Childminder in Redbridge

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY280657 Inspection date 30 January 2006 Inspector Christine Eglinton

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and one child who is 2 years of age. The family live in a ground floor flat in South Woodford London which is within walking distance of local schools, shops, parks, and bus routes. Most areas with exception to one of the bedrooms are used for childminding. The childminder takes the children to the local park for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 2 children aged under 8 years at any one time. She is currently minding 1 child under 5 on a part time basis. The childminder walks to collect children from school. She is a member of the National

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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 Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home where they benefit from high levels of cleanliness and hygiene. Children learn the importance of good hygiene, and are able to explain how washing their hands with soap after visiting the toilet, reduces the risk of passing on germs. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she is able to give children appropriate care if there is an accident. However, the childminder has not sought appropriate consent from the parents, to seek emergency medical treatment. This does not promote good practice, and guarantee that children will receive prompt medical treatment in an emergency. Parents give prior consent for the childminder to administer medication, which ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. Children who are infectious do not attend, thus preventing the spread of infectious ailments.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical exercise that contributes towards keeping them healthy, such as walking to the local library and trips to the local park. They enjoy regular walks to the local shops, and are helped to develop good physical skills when they play on large outdoor apparatus at the local park, which include a climbing frame, swings and slide. The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding diet and medical history, and tries to ensure she has a supply of children’s favourite foods, to ensure they enjoy meal times. Children are able to choose their own meals and are encouraged to eat fruit on a daily basis to encourage them to develop healthy eating habits. However, although older children ask the childminder for drinks, they are not able to independently help themselves to drinks. Consequently children are not being encouraged to think about their personal needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Space within the childminder’s home is well organised, and meets children’s needs effectively. Children have ample room to play, a quiet place to rest and a comfortable safe place to enjoy their meals. Children benefit from good systems which ensure toys and equipment are kept clean and safe, by regular cleaning and disposing of any broken toys. Older children have access to a limited range of suitable toys that are appropriate for their development. Consequently the play equipment and resources are not always offering children good challenges during their play. The childminder ensures children are well supervised while in her care to keep them safe, and children benefit from a suitable range of safety measures for example, locks are fitted on low level kitchen cupboards, and electric sockets are protected

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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 with safety caps to help reduce potential hazards. Good routines and gentle reminders help children to learn about keeping themselves safe. Older children are learning about road safety by discussing safe crossing and being aware of approaching cars. Children have discussed and practised the emergency escape plan so they are aware of the procedure in the event of a real emergency. The childminder’s basic understanding of child protection means that she is alert to signs and symptoms that cause concern. However, the lack of accessibility of local procedures and contact numbers, presents a risk to children and families of not receiving swift and necessary support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and confident, and there is obvious warmth between the childminder and the children, who enjoy each others company. They spend time together playing with board games such as snakes and ladders, and regular trips to the local library and shops enable children to learn about their environment. However the use of television is distracting and often stops children in developing their play, and its use during meal times leads to limited social interaction. Children enjoy painting and making hand prints with paint, and have lots of fun making their favourite meals such as cheese on toast, which they decorate with faces made from tomatoes and cucumber. The childminder helps the older children develop simple understanding of maths for example, when they play with dice, and count during board games such as snakes and ladders. They confidently recognise and use appropriate mathematical language, such as small and medium, when

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to participate in the activities provided, which helps to ensure children have equal opportunities to maximise their enjoyment and potential. The childminder makes expectations of behaviour clear, and gives clear requests which ensure children understand why certain behaviour is not acceptable. This enables children to behave well, and helps them understand right from wrong. The childminder talks to the children about different cultural festivals and discusses her own culture. For example, children are able to discuss the differences in wedding dresses by the childminder’s showing pictures of her own cultural wedding gown, and religious artefacts within the home. This helps children to become aware of different cultures. However, play equipment and resources do not reflect positive images of all aspects of society, and no resources reflect disability. Consequently, children have

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Helping children make a positive contribution

limited opportunities to develop a positive attitude towards diversity. Partnership with parents is good. The childminder actively seeks parent’s views by

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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 using a quality assessment sheet, where parents can record their views on the level of service provided by the childminder. This helps to raise any issues and can be used to improve practice. Frequent informal discussions, and daily feedback about the child’s day, ensure continuity of care. Children are helped to settle by the childminder asking parents appropriate information, concerning their child’s needs. This ensures she has good knowledge of children’s individual requirements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder attends training whenever she can. This ensures she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after, and helps to inform her of current child care practices. The childminder has organised the play space, and equipment within her home effectively to enable children to play safely and freely. Children have developed warm and caring relationships with the childminder who understands their needs, and knows them well. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She organises her time appropriately to ensure children are well supervised. Information kept about the children is relevant and helps to promote their welfare. All mandatory records are in place, confidential and appropriately maintained. This contributes towards the children’s welfare.

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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 the parents, which they must 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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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): • seek appropriate consent from parents for children to receive emergency medical treatment • obtain relevant contact details of appropriate local child protection agencies in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures • make sure toys and resources are offering older children sufficient challenges and stimulation • provide more resources that reflect positive images of all aspects of society to help children develop a positive attitude towards diversity.

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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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