a copy of local procedures is not available to enable her to contact appropriate agencies if she had any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident and secure in the childminder's home due to the positive relationships and the welcoming environment that has been created. The childminder is aware of children's individual routines for sleep and meals and ensures that these are incorporated into the day when needed by the children. The childminder has good understanding of children's development and ensures that appropriate activities are provided that meet the needs of each of the children she cares for. There are sufficient toys and equipment for the number of children she is registered for, however, the range for children under two years is basic. This limits the stimulation for children under 1 year. The use of picture books and overhanging mobiles enables younger children to develop an awareness of themselves and make connections. Children have easy access to a range of play materials and equipment

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and are able to make choices in what they would like to play with. Children's social development is fostered through regular visits to local toddler groups. The childminder is developing her knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion with parents and the completion of records the childminder is able to be aware of children's individual needs and routines. This ensures that she has a sound knowledge of each of the children's needs and contributes considerably to the children's wellbeing while in her care. She has a positive attitude towards special needs and a good awareness of ensuring that all children are included. The childminder is developing her knowledge of equal opportunities through further training. The children are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards others through discussion. Play materials and resources do not reflect positive images of all aspects of diversity. Daily discussions and written information help to make sure that parents are kept informed of routines, such as how much feeds have been taken, sleep patterns and nappy changes, as well as their general disposition.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has appropriate expectations for children's behaviour which enables them to develop a good understanding of right and wrong.

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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 The environment is well organised with appropriate space for children to play, move around freely and access toys independently. Children's individual needs and routines are met due to the childminder organising each day well. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the National Standards for Childminding and is clear about her role and responsibility to protect children and provide a satisfactory standard of care. The required information and records to support children's individual needs and manage their care are maintained, however, they are not organised effectively. The childminder has attended further training courses and is currently attending training on Birth to three matters and Celebrating Diversity. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, this is the first inspection since registration.

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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 the range of toys and equipment to meet the needs of children under 2 years • ensure that the local area child protection procedures are available and clearly understood

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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 • improve safety in the home by ensuring standards are maintained; in this instance the washing line cord is inaccessible to minded children and the fire blanket is mounted to the wall

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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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