Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY250888 Unique Reference Number 11 September 2006 Inspection date Jill Dawn Butler Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged twelve and six years in a residential area of Harold Hill, in the London borough of Havering. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local carer and toddler groups and takes children to the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years at any one time and there are currently three children on roll.

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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 able to move around safely, freely and independently. They pursue activities in a well organised, child centred environment. The premises are bright and well ventilated, however, the conservatory can get very hot in the summer and restrict play in this area. Children are kept fully secure, both indoors and outdoors. The back garden includes a barked area to provide a safe environment for children when using the slide and swing. It also includes a pond, which is securely covered to ensure children's safety when using the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children can gain easy access to the range of play and learning resources. Toys and equipment are maintained in good condition. Furniture available ensures children's comfort as they participate in activities, eat their meals and snacks, rest and sleep.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are kept safe by the childminder taking positive steps to identify risks and resolving them. All cupboards containing hazardous items are kept locked and children cannot gain access to unsuitable areas within the premises. The childminder diligently supervises children's activities. They are well supported as they discover boundary limits, and they learn about rules in a positive and clear manner. Children are well protected in the event of fire. There is a written fire evacuation policy, a fire blanket in the kitchen, and there are smoke detectors on both levels.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has good knowledge and awareness of child protection, which ensures children's welfare is safeguarded. She would recognise signs and symptoms and make appropriate recordings and referrals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. They pursue activities in a well organised, child centred environment. The premises are bright and well ventilated, however, the conservatory can get very hot in the summer and restrict play in this area. Children are kept fully secure, both indoors and outdoors. The back garden includes a barked area to provide a safe environment for children when using the slide and swing. It also includes a pond, which is securely covered to ensure children's safety when using the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can gain easy access to the range of play and learning resources. Toys and equipment are maintained in good condition. Furniture available ensures children's comfort as they participate in activities, eat their meals and snacks, rest and sleep.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe by the childminder taking positive steps to identify risks and resolving them. All cupboards containing hazardous items are kept locked and children cannot gain access to unsuitable areas within the premises. The childminder diligently supervises children's activities. They are well supported as they discover boundary limits, and they learn about rules in a positive and clear manner. Children are well protected in the event of fire. There is a written fire evacuation policy, a fire blanket in the kitchen, and there are smoke detectors on both levels.

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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 The childminder has good knowledge and awareness of child protection, which ensures children's welfare is safeguarded. She would recognise signs and symptoms and make appropriate recordings and referrals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happily able to pursue their interests and activities. They can choose from an interesting and varied range of play and learning resources. The childminder has a good understanding of children's differing needs, and provides accordingly. This ensures children are effectively challenged whilst playing at their own pace. The well established routine of active and quiet pursuits responds to children's choices. The childminder has some knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework, although planning and outcomes are not formally organised in line with the differing aspects.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show good levels of engagement, concentration and enjoyment. When they construct a zoo scene with duplo bricks, they show good hand eye co-ordination. Children enjoy dressing up and role playing and one child confidently performs a puppet show. Children are consistently encouraged to recognize letters and colours, and practice counting. Children pursue their imaginative and creative ideas through a good range of media including paints, printing materials, play dough, sticking and cutting. Children's art work goes home with them and also contributes to displays and scrap books. The childminder consistently asks questions to encourage children to make connections, contributing towards them becoming competent learners and skilful communicators. She listens well and values what children say, which enhances their self esteem. The childminder gives the baby positive attention and lots of cuddles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A good range of outings take place, for example, to carer and toddler groups and parks, and recently children participated in a wildlife day and a trip to the zoo. The outings enable children to learn about their local and wider environment and extend and broaden their play and learning experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual backgrounds and needs are known and well met, which contributes towards them feeling valued and affirmed. The childminder's written equal opportunities policy is shared with parents and states a commitment to challenging racist and sexist remarks as well as bullying. There is a good range of resources and activities presented to enable children to learn about different beliefs and cultural traditions within our society. Also worksheets, books and Braille alphabet cards are presented to depict and promote children's understanding of disability, with the childminder demonstrating a positive attitude towards promoting an inclusive environment. Both girls and boys are encouraged to explore all play and learning opportunities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive, warm and trusting relationships are in evidence which effectively fosters children's emotional well-being. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care, they demonstrate a sense of belonging and are secure with the routines. They play happily together and co-operate

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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 well in their play. Children seek advice, guidance and support from the childminder, which is consistently given. Children are well behaved. The childminder acts as a positive role model, and the children learn right from wrong through reinforcement of consistent boundaries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder maintains positive and productive relationships with parents. Contracts are made, which assist in providing consistency and continuity with what happens at home. Comprehensive daily verbal dialogues take place each day, giving information about children's welfare and development. With the parents of the baby, a written daily record is exchanged.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has established a number of successful childminding arrangements since being registered, and children have settled well. She has relevant experience and undertaken required training. She is a member of her local childminder network, and is keen to pursue her professional development. She has attended several short training courses to enhance her knowledge and understanding of caring for young children. She is well organised and gives good attention to ensuring she meets children's needs effectively. She adheres to regulatory requirements and keeps herself updated on any new policy and practice developments.

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Organisation

All records kept on children are well organised, easily accessible and include required information. The childminder has devised a comprehensive set of written policies and procedures, which are shared with parents. These cover areas such as equal opportunities, behaviour management, partnership with parents, safety, nutrition and hygiene. A daily attendance record is kept, which gives information on children's arrival and departure times. 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 agreed to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder has acquired additional resources to develop this area of practice and children now pursue a good range of activities, which promotes their learning about our diverse community. They learn to respect different beliefs and ways of life, with their own individual cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds valued and affirmed. People with disabilities are represented in a positive manner and girls and boys are encouraged to fully participate in the broad range of activities.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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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): • ensure all areas of the premises are maintained at a suitable temperature

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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