Childminder in Newham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 132667 Inspection date 16 February 2006 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 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 1992. She lives on her own in Forest Gate, in a downstairs flat the London borough of Newham. There are local shops, transport, libraries, park and a pre-school within walking distance. There is a designated playroom and all areas of the property are used for childminding except the main bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any time and is currently caring for one child full time, one child after school and another child over 8. The childminder takes the children to the local toddler group on a regular basis. She

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association and has two dogs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Effective daily routines and the childminder’s own good practices mean that children play in a clean environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Clear daily routines and appropriate explanations help them understand that, for instance, they wash their hands and remove their outdoor shoes, to prevent the spread of germs. Children are protected from infection as the childminder knows and understands how to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses, for example, children who are infectious do not attend the setting. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication, that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs, however the childminder does not have written consent from the parents of all minded children to seek treatment in case of emergency which could impact on the care of the children in the case of serious accident or injury.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy snacks and know that fruit is good for them. Older children learn the benefits of a nutritious diet and, through discussion and good explanations, how to make healthy choices about what they eat. Children are encouraged to learn about the importance of being active and enjoy a worthwhile range of activities, which help to promote their good health. They go outside every day and benefit from regular fresh air and exercise. They develop their physical skills, when they play in the park or visit interesting indoor and outdoor play areas and activity groups, where they have access to a ball pool, slides and soft play.

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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. They have easy and safe access to a wide range of good quality toys and resources, appropriate for their ages and stages of development. Regular visual checks of toys and resources ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. The childminder is particularly vigilant and makes sure that items with small parts that could cause choking are not accessible to babies. Positive interaction helps develop the children’s own awareness of safety within the setting and regular risk assessments of the environment minimises hazards. Children are closely supervised when playing outdoors and the childminder ensures all play areas are safe. Older children learn about road safety and the importance of using pedestrian crossings whenever possible.

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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 a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she has concerns about a child in her care. This ensures she quickly recognises when a child is in danger and can act in the child’s best interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children feel valued and secure because the childminder is enthusiastic and provides a warm, caring environment for all the children, who gain much from being together. They communicate well and develop good relationships. They are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings through appropriate questioning, positive eye contact and good conversation. Children enjoy a good range of activities that are stimulating, challenging and well balanced for all ages. Their creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as arts and craft, corn flour, painting, listening to and playing music, singing, dancing, role-play and dressing up both at home and when they visit groups and activity centres. Children learn about their environment through visits to local amenities, such as parks and heaths. Planned day trips and activities encourage them to explore and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

investigate the world around them, for instance when they feed the ducks and squirrels in the park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children’s confidence and self-esteem is promoted as the childminder uses lots of praise and encouragement. Children are encouraged to have respect for each other and for their environment. A good range of activities and resources helps develop their understanding of diversity and they appreciate, and value each other’s cultures when they discuss similarities and differences. Children help clear up after activities and are encouraged to work together. They learn about their responsibilities, for example, when they help the childminder sort out the puzzles to make sure they are all complete. Children respond well to appropriate behaviour management techniques and they are clear of the expectations of their behaviour. The childminder explains her requests ensuring children understand why certain behaviour is not acceptable. Children enjoy each other's company and treat each other kindly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in close partnership with parents and regular informal discussions ensure continuity of care. Younger children’s individual patterns for eating and sleeping are followed, this contributes to their physical wellbeing, however there are no records maintained, particularly for under two's, to share with their parents to ensure they are fully informed of their children's routines when they are

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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 with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. All children receive good support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well helping them feel secure and confident. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach, and an attractive, designated playroom allows children the opportunity to make their own choices about what they want to play with. The day is balanced allowing children time for quiet and active play in a welcoming, well organised environment. The childminder has attended relevant training courses and workshops to ensure she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. The children's welfare is safeguarded as all required documentation is maintained and stored confidentially. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides

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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 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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain written permission from all parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • devise effective methods to ensure parents of children under 2 are fully informed about their child's day and routines.

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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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