Childminder in Havering

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308813 Inspection date 16 March 2006 Inspector Toni Hanson

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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 September 2005. She lives with her husband and adult daughter in a house in Hornchurch, Essex. Their home is within walking distance of local schools, shops, parks and bus routes. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and a fully enclosed garden area is available for outside play. The family has a pet rabbit that lives outdoors. The childminder is currently minding 5 children aged 7, 6, 4, 4 and 2 years. She collects children from a local school, takes minded children to a local pre-school group and attends a carer and toddler group and childminding group on a regular

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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 basis. The childminder has completed the Introducing Childminding Practice (ICP) and holds a current first aid certificate. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, welcoming childminding home. Their good health is promoted appropriately. The childminder's ensures her food preparation areas are kept clean and hygienic and children have their own individual towels for hand drying to reduce the risk of cross infection. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines, such as hand washing after using the toilet and before eating. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she is able to give children appropriate care if they have an accident. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's individual dietary needs are met. Children's menus contain healthy options such as fresh fruit and vegetables. However, main meals often include convenience food such as fish fingers and sausages. These options are not always healthy and nutritious and may

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Helping children to be healthy

not promote children's healthy growth and development well. Children are provided with drinks of water and juices frequently during the day. Children enjoy indoor and outdoor activities each day which allow them to be active and further develop their physical skills. They walk to and from school, use the play apparatus at the park, play with balls in the garden and do their 'exercises' in the lounge. Suitable arrangements are in place to allow children to quietly rest or sleep when they are tired.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure and safe environment. Daily checks of the premises by the childminder and her good supervision of children help ensure they are protected from harm. Children have ample room to play, a quiet place to rest and a comfortable place to enjoy meals. They move confidently and safely around the childminder's home. Appropriate safety measures are in place to protect children including a fire blanket in the kitchen, smoke alarms at each level of the house and foam stoppers to prevent children's fingers becoming trapped in doors. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they are reminded to hold child-sized scissors carefully, to sit on chairs properly and talk about road safety when out walking. Children have easy access to a suitable range of age appropriate, safe play resources. The childminder checks these as she tidies them away to make sure they

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

remain in good condition. Suitable vetting and child protection procedures are in place to promote children's welfare. The childminder has a secure understanding of her local authority child protection procedures and knows how to implement these if

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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 she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled, happy and enjoy the range of play opportunities the childminder provides. Appropriate settling in procedures ensure children are settled gradually into the childminder's care. This helps them feel secure as they and their families get to know the childminder well before the childminding placement begins. Children's self-esteem and confidence is promoted well as they choose toys and activities and proudly share their art work folder. Children have the use of a welcoming playroom. Here they have easy access to an suitable range of toys and activities, including a small range of resources that reflect diversity. Play resources are well organised so children can find what they need. The childminder regularly rotates her resources to ensure children remain stimulated. Children have daily opportunities to be creative. They decorate fairy cakes and make intricate collage pictures using glitter, pasta and rice. Children make potato print

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

pictures and draw with chalk. They express their imagination well through role-play as they dress up and use the playhouse. Children have regular access to books and listen to stories with pleasure. They are engaged purposefully throughout their time with the childminder and enjoy the play experiences she provides.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals and have satisfactory opportunities to learn about themselves and the wider world. The childminder use appropriate behaviour strategies to manage children's behaviour including explanation and discussion. An outer space/planets chart is used effectively to reward wanted behaviour such as sharing and taking turns. All children are encouraged to join in all activities to ensure they have equal opportunities to enjoy and achieve. They learn about people from the community as they go for walks and attend groups with the childminder. However, they have too few opportunities to explore diversity and learn about the wider world through play resources, activities and discussions. The childminder is keen to develop close links with parents and ensure children's care is consistent. The childminder has worked hard to produced an information pack

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Helping children make a positive contribution

for parents informing them about her childminding service and childcare practices. Financial and care arrangements are agreed and confirmed through the use of written contracts. The childminder obtains appropriate information from parents to make sure she has a good understanding of children's individual needs. She makes parents welcome in her home and gives them verbal feedback about their children's progress each day. Each child has a scrapbook where samples of their art work and photos of them taking part in activities are displayed. This helps to keep parents informed about their child's individual achievements.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children confidently make themselves at home in the welcoming, safe childminding environment. The childminder's home is well-organised and she meets children's needs effectively. Children enjoy the play experiences she provides and have good opportunities to express their thoughts and ideas through creative play. Too few activities however promote children's understanding of diversity. Children's health is mostly promoted well. The childminder has a sound understanding of the National Standards for Childminding and her responsibility to comply with these. She is keen to work in partnership with parents to ensure continuity of care for children. All the required documentation is appropriately maintained, up-to-date and stored securely. This supports children's welfare well. 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 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): • ensure children have access to an appropriate range of resources and activities that help them develop a positive attitude towards diversity and the wider world

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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 • promote healthy eating for children.

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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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