Childminder in Barking and Dagenham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 504369 Inspection date 09 January 2006 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 has been registered since November 2000. She lives with her husband and 3 children, 2 aged 19 years and 1 aged 15 years. The family live in a house in Dagenham, Essex, which is close to the local shops, park and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children aged under 8 years at any one time. She is currently minding 2 children under 5 years all day, and 1 over 5 years before and after school. The family has 2 dogs, 2 cockatiels and 1 rabbit.

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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. Good daily routines and explanation help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet reduces the risk of passing germs. Parents give written consent to administer medication that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. This means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. Children receive nutritious snacks and meals that help them understand foods that are good for them. The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding diet and medical history. This ensures children's individual dietary and medical needs are met. Children enjoy regular physical exercise that contributes to keeping them healthy. For example, playing in the park on a varied range of large play equipment. Babies and toddlers are beginning to develop their own preferences and make choices for themselves. Babies receive lots of warmth and affection. This supports

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Helping children to be healthy

their emotional wellbeing and gives them confidence to explore new experiences.

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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. This allows them to move around and play safely. Toys and resources are selected to ensure they are suitable for children and meet their individual needs. The childminder checks them regularly to make sure they remain in good condition. Children benefit from a range of safety measures. For example, appropriately fitted and working smoke alarms on each level of the house.The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues. This promotes and safeguards children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled, happy and enjoy the play opportunities the childminder provides. Babies and young children gain much from being together. They learn to communicate and develop relationships. Children under 3 explore and experiment through a range of well-planned activities that are appropriate for their stage of development. Children relate well to the childminder, they confidently approach the childminder for support indicating good trusting relationships are built. Children's self-esteem and confidence is promoted well as they choose toys and activities and are praised for their help with the tidying away of toys. Children benefit from regular visits to the library, toddler groups and local park.

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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 The provision is good. Children learn to accept differences, and have access to an effective range of resources although few reflect disability. There are sound systems in place to support children with special needs. Good explanation helps children learn right from wrong. They behave well and are polite. The childminder is keen to develop close links with parents and ensure children's care is consistent. Financial and care arrangements are agreed and confirmed through the use of written contracts between the childminder and parents. The childminder makes parents welcome in her home and gives them verbal feedback about their child's progress each day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children confidently make themselves at home in the welcoming, safe, childminding environment. They enjoy the interesting range of play experiences the childminder organises for them. Children are well supervised at all times to ensure their safety and wellbeing . All the required documentation is appropriately maintained, up-to-date and stored securely. This supports children's welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve nappy changing procedures, improve the range of toys and equipment offered to children reflecting equality, maintain a daily register, and obtain local child protection procedures. Nappy changing procedures have improved and are now to the required standard to promote children's welfare. The range of toys and equipment offered reflecting equality has improved , although none reflect disability. An accurate daily record of children's attendance is maintained. This ensures that every child would be accounted for and protected in an emergency. Local child protection procedures are in place to ensure the safety and welfare of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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

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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 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): • make sure that children have access to an appropriate range of play resources and activities that help them to explore the wider world.

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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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